Intelligence Summary #6: Rescue on Gadnek Island, Pt 2

Situation: 0600 hours

Once the team entered the jungle, the Tau Taus noticed it was quiet.  Too quiet.  Other than the sound buzzing insects, there were no indications of the wildlife normally present in such an environment.

The rescue party enters the jungle.

After travelling 3 kilometers (km) northwest, the team, discovered a cargo container in a clearing, along piles of animal bones strewn about the field.  After a careful search, the team determined the cargo container was airdropped, sometime within the past two weeks. 

Discovering the bone field.

All the bones were broken in several places and hollow.  Every bone examined were scarred with deep gouge marks, as if a carnivore gnawed on them and sucked out its marrow.

Situation: 0700 hours

Scouting ahead, Cad So Billes spotted a dozen, large red-skinned creatures hiding along the path the party was following.  The creatures, wearing animal skins and wielding simple weapons, appeared to be a deformed, possibly mutated version, of a Gunganoid race, like the Tau Taus. 

Avoiding a mutant ambush

Cad backed away from the mutant pack and briefed the rest of the team.  They spent the next hour navigating around the ambush site.

Situation: 0800 hours

After traveling 2 kms northeast the team discovered the remains of six battle droids. 

Destroyed battledroids

Every battle droid was bashed to pieces and their parts scattered over the jungle floor.   Sei'do Avari and Sian Squnn examined two droids that still had their heads intact.  Sei'do noticed the number "7/599" stenciled on both heads.  Cad recalled the battle droids they encountered during their escape from Bongolaan had the numbers "4/599" stenciled on their heads, which stood for 4th Cohort/599th Droid Infantry Legion (DIL).

They surmised then, the destroyed droids were part of the 7th Cohort/599 DIL, from Bongolaan.

Examing the battledroids

Sei'do and Sian extracted the memory chips of the two droids and installed them into Sei'do's data pad.   He played back the droid's memory and discovered the following details--

--The droids were part of a squad consisting of ten droids, led by a Bongolaanian/Imperial Reserve officer, from the 7/599th DIL.

--Their mission was to find Damathon Cohain, but no reason given as to why.

--They were activated at a small basecamp on the eastern tip of the island, less than 15 kms northeast of their current position. 

--The squad found Damathon and four crewmen of the Ivory Bantha less than three days ago.  Two of the crewmen were killed by the battledroids in the encounter.

--Two days ago, while on their way back to the base camp, the squad was attacked and overrun by the mutants. 

--The last two crewmen from Damathon's ship were killed--and devoured--by the pack of mutants.

The team decided to head towards the basecamp to see if they could pick up the survivors trail.

After travelling another kilometer, the party was startled by the sound of blaster fire echoing through the jungle...

To be continued in Intelligence Brief #7: Rescue on Gadnek Island, Pt 3.

Intelligence Summary #5: Rescue on Gadnek Island, Part 1

Stardate:  Fiday, 069-130ABY/Tarsan Intelligence Service (TIS)

Subsector:  Shannekam

DST-3's Mission to Zenya, After Action Report (AAR) 

On Senday, 057-130 ABY, Diplomatic Security Team Three (DST-3) dodged a harrassing flight of TIE fighters from the Zenyan Restricted Zone and landed safely on Pierson Station.  Based on the information from the Ivory Bantha's flight recorder, the team determined Damathon Cohain and several crewmembers escaped the destruction of the ship and landed somewhere on Zenya-3. 

Pierson Station's location in the Tau Tau Archipelago

Within hours, Penelope Pelletin, director of TAg Facilities on Zenya and Adoko, Pierson Station administrator, organized search and rescue (SAR) effort to find the Ivory Bantha's crew.

On Tuday, 059-130 ABY, DST-3 joined the operation and was assigned to search Gadnek Island.  King Gethen and Force Mystic, Gobar Been, joined the planning session.  The Tau Tau king informed the group they have been unable to contact the inhabitants of the island for the past several weeks.  Communications have gone unanswered and teams have been sent to investigate, but none have checked-in, let alone returned from Gadnek.  (The island serves as an historical, spiritual and nature park).  The Tau Taus were reluctant to discuss this matter with offworlders until they had more information on this strange occurrence.

Situation: 2300 hours, 060-130 ABY--the team is selected

The members of DST-3 selected to lead the Gadnek Island search party, were:  Sei'do Avari, Thege Kli 'Klotaz and Cad So Billes.  King Gethen assigned some of the best warriors of his bodyguard to augment the team.  These were: Seleq Seel (Knight of the Guard), Lah To Ceel, Zak Tenko and Jad Jo Dop.  The Royal Engineer, Sian Squnn (a Sullustan), would also join the group.  The remaining members of DST-3, Rican Vranos and Coden were re-assigned to lead a search party on Tandek Island, 500 kilometers to the northeast.

Gadnek Island's location, just below the Zenyan Equator

Despite filing several complaints with the Zenyan Drylander Government, aerial harassment and electronic jamming continued throughout the Tau Tau Archipelago.  Drylander officials claimed these actions were caused by pirates and swoop gangs.

Because of this ongoing threat, the team decided to ingress via waterspeeder.  (Undersea transport was available, but deemed far too slow).

Using the islands for cover, the team sailed through the archipelago and arrived at the northern tip of Gadnek Island at 0200 hours, local time, Forday, 061-130 ABY.

Northern view of Gadnek Island

Southern view of Gadnek Island and crash site

Within several minutes, the speeder's sensors picked up a faint signal from the escape pod's distress beacon.

Situation 0230 hours--Ivory Bantha's escape pod discovered

The search party discovered the escape pod, submerged in 60 meters of water, one kilometer south of the island.  Once over the crash site, the Tau Tau warriors dove into the sea to investigate.  Within minutes, they resurfaced to report the escape pod was empty.

Situation: 0300 hours--search party attacked

As soon as the Tau Taus dried off from their swim, the waterspeeder's alarm klaxons blared to life.  Sensors indicated an approaching air speeder--with weapons systems activated.

The airspeeder turned out to be a droid Hunter-Killer Assault Vehicle (H-KAV).  The airspeeder opened fire as soon as it was in range.

Situation: 0400 hours--waterspeeder is destroyed and the team swims to shore

Piloting the waterspeeder, Cad So Billes led the H-KAV on a high-speed chase through the barrier islands.  However, the droid craft re-acquired the waterspeeder at every turn and repeatedly hit the waterspeeder with blaster fire and concussion missiles.  Within minutes, the starboard-fore and port-aft repulsor fans were destroyed and the port-fore fan was on the verge of failing. 

Throughout this pursuit, everyone else wrapped as many weapons and as much gear as they could into waterproof bags.  Once everything was wrapped, the bags were dropped at the points selected by the Tau Taus.  After all the equipment was jettisoned, Cad locked-in a course for Gadnek Island's southern beach.  As the flaming waterspeeder careened towards the shore, each Tau Tau grabbed an offworld team member and dove into the sea--just seconds before the waterspeeder crashed onto the beach. 

The H-KAV strafed the wrecked waterspeeder one final time and then veered off to the northeast.  The team swam to shore, once they determined the H-KAV was gone for good.  Sian Squnn could not swim and was pulled ashore by Jad Jo Dop.  When everyone flopped onto the beach, Thege Kli 'Klotaz revived the Sullustan engineer, while the Tau Taus swam back into the sea to retrieve their weapons and gear. 

Most of the bags were recovered.  Once their equipment was checked and cleaned, they set out to into the southern jungle in the hopes of finding the Ivory Bantha's crew--and transportation off the island.

Continued in Intelligence Brief #6: Rescue on Gadnek Island, Part 2.

Gamemaster's (GM's) Notes:

The planet map of Zenya, was derived from the world of Lefiguura, found on page 76 of Smash & Grab, Traveller:  The New Era, by GDW (1994).

The Pierson Station map was derived from Elinore's Realm, on page 78 of Smash & Grab.

The map of Gadnek Island was derived from the map included in Rescue On Galatea, by Mark Lawerence, FASA (1982).

The characters, Damathon Cohaine, Thasallah Cohaine, King Gethen and Seleq, were also derived from Rescue on Galatea.

News Brief #10: CEO's Son Found

Stardate: Forday, 068-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector:  Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

TAg Market Heir Found on Zenya

Damathon Cohain, son of TAg Market CEO Thasallah Cohain, was found several days ago, on the planet Zenya--five parsecs coreward from Tarsus.  He is seen in the image above, taken at Pierson Station, being assisted off of a shuttle by an unidentified Durosian of the Tarsan Diplomatic Security Force and a Tau Tau (Gunganoid) warrior. 

As a company vice president in charge of operations, Damathon was scheduled to visit TAg (Tarsan Agricultural) Market's seafood processing facilities in the Tau Tau Archipelago.  However, his ship, the Ivory Bantha, was listed as overdue, two weeks ago.

The Cohain family spokesbeing declined to comment on this incident. 

Damathon landed, by way of express boat, at Newland Down Starport today, amidst heavy security. 

The fate of the Ivory Bantha and her crew of six, remains unknown at this time.

Abstract Chase Scenes

After a 6 month hiatus, I resumed my Star Wars RPG (Role Playing Game) campaign this past Saturday.  For this adventure, the PCs (Player Characters) and several NPCs (Non-Player Characters) were sent on a search and rescue mission.  However, this turned into a desperate battle for survival, when our heroes found themselves stranded on an island overrun by Sith Mutant Cannibals. The mutant horde pursued the party for 13 kilometers, to an abandoned base camp. A Rorke's Drift-style battle ensued, with the rescue shuttle arriving to pluck our heroes off the roof of a prefab building--just as the first wave of mutants scaled the walls.

I was planning to use Hot Pursuit, to run The Big Chase Scene.  However, one of the players was attending a concert later in the evening and had to leave by 4 PM.   This put me under a time-crunch, so it was time to improvise.

With the help of the players, here's what we came up with, based on the D20 System--

--The pursuit was conducted using a map of the island, with the usual wargame hex-grid.  Each hex equaled 1 kilometer. 

--Each movement turn was an hour. 

--Movement rate (on foot):  6 hexes/hour in open terrain, 3 hexes/hour in jungle and hill terrain.

--At the end of each turn, every PC and NPC had to roll d20 (a twenty sided die) and make a Difficulty Check (DC) against their Willpower.

--The Task Difficulty normally would start at Easy (roll 5, or greater), unless the party was in difficult terrain, or was in some other disadvantage condition. 

--If successful, the PC or NPC, suffered no ill effects.

--If the character failed, he moved one step down on the Condition Track.

--For each failure, the PC or NPC moved another step down the Condition Track until he fell unconscious.

--In addition to moving down one level on the Condition Track, he lost one item.  PCs got to choose what item to discard; while a random die, usually a d6, was rolled for NPCs.  (Representing an item was dropped, or powerpacks and grenades being expended).

--If the player rolled a natural "20," a critical success, he was able to negate another PC or NPC's failure.  (He encouraged a nearby companion to keep going).

--If, however, a player rolled a natural "1," a fumble, he caused another PC or NPC, selected at random, to go down one step on the Condition Track.  (The other character had to drag him along, or lug his gear).

--If 51%, or more of the party failed to make their DCs, then the next turn's DC would be made at one level harder.

--If 50% or more of the party succeeded in making their DCs, then the next turn's DC would be made at one level easier.

In our adventure, our heroes were beset by a horde of Sith Mutants while in the jungle, so the Task Difficulty started off at Medium.  Everyone then had to roll a 10, or higher, adding any Willpower modifiers. 

Over half the party promptly failed, which set the trend for the rest of the pursuit.

Mercifully, this death spiral only lasted a few turns.  The party outdistanced the pursuing Sith Mutants when they reached the hills and stumbled into the abandoned base camp.

I wouldn't be so bold to say these rules worked "well"--but they certainly had the desired effect of simulating a desperate chase:  Every PC and NPC suffered from some level of exhaustion.  One NPC fell unconscious at the gate of the base camp, two players lost, or more likely, expended several hand grenades; while two NPCs lost their weapons.

(Image:  Sith Mutants in hot pursuit of our heroes.  Photo by Adrian)

Optional Rule for Devious & Cruel Gamemasters:

I came across my pursuit notes after the game ended, which was a stroke of luck for the players.

Here's what I wrote down for PCs and NPCs loosing items--

--If the PC or NPC fails his Willpower die roll, he loses 1d3 (a d6/2) items on his first failure.

--On his second failure, he loses 1d4 items.

--On the third failure, 1d6 items are lost.

--By his fourth failure, he loses 1d8 items.

One final note:  Beware of wily players.  The clothing the PCs are wearing does not constitute "an item."

Intelligence Summary #4: Presidential Profile

Stardate: Thirday, 067-130 ABY/Tarsan Intelligence Service (TIS)

Subsector: Shannekam

Personality Profile on Bunda Akhtar

With the possibility of the Bongolaanian-Tarsan Trade Dispute heating up, TIS has compiled data on Bongolaan's current president-for-life, Bunda Akhtar.

Most of the material gathered for this report was obtained through TIS's contacts with the group known as the Bongolaanian Armed Resistance Cadre, or BARC.  Since very little is known about this new-found resistance movement, the information in this report may be sketchy at best.

Bunda, son of gabaki vendor Kunda Akhtar, was born during The Great Food Riot that ravaged the capital city, Ratankiri in ABY-090.  Nothing is known of Bunda's mother and her current wherabouts are unknown.  She may have been a prostitute employed by his uncle Zunda Akhtar.  Regardless of his mother's fate or occupation, Bunda has shown no desire to locate her.

Bunda was apprenticed to his uncle, the family's patriarch, to work in the Mynock Roost, the family-owned cantina and brothel, near Ratankiri's waterfront disctrict.  Despite their business dealings--legitimate and otherwise--life among the Akhtar men was not a harmonious one.  Kunda had two fingers severed as punishment for 'crimes against the family,' when it was discovered he was skimming off the profits from gabaki shipments.  Some say it was Bunda who tipped off his uncle and was forced--or volunteered--to cut off his father's fingers.

Due to his above-average size, Bunda was promoted from bus-boy to bouncer and soon became involved his uncle's numerous illegal activities. He took over the Mynock Roost immediately after his uncle and father were killed under mysterious circumstances in ABY-11.  Once again, stories differ:  The sibling rivalry between his father and uncle re-ignited, Bunda had them assassinated, they were killed during one of Bongolaan's frequent coups, or died in a vehicular accident--possibly arranged by rival family, or by Bunda himself.

Bunda's exact appearance is unknown and may be a result of his violent upbringing. His face is always shrouded by a keffiyeh. Stories vary as to the reason for this: He was disfigured from a childhood illness, a vehicular accident, an assassination attempt, or is the result of one of his uncle's disciplinary measures. It could merely be that the headdress renders his appearance mysterious and intimidating.

(Image: Bunda Akhtar and bodyguard droids enter a command post, somewhere on Bongolaan)

Based on the above information, Bunda Akhtar has exhibited a lust for power throughout his turbulent life.  In personal dealings he is described as aloof, self-centered and vengeful.  Now he is president of a hostile planet, with a legion of battledroids, along with several squadrons of warships and starfighters at his disposal.  And this doesn't take into account any financial direct military support Bongolaan may receive from the Fel Empire. 

This almost garuantees he will be difficult, if not impossible to negotiate with.  Therefore, the possibility of a peaceful resolution to the current trade dispute, or "Bantha-Gabaki War," as the media calls it, is highly unlikely.

(Images: Provided by the BARC)

Star Wars Roleplaying Gamemaster's Notes: 

Bunda Akhtar's background was generated using Central Casting: Heroes for Tomorrow, by Paul Jaquays (1989).

Bunda Akhtar is a modified crime lord, found on page 25 of Star Wars Roleplaying Game:  Threats of the Galaxy. 

His specific stats are:

Medium noble 7/scoundrel 2/crime lord 3

Force 2; Dark Side 14

Init +7; Senses Perception +18

Languages Basic, High Galactic, Rodese, 6 others (specifically for Bunda these will be:  Bothese, Durese, Gamorrean, Huttese, Ryl, Sullustese)

Defenses Ref 26 (flat-footed 25), Fort 22, Will 29

Hit Points: 47; Threshold 29

Speed 6 squares

Melee vibroblade +9 (2d6+6)

Ranged blaster pistol +9 (3d6+6)--for a "normal" crime lord, this would be a sporting blaster

Base Atk +8; Grp +9

Atk Options Improved Disarm, Melee Defense, Point Blank Shot, Sneak Attack +1d6

Special Actions Born Leader

Abilities Str 10, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 13, Cha 16

(normal crime lord stats:  S-10, D-12, C-8, I-16, W-14, Cha-18)

Special Qualities command cover

Talents Attract Minion, Born Leader, Connections, Distant Command, Educated Inspire Fear I, Notorious, Sneak Attack +1d6

Feats Improved Defenses, Improved Disarm, Linguist, Melee Defense, Point Blank Shot, Skill Focus:  Deception, Skill Focus, Weapon Focus (advanced melee weapons), Weapon Proficiency (advanced melee weapons, pistols, simple weapons)

Skills Deception +20, Gather Information +20, Knowledge (bureaucracy) +14, Knowledge (Galactic Lore) +14, Perception +18, Pilot +12, Persuasion +20 (can reroll when intimidating, must take second result),

Ride +12, Use Computer +14

Possessions blaster pistol, vibroblade, datapad, encrypted comlink, enforcers (including several thugs and an 8th-level minion).

Intelligence Summary #3: Pursuit of the Ivory Bantha

Stardate: Wonday, 065-130 ABY/Tarsan Intelligence Service (TIS)

Subsector: Shannekam

DST-3's Mission to Zenya, Preliminary Situation Report (Sitrep)

After the Merantan Affair, three new members joined DST-3:  Rican Vranos and Coden (both human), along with Thege Kli'Klotaz (a Durosian).  Ambassador Eleonora Heraud ordered the team to locate Damathon Cohain, son of TAg Market's CEO, Thasallah Cohain.  Damathon was reported to be on the planet Zenya, inspecting TAg Market's sea food processing facilities in the Tau Tau Archipelago. 

The team made a hasty lift-off from the Stedmonton Starport on 052-130 ABY.  (See Intel Brief #2, for the reason of the rushed departure). 

On Senday, 057-130 ABY, Shuttle #147 dropped out of hyperspace and entered the Zenyan System.  Within a few hours, the team discovered the wreck of the Ivory Bantha, a YT-1300 transport, owned by the Cohain family.  The ship was dead-in-space and tumbling within a small asteroid field near the 4th planet.  After after detatching from the hyperdrive ring, Cad So Billes successfully piloted the shuttle through the field and tethered their vessel to the hulk.

The team's soldiers, Vranos, Coden and Klotaz donned vacc suits and boarded the Ivory Bantha, via the tether.  While one member was stricken with space sickness due to the zero gravity conditions, they managed to engage and neutralize "two dozen" battle droids found on board.  Once the team reactivated the ship's power plant, they downloaded part of the ship's log. 

According to the partial data recovery, the Ivory Bantha was attacked by an armed, but unmarked, Type-A merchant vessel.  (The origin of this vessel is unknown since it did not emit a transponder signal).  After the  Ivory Bantha was crippled by a salvo of heavy blaster fire, battle droids stormed aboard, intent on capturing the crew.  Damathon and the surviving crew members activated self-destruct charges as they made their way to the escape pod. 

DST-3 determined the escape pod's course was set for a return to Zenya-3, the only habitable planet in the system.

Note:  According to TIS analysts, it is highly unlikely the members of DST-3 encountered two dozen battle droids they claim were on board the Ivory Bantha.  A more accurate account of this incident will be made, once the team returns to Tarsus and is debriefed.

As Shuttle #147 began it's final approach to Pierson Station, it was nearly intercepted by a flight of TIE fighters from the Zenyan Restricted Zone.  The TIEs were driven off by a flight of X-Wing fighters from the Pierson Station Security Force, before an actual interception with the shuttle could be made.  No weapons fire was exchanged during the encounter.

When the team made planetfall, they were met at the landing pad by Penelope Pelletin and Adoko, the administrators to TAg Market facilities and Pierson Station's starport, respectively.  Due to jamming activities originating from the Zenyan Restricted Zone, the early warning systems on Pierson Station did not receive any distress signal from the Ivory Bantha, nor detect the escape pod landing within the Tau Tau Archipelago.  After the team briefed the administrators on the situation, a search was quickly organized.

Two days later, with search and rescue (SAR) assets fully committed, Ms. Pelletin asked the team to conduct a search of Gadnek Island.  Since the island is considered sacred to the Tau Taus and is home to dangerous wildlife, a member of King Gethen's bodyguard was assigned to the team as a guide. 

Note:  DST-3's sitrep was transmitted via subspace radio, prior to their departure for Gadnek Island.  Since these signals take five days to reach Tarsus from Zenya, the results of the search efforts on Zenya are unknown at this time...

Intelligence Summary #2: The Merantan Affair and Bongolaanian Connection

Stardate: Thirday, 053-130 ABY/Tarsan Intelligence Service (TIS)

Subsector: Shannekam

Preliminary After Action Review of the Merantan Affair

Ten days ago, Nance Windu, Cad So Billes and Sei'do Avari; members of the Diplomatic Security Team Three (DST-3), were assigned to investigate the fire at the Tarsan Agricultural (TAg) Market offices, in the Constellation Tower on Merantis. 

Once they landed in the capital city of Stedmonton, they were led to the scene by their Merantan Intelligence Service (MIS) liaison officer, Lt. Trayl Caltos.  They quickly made two discoveries about the fire:  First, the blaze was caused by arson, from an unknown incendiary device placed in the office lounge.  Second, and possibly of more significance--the TAg Market's computer was accessed prior to the fire's outbreak. 

The following three files were downloaded:

1. TAg Facilities on Zenya

2. Cohaine Family Records

3. Service Records and Flight Plans of the Ivory Bantha

Items of note within these files are:

--TAg owns controlling interest of seafood processing facilities on three islands within the Tau Tau Archipelago on Zenya

--The Cohaine family is the prime owner of TAg

--The Ivory Bantha, a YT-1300 freighter, is the Cohaine family transport; and finally,

--Damethon Cohaine, son of CEO Thassall Cohaine, departed Tarsus two weeks ago to inspect TAg's Zenyan operation

Within a day, the DST's investigation turned up two likely suspects:  Kal Jorek and his Shistavanen partner Frizz.  Later that day, they learned through an unnamed source, of Jorek and Frizz's most likely hideout within Stedmonton's warehouse district.  They followed two associate gang members and attempted to break into the hidedout--without calling for back up from MIS or the Stedmonton Constabulary.

In the ensuing gunbattle with seven gang members, Windu was severely wounded after charging into the hideout.  (The photo above shows So Billes and Avari attempting to reopen the warehouse door).  Jorek attempted to bargain with the remaining team members, by offering Windu's life, in exchange for allowing him and his gang to escape.  When Avari opened fire and So Billes attempted to employ a hand grenade, one gang member, Tonda Gunka, ran inside the warehouse and finished off Windu. 

Three gang members were killed and a fourth wounded, before Merantan reinforcements arrived.  The Merantans cornered and killed the wounded gang member and captured Kal Jorek.  However, Tonda Gunka and Frizz managed to escape.  Their whereabouts are currently unknown and the Commonwealth of Merantis posted a 5,000 CR bounty on each of the fugitives.

So Billes and Avari received verbal reprimands for not contacting the Merantans before engaging the smugglers, from Chief of Constables Pendric Nelprin--and Ambassador Heraud--once she arrived to attend the diplomatic conference. 

The Bongolaanian Connection

MIS confirmed that Kal Jorek is a BIB (Bongolaanian Intelligence Bureau) field agent, who employed Frizz's smuggling gang to aid him in his operations.  However, despite having undergone four days of interrogation by MIS, he has not provided any specific information on Bongolaan's interest in the TAg facilities on Zenya, the Cohaine family, or Damethon Cohaine's travel itinerary.

Therefore, it can only be speculated that Bongolaanian forces may be planning either, or both, of the following:

1. To assassinate, or kidnap Damethon Cohaine.

2. Launch a strike against TAg facilities on Zenya.

Cad So Billes and Sei'do Avari, along with additional assets, were ordered to track down Cohaine and ensure his safe return to Tarsus.  Their secondary objective is to determine the most likely Bongolaanian threat, if any, against the TAg facilities on Zenya.  If possible, the team is to assess whether the mainland Zenyans or the Tau Taus (a Gunganoid race) would help, or hinder, any possible Bongolaanian ventures. 

They left Merantis three days ago in their assigned Rockhopper-X Class shuttle (#147, seen in the photo below) and should arrive in the Zenya System within the next 1-3 days. 

Tarsan Defense Force Current Readiness

It has been three weeks since the Commission of Tarsus received the declaration of trade war from the Peoples Democratic Republic of Bongolaan.  After an all-night session with his fellow commissioners, the Prime Commissioner's Office decided that a full mobilization of the Tarsan Defense Force (TDF), would be too disruptive to the planetary economy at this time, in the face of an unspecified threat.  However, mobilization orders have been prepared and activation notices are ready for immediate transmission.

At this time only two units are at 100% operation level:

1. 603rd System Defense Boat Squadron (603SDBS)--16 fast attack boats, plus 4 spares.

2. 641st Strike Wing (641SW)--32 starfighters, plus 8 spares.

Two units are currently at a 50% operation level:

1. 632nd Defense Squadron (632DS)--7 hyperdrive-capable starships (1 x destroyer, 2 x frigates and 4x corvettes).

2. 3rd Lift Infantry Regiment (3LIR)--1st and 3rd battalions are fully manned while 2nd and 4th battalions are in cadre status.

Once full mobilization is authorized, it will take 2-4 weeks for 3LIR and 632DS to reach 100% operation level.

The remaining two units of the TDF are currently deactivated and their ships in mothball orbit around Rond:

1. 654th Pursuit Squadron (654PS)

2. 627th Long-Range Patrol Squadron (627LRPS)

These units, along with the deactivated half of the 632nd totals 30 hyperdrive-capable starships (1 x cruiser, 3 x destroyers, 14 x frigates and 12 x corvettes).  Once 632DS is brought up to full capacity, it will take an additional 4-6 weeks to fully mobilize 654PS and 627LRPS.

The mercenary assault frigate, Alderaan's Vengeance (the "Aldi-Vee"), is currently operating under an anti-piracy contract.  In the event of open hostilities with Bongolaan, another contract may be negotiated, or the ship may be purchased outright.

For now, all we can do is wait for further developments.

The Ivory Bantha, shown below, is a typical YT-1300 transport:

The Strategic Holograph

The subsector map below, displays the most direct route-of-travel, 3DST may have taken to reach Zenya (circled in yellow).  The system lies only 2 parsecs away from Bongolaan, while it is 5 parsecs away from Tarsus. This gives Bongolaan an advantage of launching an operation before Tarsus is aware of the situation.  (Without a holovid connection, it will take 5 days for a subspace radio distress signal to reach Tarsus).

Six years ago, TAg signed a 100-year lease for 3 islands, (within the small green circle shown below), with the Zenyan Mainland Government, (circled in red). 

The map below shows the name and location of the TAg seafood processing facilities:

1. Vianda and Ooverton on Vandalla Is.

2. Kul'kva on Kulovaan Is.

3. Pierson Station on Milquoor Is.

Pierson Station also hosts a Class-D starport.

Within this area of interest, the Zenyan mainlanders have claimed Donmils, Concmar and Havran Islands.  One month ago, the Zenyans activated a Restricted Access Zone north of the TAg facilities.  The purpose of this activity remains unknown at this time.

Editorial Notes:

1. The planetary and local maps are based on the planet Lefiguura, found on pages 76 and 79 of Smash & Grab, Traveller--The New Era, by GDW (1994).

2. The characters Damethon and Thassall Cohain are derived from the characters found in Rescue on Galatea, by Mark Lawrence (FASA, 1982).

3. The player's encounter with Kal Jorek and his gang is based on Adventure #2: Arms Dealer Beware, found in Star Wars Roleplaying Game--Galaxy of Intrigue, by Wizards of the Coast, pgs 160-163 (2010).

4. The planet Tarsus is based on the Traveller adventure module Tarsus: World Beyond the Frontier, by GDW (1983).

News Brief # 9: Reprimands and Repercussions

Stardate: Senday, 050-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Merantis Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Tarsan Ambassador Visits Constabulary Headquarters

Ambassador Eleonora Heraud arrived earlier today on board the diplomatic transport, Tangletree Envoy, escorted by the mercenary assault frigate Alderaan's Vengeance (aka "Aldi-Vee").  Instead of heading to the opening ceremonies of the Star Cluster's diplomatic summit, the ambassador went to the Merantis Constabulary's Headquarters to meet with Chief of Constables Pendric Nelprin. 

(The photo above shows Ambassador Heraud, in the white gown, along with her personal assistant and bodyguards; discussing matters with Chief of Constables Nelpin, in the brown and blue uniform).

While the details of the meeting are unknown, an anonymous source within the Constabulary said the Ambassador made a formal request to have Kal Jorek extradited to Tarsus.  The basis of this request is Bongolaan's declaration of trade war against Tarsus, so Jorek can be tried for espionage.  However, Merantis, nor any of the other planets in the star cluster, are involved in the "Bantha-Gabaki Trade War" and such a request is usually passed up to the Merantan Judiciary for consideration. 

The captured smuggler may not be the only source of legal friction between Tarsus and Merantis.  Shortly after their meeting, Chief of Constables Nelprin, shown in the photo above, issued the following directive to the Constabulary of Merantis--

Effective immediately:  All Tarsan investigators, official and private; to include law enforcement officers, intelligence agents and bounty hunters, will have a Merantan constable escort with them at all times when conducting operations within the Merantis System.

Ambassador Heraud also met with her two surviving investigators. On this, our source could only say he overheard "um...an emotional lecture"--all of it in the ambassador's distinct voice. In light of these events, it appears as if the Tarsans violated some undisclosed, legal protocol.  When our source was asked if the two surviving investigators were still conducting their operation on Merantis, all he could say was "they've been reassigned."

Bounties Posted

Earlier today, the Ministry of Justice posted bounties on the two beings suspected of killing the Tarsan investigator, Nance Windu.  The details of the bounties are as follows:

Tonda Gunka

Species: Aqualishian

Homeworld: Bongolaan
Known Associates: Frizz
Bounty: 5,000 CR
Classification: Planetary, Government
Application Conditions: Alive
Bonus: (See bounties on known associates)
Detrerment: No serious injuries
Crimes: Murder
Originator: Ministry of Justice of the Commonwealth of Merantis
Receiver: Any Ministry of Justice representative or law enforcement officer

Frizz

Species: Shistavanen

Homeworld: Bongolaan

Known Associates: Tonda Gunka
Bounty: 5,000 CR
Classification: Planetary, Government
Application Conditions: Alive
Bonus: (See bounties on known associates)
Detrerment: No serious injuries
Crimes: Murder
Originator: Ministry of Justice of the Commonwealth of Merantis
Receiver: Any Ministry of Justice representative or law enforcement officer

Entertainment News

On to a lighter subject...

In just over a week, Shiri Blen's hit single Twi'lek Dream, reached #1 in the Shennekam Subsector's Top 40 Chart.  Word has it, that despite systematic jamming, Shiri's fans still manage to download the song from the Fel Empire's holonet.

This weekend, Miss Blen teamed up with the Tarsan garage band, the Goo Goo Droids.  Last night they played several collaborative songs at Spazhouse Cafe & Bistro on Tarsus; to include South Star, which Miss Blen dedicated to those who rescued her during the Bongolaanian New Year's Coup:

(Inspired by the song Southside by Moby and Gwen Stefani)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV0KmOYfomM 

And now some words from our sponsors:

(Inspired by Teenage Dream, by Katy Perry)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE 

News Brief # 8: Merantan Rogues' Gallery

Stardate: Sixday, 049-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Merantis Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Smuggling Ring Busted on Merantis

The suspect captured in yesterday's shootout in the warehouse district has been identified as Kal Jorek of Bongolaan, pictured above in a cell at the Stedmonton Constabulary Headquarters.  No warrants, or bounties have been posted on Jorek, however MIS (Merantan Intelligence Service) is trying to determine if he is a BIB (Bongolaanian Intelligence Bureau) agent. 
The photo below shows Jorek cornered by a MIS agent and armed landspeeder during yesterday's shootout:

The Tarsan investigator killed in the firefight has been identified as Nance Windu, pictured below in an archival photo, undergoing training on the planet Ossus:

Windu spent several years at the Jedi Temple on Ossus, now besieged by Imperial forces, but it is unclear whether or not he graduated.  Since there is no known next-of-kin, the news of Windu's death was transmitted earlier today via subspace radio to his trainer, Jedi Master Gandu, reported to be on Ossus.  Whether Imperial forces allow the signal to go through remains to be seen.

Two members of the smuggling gang are suspected of killing Windu and remain at large.  They are considered armed and dangerous:

Tonda Gunka

Species:  Aqualishian
Wanted for:  Murder
Bounty:  To Be Determined (TBD)

Frizz

Species:  Shistavanen

Wanted for:  Murder

Bounty: TBD

The bodies of the remaining gang members, have been identified as:

Geezak

The Snivvian was wounded in the initial gunbattle with the Tarsan investigators and later tracked down and killed by two officers from the Stedmonton Constabulary.

Adaziak and Diergul

Both Weequay gang members were killed by the Tarsan investigators; seen in the above archival photo, providing security for a Bongolaanian brothel, two years ago.

Daho Yudo

This Aqualishian was killed by the Tarsan investigators; seen in the above archival photo, as an enforcer for one of the gabaki plantations on Bongolaan, 2 years ago.
.

The warehouse hideout was searched and the following material was seized: 

1,800 kilograms of Bongolaanian gabaki

1 military-grade computer

1 military-grade subspace radio

MIS and the Stedmonton Constabulary are currently working with the Bureau of Ships and Services (BoSS) to determine whether this smuggling gang operated its own starship or sub-contracted others.

(Image from Wookiepedia)

Editorial Notes on BoSS, from Wookiepedia:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/BOSS