Questions, Questions

Posted by Andrew Starfyre on Year 5 Day 131

Onboard the L-500 Space Liner HRS Hope in system Lorell.

Planet Charubah

A number of reporters, seeing Lord Starfyre exit the courier shuttle, rushed up to him as security personnel made sure that he had a path to walk through. Questions bombarded him.

"Minister Starfyre, do you have a response to the latest comments from the wookie Choibacco?"

Starfyre talked as he walked, impatient to return to his home after spending nearly a week assisting in cleanup efforts in the disaster-struck city of Veridon Heights on the planet Dreena.

"I wasn't aware he had made any comments, but I assume they're quite inflammatory. I suggest that you all take a look at my recent interview if you wish to know the story as it happened."

Another, different voice intruded.

"He claims Hapes is corrupt and decaying. What do you say?"

"Hapes is stronger than ever, under the guidance of His Majesty the King. Anyone can see that."

"Minister, what of his accusations of pro-Imperial leanings?"

"Everyone is aware that Hapes holds equal agreements with both the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance, and favors neither. I am saddened that he wishes to spark conflict between the Rebel Alliance and Hapes. Fortunately, neither the Rebels nor us are that gullible."

"Minister, what of the Imperial station in orbit of Lorell?"

"That?" Andrew said, smiling slightly. "That's the Imperial Embassy, in accordance with our treaty. His Majesty himself negotiated that."

There was a shuffling of pads and papers, then another voice, straining to talk over other reporters and keep up with Lord Starfyre at the same time.

"He mentions you by name in his accusations, Minister Starfyre."

"I'm not surprised. I'm the one who relayed Hapes' decisions to him, so naturally he is angry at me."

"What of Choibacco's accusations of the Council subverting His Majesty?"

Starfyre stopped in his tracks, obviously surprised and angered.

"How dare he insult the honor of the King by suggesting that His Majesty is weak! The King has led Hapes in its diplomatic pursuits of treaties with the powers of the galaxy, which Mr. Choibacco seems to enjoy criticizing so much. The parts of Hapes that Choibacco attacks were parts of Hapes that the King had a leading hand in forming. How dare this... this borderline traitor insult our King. Today we stand stronger and more secure than ever, thanks primarily to our leader."

"What of his comments on the Rangers long-term loyalty to Hapes and support that has been betrayed?"

Starfyre shook his head and started walking again.

"I recently spoke with Lord Tyrridon, commander of the Lorell Garrison, and I have been informed that the Antarian Rangers never did contact our garrison forces to assist with defense of the system. What support? Their leaders have been simply reaping the benefits of Hapan funds and citizenship."

"What of his claims of serving with distinction in the Black Sun conflict on Lorell?"

"May I remind everyone that Choibacco was the very governor of Lorell who allowed the pre-Plojo Rosom Black Sun to seep into Lorell in the first place. And every other member of the Hapan military and government served as well as he. He insults all of Hapes with his comments. His ego goes too far."

"What of their claim that we broke the nationalization agreement with them by signing a non-aggression pact with Black Sun?"

"An entertaining twist of the facts. We signed the NAP agreement, in the interests of peace after the bitter conflicts of the past, before the Rangers initiated their recent conflict with Black Sun. It is they who broke the agreement by trying to drag us into war. FURTHERMORE, I would like to point out that Hapes STILL attempted to find a way to help the Rangers recover. In private talks I expressed my personal well-wishes to him and the Rangers. Mr. Choibacco simply stamped his feet, beat his chest, and ran off in a huff."

"Minister, what of-"

"No more questions. Please refer to my past holonet interview for anything else."