Chapter Three: The Brush Fire Wars

[Akirapryde]

CNN Nightly Report: Chancellor unveils a new unit
Coruscant News Network
Broadcast from Coruscant
Date: 2920 AOK (Four Months before Chancellor Syrdash’s End of Term)
 
Bail: “Good evening to all the citizens of the Galactic Republic. I am Bail Organa.”

Sinya: “And I am Sinya Lefe. We would like to start our nightly report with a surprising revelation made by the Chancellor today.”
 
Bail: “It takes courage to face the troubles of the Galaxy. It takes courage on the level of heroic, to face the Galaxy’s future troubles. Before we go in to this, let’s hear a short part of her speech given to the graduating cadets of the Republic Navy War College on Anaxes. Can we run the video?”
 

“I stand here today and look out across this parade field. I see many of the faces I saw six years ago. All of you know who I am. Six years ago, I stood right here and warned you all of the corruption that had woven in to our Republic. I warned you all six years ago about the dangers that faced our Republic. I made a promise to you back then as your General of the Grand Army of the Republic. I promised that if you managed to survive the new training regiment, which included a more intensive focus on loyalty, leadership skills and tactical skills that I would have something remarkable for all of you.”
 
“I warned you, that not all of you would make it. And from the size of this class, not all of you made the cut. I am pleased to see that most of you did. You have bleed, pushed yourselves and grow beyond your limits to become the very best graduating class the Republic has ever seen. You proved your loyalty to the Republic and its military chain of command. You proved to be not only the best in terms of leadership, but you have proven yourselves to be the best in tactical and strategic skills. But most of all, you have proven your loyalty time and time again. While I had demanded much more from you than any other class before you, I have given of myself to you as well.”
 
“Repeatedly, I have set down with each of you. Together we have explored your training, your weaknesses, your strengths. This was a journey that we all took together. Every one of you has served aboard my Flagship, within my personal guard. As the highest-ranking officer in the Military I ensured that you had the best training possible. As Chancellor, I ensured that this training was not threatened by bureaucratic budget cuts. I placed your training at the top of my military agenda. And now, we have first-hand evidence of the results of this new training program. A system that I created and fought for years ago. I wish I could take the credit for this. But in truth, I can’t. You, and you alone are due this credit. This program would have failed if not for your devotion and loyalty!”
 
“Now, I stand before you as your Chancellor. Without obstacles, I can now make good on that promise. Behold!”
 
Two Acclamators move in to position over the parade field and start to land behind the graduating class. At the same time, two more Acclamators along with four Venators hovered over the parade field. Once the two large ships landed, four large columns of troops started to march on the parade grounds. Within minutes the large unit had formed up in a large box around the viewing stands, graduates and all the observers. Their armor was completely white except for those of rank who wore painted shoulder plates. Their armor was like standard Republic Armor but it was also different in some ways. This was a full body uniform to include an enclosed helmet.
 
“Six years ago, I told you that the days of political Officers corrupting our ranks were over. Before this day, we relied upon recruits to make up the ranks of our great military. Many of those recruits brought their own agendas to our military. Loyalties that were not to the Republic have continued to cause harm and helped to destabilize the Outer Rim. Today, those days end! Before you, are the men of the 1st Republican Guard. Clones, created to serve the Republic. Engineered for war. And like you, their loyalty to the Republic is absolute. Their conviction to our way of life without question. And like you, their obedience to the Chain of Command is without flaw!”
 
 “All they need is an Officer Corps to lead them. In breaking with tradition, I have used my executive authority to place each of you within the ranks of the 1st Republican Guard. Gone are the days of the politically powerful and elite making military decisions that drive the Republic in to crisis. These units will serve alongside loyal Republic units and form the backbone of our new reformed military. As we continue this reform the class behind you will assume command of the 2nd Republican Guard. While we started this journey six years ago, we still have much to do.”
 
“The Republic deserves a military that is not only capable, but free from the corruption that has invested the Senate and the Jedi. The Republic deserves a military Corps that its citizens can be proud of and look to during times of crisis. I have spoken to you, and to the citizens of the Republic. Now I turn to the brave Clones of the 1st Republican Guards. You have been selected from your classes because you have proven to be the best. Hear me when I say, you will be under the command of the best leadership the Republic has to offer. To you my soldiers, I give you the Graduating Class of 2920!”
 
Both the graduating class and the clones all shout out their cheers

 
Bail: “Once more, the Chancellor is making good on her promise to tackle corruption within the ranks of the military and across the Republic.”
 
Sinya: “However this surprising revelation was not well received by some members of the Republic Senate. Senator Mas Amedda stated that the Chancellor’s most recent reform of the military once more slips Senatorial oversight from the military. He stated that this is a bold and dangerous move by the Chancellor during an election year.”
 
Bail: “Dangerous for the weak of heart. However, this promise fulfilled has rewarded support by the Chancellor’s base and ensured that her reelection would be a forgone conclusion.”
 
Sinya: “There are concerns and unanswered questions regarding this new Division. Who authorized these clone divisions? Where were they built? Who will oversee these units if not the Senate? Why are there no Jedi within these division’s leadership. These questions are being raised by many Senators. But I do have to agree with you Bail. This move has sent cheers across Chancellor Syrdash’s base and even renewed the support of some that were questioning her leadership in light of the Outer Rim Crisis.”
 
Bail: “I personally hope that these new Clone Divisions strike fear in the hearts of those who are corrupt. I hope that they look to these new Divisions and start to question their own future in the Senate. For too long, the political elite, members of the Deep State, have manipulated power to ensure that the rich keep their wealth and the poor continue to suffer. For the first time, the Republic has a Chancellor that is fighting for the welfare of all Republic Citizens, not just the elite.”
 
Sinya: “I will agree that the Chancellor has made a number of moves to sure up her base. This week she is planning a tour of the Mid and Outer Rim. While her official stops are considered secret, it is rumored that she will be making stops at refugee camps and speaking with local leaders about the growing crisis. At the same time, she has announced a new series of Executive Orders aimed at job creation. Even before the ink dried on those Executive Orders, they were challenged by a dozen senators claiming executive overreach.”
 
Bail: “We have to go to break, but when we return we will be talking about the sudden surge in Tourism across the Inner Rim and the economic growth that it has spurred. Again, thanks to the efforts of our Chancellor and her ‘See the Republic Initiative.’