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Tragic Incident at Caelum Sparks Controversy
Caelum --- A tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon in the Cadrel Expanse which has anti-Republic news-nets overloaded with sensationalistic propaganda.
Word was received yesterday of a violent coup on the planet Caelum in the Cadrel Expanse. The New Republic-friendly government were overthrown by pro-independence activists who appear to have gained considerable support among the Caelum populace.
One of the first acts of the illegitimate Caelum government was to formally secede from the New Republic. In an attempt to negotiate with the pro-Independence nationalists, Fleet Commander Trebonious-Astoris took his flagship the Victory Star Destroyer Peril to the troubled world to open discourse with the coup leaders.
His reception was not welcoming, as all reasonable attempts at communication were denied, to the point where the planetary defence forces opened fire on the New Republic warship. In response, the Fleet Commander's vessel defended itself from hostile fire, which resulted in the deaths of a number of Caelum citizens both in space and on the ground. Official numbers have not been available but estimates place the number of casualties around three hundred, mostly militia personnel.
Anti-Republic news-nets have latched onto the incident as apparent proof of the New Republic's 'Imperialistic' methods, and urged all 'free-thinking' people in the region to rebel against the New Republic military in any and all methods possible.
Fleet Commander Trebonious-Astoris released a statement this morning to help clear up the RS's official view of the situation:
"We are all devastated by the senseless loss of life and destruction involved in yesterday's incident at Caelum. It was an unfortunate outcome that we all wish could have been avoided. However, the new rulers of Caelum have proven themselves to be warmongers and traitors. This was revealed in the deliberate sabotage and destruction of the New Republic warship Halberd last month that resulted in the deaths of almost two thousand of our personnel, who were only present in the Elenian system to help defend the people of Caelum from the many forces that would wish to harm them. I travelled to Caelum not to engage in bloodshed, but to open discussion with the new rulers of the planet. They refused to allow discussions to take place, and instead opened fire on my vessel. An undercover operative of theirs even attempted to take my life on my own bridge. As I have stated before, the loss of life and the destruction that occurred yesterday was regrettable, however I hold that the Caelum leading party are responsible for initiating the conflict which led to the unfortunate outcome. To the people of Caelum I humbly apologise for the damage that occurred to innocent civilians. But I urge you to open your eyes and realise that your new warmongering leaders, who illegally took power by violence, opened fire on us and forced us to defend ourselves. They are the ones responsible for the deaths of your people, so look to them when assigning blame for your terrible losses."
The Fleet Commander went on to deny accusations that he was present in the Elenian system as part of a planetary invasion, and pointed to his immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal from the system as proof of his intentions. He also stated that to further show the people of Caelum his non-violent intentions toward them that RS forces under his command would steer clear of the Elenian system altogether and allow the Caelum people to retain their independence.
However, he demanded that Caelum military forces remain within their star system and not progress further. He then promised that if the Caelum military moved beyond their conceded territory and attacked any worlds or holdings under the control or protection of the RS that there would be dire consequences.
The political fallout from the incident has been widespread, with the 'Caelum Massacre', as anti-Republic propagandists have dubbed it, creating a great deal of upheaval in the territories under the Republic Shield's protection. Many worlds in the region are now debating the merits of remaining within a galactic government that they see as visiting atrocities upon neutral worlds, and it is believed that even Coruscant may become involved in the debate, with the magnitude of controversy the incident has ignited.