[EpII - M10 - Balmorra - NR3F] Speech! Speech!

This is live coverage from outside the Governor's Mansion on Balmorra, where Governor Beltane is making a speech. Just minutes ago, Balmorran troops drove off a last attempt by Central Authority loyalists to assassinate the governor and seize control once more.

"Citizens, workers, people of Balmorra!" boomed Beltane. "The Central Authority knows how important our world will be to the Republic, and to keep us from joining that august polity made an attempt on my life. It was only thanks to our loyal troopers that I can stand before you now!"

A towering SD-9 battle droid whirred softly in the background, scanning for threats. It's logic circuts didn't allow it to feel nervousness, but had it been capable, that's exactly what the droid would have felt. The governor was quite exposed, on the steps outside the gate.

"I hereby decree that Balmorra will join the New Republic, as a full member world, and that we will fuse ourselves to the cause of freedom and justice!"

One rather dazed guard, listening to Beltane drone on as he attempted to regain his wits, thought this was a bit of a heel-turn for the governor. It hadn't been but a few weeks ago that he'd been a stolid, if unenthusastic, supporter of the Central Authority.

I suppose he's being practical, but - ow!

His thoughts cut off with another twinge of pain.

I sure hope he wraps up soon so the medlifters can get here.

Previously: Seize the Barracks!