PRAKITH (INB) – There were an unusual number of reporters this week at the graduation ceremony for the Imperial Academy on Prakith. The high media interest was focused on the stunning revelation that the graduating class included a surprising individual; former New Republic Chief of State, Senator, and Director of New Republic Intelligence, Kara DuMonte. Speculation had been building for some time regarding the rumoured defection to the Galactic Empire of the former leader of the New Republic, and this was confirmed by a spokeswoman of the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order - commonly known as COMPNOR - the day before the graduation ceremony. Miss DuMonte was commissioned alongside two hundred of her class-mates, and the seasoned veteran of the galactic civil war was awarded an oak leaf device for completing her studies with honours. Watched by her Academy assigned mentor, Elaine von Veritrax, the newly minted officer of His Majesty's Imperial Army was given the honour of presenting the top student speech before the assembled graduates, families, and dignitaries.

Delivering an insightful perspective from her extensive career, Miss DuMonte spoke of what it was like in the failing Republic. "I served the New Republic because I believed in its ideals. The higher I rose in position and the longer I served as Senator, the more I became aware of the hypocrisy and corruption that was spread throughout the government. I have seen the Republic grow more insular and paranoid over the years, and it has reached a point where citizens are dragged before the courts to face a mountain of accusations from those in power just to see what they could make stick."

Likening to its claimed predecessor, Miss DuMonte underscored the reality for people. "The Republic is a shadow of what once was. Striving for morality and idealism has been replaced with bitter infighting and division. It has failed for the very same reasons the Old Republic failed, and we can all see that. For many in the Republic though, the truth is ignored and never spoken about because we either don't want to admit that our government has failed, or we fear a swift and harsh reaction from shrill Senators and overzealous intelligence staff. I was a part of that system, but I cannot not remain a part of it any longer."

After her maiden speech in the Galactic Empire, Miss DuMonte responded to media questions regarding her first weeks as an Imperial citizen. "I was hesitant because we had all been indoctrinated for so long about the evils of the Empire. But as I saw the lies of the Republic, I came to question all they had said about the Empire. Instead of the harsh retribution we were all promised would happen if we ever went near the Empire, I was welcomed and presented with an opportunity to explain myself and my past actions; something [the Republic] has demonstrated it is unwilling to do with its own people."

Kara DuMonte’s defection to the Imperial Union is not the first time a Chief of State of the New Republic has defected after serving as its head. Following in the footsteps of Ingo R Vailis, Edhrikhor Tlakh`sar, and Zeff Traner, Miss DuMonte is the fourth Chief of State of the New Republic that has joined the Imperial Union. Painting a grim picture for the New Republic, this figure accounts for a third of all Chiefs of State throughout the government’s history that have gone on to openly fight against the Galactic Alliance.

This latest embarrassment to the Republic follows close on the heels of recent turmoil surrounding the election of Orion Chran, the trial of Jasper Merlyn, and claims of cronyism after the removal of several prominent members of the Republic government and military under false charges. Close attention is once again being paid by the galaxy, to the painful state of affairs in the crumbling government.

With no improvement in sight under the leadership of Chief of State Orion Chran, the Imperial Security Bureau and Imperial Intelligence have reported a spike in interest from New Republic nationals and employees who have been looking to claim refuge within the Empire. As the Imperial security agencies prepare for more refugee applications from disillusioned citizens of the Republic, Miss DuMonte’s closing words were broadcast across the galaxy. "It seems like the only freedom offered by the Republic these days is the freedom to wither. I implore you to not settle for mediocrity when you can help forge stability for the Galaxy through the New Order."