On the heels of Zann Consortium and Card’as Smugglers operations in the Triumvirate space and the killing of Adam Hughes of the New Republic, it is reported tonight that the Consortium also carried out an attack against the neutral transportation group White Thranta Trading Company and the recently founded Midrim Mercenaries.

Video evidence provided to Shili Free Press confirmed the murder of Jason Phanto, former Leader of Midrim Mercenaries and contractor for White Thranta Trading Company. Due to the violent nature of the footage, we have decided not to air the video, but can confirm its contents.

In reply to the video surfacing, Dendran Bastile held a press conference from the Midrim Flagship. The following is a transcript of his statement including the Midrim logo:

“Greetings, it is my great displeasure to announce the death of Jason Phanto, Mandalorian, Mercenary, Pilot, Visionary and voice of the free people. Jason was instrumental in helping to create the Midrim Mercenaries because he believed that you need to fight for what is right and that far too many mercenaries operate under the thumb of organizations like Zann Consortium and its allies.

After Zann’s treachery - the brutal murder of Jason Phanto - Midrim has moved to take a firm position on crime in what is becoming a more and more lawless galaxy. Our first step was to cut off all trade with known criminals, beginning immediately. As our second act, we created the first anti-Zann task force to bring resources from multiple organizations together to face this threat directly. Last, but certainly not least, through backing of it several benefactors, we have officially posted the following bounties on Zann Consortium leaders and members.

A 750,000,000 credit bounty on Ximaro Jix.

A 500,000,000 credit bounty on Zann Consortium members Kyota Navic, Hondo Walker, and Bork Shalas

A 250,000,000 credit bounty on any Active Zann Consortium member or Defiler that is identified, found and brought to justice.

Midrim is rising. This galaxy is split to pieces by organizations like Zann vying for power. We have already seen first-hand what kind of things this war has brought to the galaxy and the toll it has taken on the innocent. For the continued prosperity of the galaxy, the time is now to start a new war. A war on crime. A war on depravity. A war on those who seek to cause harm and rob us of prosperity. Jason made it his goal to bring down Zann Consortium and catch the infamous Ximaro Jix, so we will lead by his example. They have murdered a man but they created a martyr. You can silence some of us, but you cannot silence the voice of civilization”

Shili Free Press can report that this is not Dendran Bastile’s first run in with the Zann Consortium. Records indicate that Bastile was abducted by Hondo Walker and held in Black Sails Prison Camp, Zann’s preferred torture and extermination camp, for several months.

The Kingdom of Midrim and its citizens have held a public funeral for the deceased Lord of House Phanto. In his memory, the Kingdom of Midrim is accepting applications and donations from anyone in the galaxy who wishes to contribute to helping fight crime and make the galaxy a safer place from the villainy like that of the Zann Consortium.

Thank you for your time, and as always, stay safe out there.