Coruscant (INB) - The Imperial Palace has announced the formal transition of the Churnis and Csilla sectors to new powers in the form of Galactic Bank and the Chiss Ascendancy. Included as a major item in today’s press briefing, spokesman for the Imperial Throne, Adjutant Dennar, outlined how the Empire recognises the need for some regions of the galaxy to govern through more local arrangements. The Palace stressed this is suitable where there is functioning and stable leadership that can assure the safety and prosperity of sentients residing within.

Addressing the thrust of recent criticism, Adjutant Dennar explained: "Despite the rebel propaganda, the reality is that the Galactic Empire seeks only the peace and stability of the galaxy at large; this is the fundamental purpose of the New Order. The uneducated and paranoid spread fear and anger about a despotic government wanting to conquer all, but the reality is the Empire and the Imperial Union have done more for peace and stable governance across the galaxy than any of the pro-rebel governments."

In a transaction rumoured to be one of the most expensive trade deals in the history of the galaxy, the Empire is relinquishing control of the Churnis sector to the long-time resident and advocate for the rights and prosperity of the sector, Galactic Bank. Outside of traditionally claimed Imperial territory, the Churnis sector was taken under the wing of the Imperial government after mismanagement and corruption by The Mercenary Guild resulted in the collapse of Churnis in Year 14. Stepping in to secure the sector and prevent the total spread of lawlessness, Emperor Ndengin announced at the time he was not looking to incorporate the sector permanently. Instead, the Empire would seek out a new government once a competent contender was proven to be ready for the duty of managing the sector.

"Today, we see that promise to the galaxy finally fulfilled with the recognition of the economic growth and social stability Galactic Bank’s presence has brought to the people of Churnis. The Emperor leaves the sector in Galactic Bank’s hands with no doubt as to a positive future for Churnis," noted Dennar as he deflected questions on rumours of Galactic Bank buying the sector from the Empire for a sum speculated to reach into eleven digits.

Self-governance is not just a dream for Churnis, as the people of Csilla now look towards a brighter future under the governance of their traditional leadership, the Council of Families. Oppressed by the New Republic, the Chiss Ascendancy was repeatedly refused sovereignty by the Republic. With the recent collapse of the Republic, however, the Empire dispatched emergency Imperial forces and aid to Csilla in a bid to ensure removal of the former Republic’s influence, and an end to the resulting riots throughout the system. Long existing as a hot-spot of anti-Imperial sentiment, the arrival of the Empire as liberators, and not conquerors, has done much to change attitudes among the Chiss people.

Adjutant Dennar cited the immediate provision of food, government experts, and military forces capable of ensuring the peace in the vacuum resulting from the fall of the Republic as being key ingredients to changing minds among the Chiss Ascendancy. "Where we had been insidiously cast as the aggressive and oppressive government by the propaganda of the Republic, we have now shown the Chiss we are anything but. We arrived to help a downtrodden people and enable them to realise self-governance under the protection of the Empire. We look forward to seeing in the years to come, the day when the Ascendancy stands strongly and proudly on its own two feet."

With the release of significant swathes of territory to self-governance, the Empire has shown the galaxy its true magnanimous nature. With the dawning of two new sectors in the realm of galactic independence, Adjutant Dennar was quick to dismiss criticisms that these events signal the Empire is stretched beyond capacity in managing its current territorial jurisdictions, and looking to withdraw forces from non-critical areas to focus on quashing the rebellion in formerly Republic territories: "I am not authorised to speak on military matters, but what I can say at this time is such interpretations of events speaks to a cynicism detached from reality."