Interview was pre-recorded

The camera opens to a room packed with reporters, in one of the conference rooms found on the Centrepoint Station.  Recent events in the Galaxy have made many of them nervous, wondering if there is an upcoming recession due to the number of businesses which have closed recently.  To the average citizen, this seemed a portent of dire things to come.  Now, they all sit aboard the station which has been synonymous with free trade for over a generation.  The mood, somber.  All gets quiet as a short Wookiee ascends the podium.

“Greetings, sentients of the Galaxy.”  He speaks in Shyriiwook, though translations into Galactic Basic soon overtake his voice.  “I am Kerri Manchester, former head of Centrepoint Mining.  As many of you know, numerous businesses have closed according to the Galactic Stock Market.  Even Centrepoint, a bastion of trade for over two decades, is seemingly unaffected.  This has left many with confusion as to the state of the Economy.”

He pauses for a moment, to allow the translators to catch up.  “I wish to assure everyone, the changes relate directly to new legislation which has passed, concerning the structuring of corporations and governments.  This has allowed for greater streamlining of workforces within companies, allowing a single company to operate under multiple sectors under a single umbrella without having to register as a separate entity.”

He allows the reporters to mentally sigh in relief, then checks his notes, “In fact, in response to the passing, Tibanna futures are rising.  You can rest assured that these changes herald increased productivity from the workforces of the Galaxy.  With each company now able to wear so many proverbial hats, it will be easier to get ahead.”

Kerri straightens himself up a bit, “Now, in response to these changes many have seen that Centrepoint appears to have closed their Medical and Mining offices.  What we have actually done is fold those divisions back into the main Centrepoint Space Station.  We will continue to offer raw materials for sale along with medical supplies.  Conflict seems to be a constant in the galaxy and we want to ensure those who are injured by it are still able to get help, regardless of affiliation.  We will continue to manage and operate hospitals, keeping surgeons on staff should the need arise.  Should the worst happen, know that it takes a lot of guts to be an organ donor.”

Again, a pause is allowed for the translators, “As many who watch the news have noted, I have ascended to the Chief Executive Officer of Centrepoint.  This is a position I take very seriously.  I wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the legacy of Togan Jano; that of strict neutrality in galactic politics.  Centrepoint will not attack another nation, nor will we interfere in the conflicts of other nations.  We will remain as a safe place where anyone can conduct business; even and especially during times when enemies may need to trade goods or services.  We will, however, defend ourselves if attacked.”

The scene shifts to a scene of demolition droids and teams working to tear down an old mine site in a jungle.  Kerri stands a safe distance off, but facing the camera.

He begins speaking, “Another legacy we will continue is the preservation of the planet Ithor, left to use by Rostar, one of the founders of Centrepoint and specifically our mining division.  Though he left us many years ago, we were tasked by him with preserving the purity of the planet.  When we do discover a vein of  valuable materials, the mine is destroyed once the ores are removed.  Then we work with the Ithorians to expedite the jungle reclaiming the land.  In fact, we only have four active mines on the planet.  You can see behind me the workers demolishing an empty mine now.  Soon, we will demolish two more mines on the planet.”

He turns to look at the crew, “I heard humor was a good way to lessen a stressful situation, and was planning on making a joke about demolition, but it kinda fell apart.  Though the one time I made a chemistry joke, I failed to get any reaction.”

He turns to face the camera once more, “We will maintain on this planet the bare minimum needed to prevent other, less scrupulous, individuals from taking advantage of the untamed lands and minimally tapped material wealth.  The planet will remain without a planetary shield in order to ensure that anyone who wishes to visit can enjoy its beauty.  We have worked some with the Legacy of Ithor, allowing them to construct a small outpost dedicated to maintaining the purity of Ithor.”

“In closing, I wanted to assure the public that the economy of the galaxy is strong, despite what may appear from recent news.  Centrepoint will continue operating on the same principles it has always operated on and, thanks to some additional workforce, you can expect some new services to be offered through Centrepoint in the near future.  Stay tuned to our Market for details!”

Without fanfare, the screen cuts to black indicating the end of the message.