In a press briefing held by a Republic Diplomatic Attaché, the Togruta Lahasa Fy, appeared to be jovial and in high spirits when addressing the gathered audience. “I see we have a much larger than normal crowd today, thank you all for attending. First, let me congratulate our newly elected Senators and Senator Ghonn Webb on his re-election as Speaker of the Senate. Ok then, for today's briefing will cover the collapse of the Crimson Syndicate. I will summarize the relevant details, and then we can open things up for a few questions.” The diplomat slowly took a sip of water at the podium, before beginning a long recital.
“First, as you all know, Jasper Merlyn was convicted of two of the charges leveled against him about twelve weeks ago, and was sentenced to seventeen months of prison time. Instead of serving his sentence, he decided to flee and form the Crimson Syndicate, assuming the title of King for himself in the process. He was joined by a few former members of Triumvirate Coalition including his wife Kairi who called herself a High Queen, and a few former members of the Republic. Armed with nothing more than lies and anger at failing to reach his goal of running, or ruining the Republic, he became a public agitator, habitual liar, and frequent contributor of anti-republic rhetoric for the galactic press. The Syndicate was not considered a high-priority security concern, but it was a nuisance to the populace, certainly."
Fy would go on to address the involvement of General Darcks Galvan and Dimitri Halden, "Because of his attacks on the New Republic, Senator and General Darcks Galvan concocted a plan, with the assistance of his former colleague and friend, Dimitri Halden, one of those former Republic members who joined the Syndicate. They planned to capture and arrest Mr. Merlyn, and return him to the Republic to serve his sentence. General Galvan assumed that his friendship with Mr. Halden might allow him to bring about a measure of justice in the case.
Despite rumors to the contrary, it was confirmed that General Galvan acted on his own volition, and not part of any operation or mission sanctioned by New Republic Intelligence or the Armed Forces.
Upon their rendezvous, General Galvan was initially captured and handcuffed by Mr. Merlyn. The Syndicate threatened execution and psychological torture in order to maximize the leverage of their captive as a means to open negotiations with the Republic. Mr. Merlyn demanded audiences with the Chief of State, the Senate, and the Advisory Council, most of whom he had previously called corrupt, liars, and a myriad of other names. Instead, I, as an attaché for the Republic Diplomatic Corps, was assigned to discuss General Galvan’s situation. In accordance with long-standing policy, I made it quite clear that the official stance of the Republic was that we would not negotiate, and that General Galvan should be released, and Mr. Merlyn should turn himself in, which he declined to do.
After being denied the attention and spotlight he craved from myself and the Republic, Mr. Merlyn decided to hold a public mockery of a trial for his prisoner, using a system largely based on the New Republic legal protocols he once deemed corrupt and beneath him. Seeing his friend about to be tried and convicted by “King” Merlyn, Dimitri Halden had a change of heart. Mr. Halden convinced General Galvan to submit to some of Mr. Merlyn's demands in order to be removed from his restraints, and then was able to capture Mr. Merlyn as well as another former Republic member who had joined the Syndicate, Mortis Eisenfaust."
Addressing the post-arrest state of the Republic fugitives, Attaché Fy had this to say, "Once captured, Mr. Merlyn lashed out verbally, and violently for some time, and then fell into a sullen state of shock. Video surveillance of his deportment during his transit to Republic custody has been sent to psychological experts. Trained counselors have begun to evaluate his condition and we await the results of further examinations and testing to determine the best course of treatment for him during his imprisonment.
Mr. Merlyn, along with his assigned medical team, is being transferred to the NRS Long Bay, a Lictor-Class prison ship, to serve his seventeen-month sentence.Some legal experts have suggested that perhaps his sentence might be prolonged, and he may be subjected to a new trial based on his actions against the Republic since forming the Syndicate. Mr. Eisenfaust, plead guilty to a charge of joining a subversive group, a class II offense, and has started to serve his eighteen month sentence."
He concluded his prepared portion of the briefing with an update on Genarl Galvan, "General Galvan is now back in NR territory, although, he is currently on limited duties pending a court martial. However noble his intent, the outcome does not outweigh his actions. He could face up to three charges, relating to abandoning his active duty position in the military. Legal analysts suggest that the punishment, if found guilty, would likely be a large fine, but a short prison sentence is possible.
I believe that is a comprehensive summary of the events as they unfolded. If more details come to light, we can share them at future briefings. But, I do have some time for a few questions." A meaty arm appeared from behind the podium to point to reporters with questions. "
Linary Stowe of the Republica Post was the first to ask, "You say Darcks Galvan’ initial operation was not a sanctioned operation, but what about Dimitri Halden's arrest of Mr. Merlyn, was that NRI’s doing?”
Fy answered, "Based on the logs of his final rantings, Mr. Merlyn believed that Mr. Halden had been a Republic operative all along. However, Mr. Halden was never and had never been an NRI agent. Mr. Halden's actions were the actions of a right-minded sentient based two factors, his friendship with General Galvan, and his own ability to see that Mr. Merlyn was unstable and not worthy of following any further."
Gravondad Smleg of the Mytaranor Times asked what would happen to the remains of the Syndicate, now with Mr. Merlyn in custody.
"The Syndicate disbanded from within. According to sources within the cult as it fell, their High Queen looted the few assets they had, abdicated her throne and fled. We may hear from some individuals from their membership in the future, but I doubt it will be anytime soon, with what little resources were left to them."
The last question of the day came from Arnold Sandsifter of the Tatoo Chronicle. When asked about the status of Dimitri Halden, Fy explained the seriousness of Mr. Halden's actions and how that will affect his future within the New Republic. "Although we are grateful for the return of the General, a noble act does not entirely excuse previous choices. On his exit from the Republic to join the now defunct Syndicate, Mr. Halden was implicated in the murder of two construction workers. Mr. Halden has been discussing that matter with the Justice Department. At this time, it appears that he will stand trial on those charges in the near future. Although, potential murder charges are serious, the courts are aware of his role in returning the General, and are able to take that into account during sentencing, if the evidence supports a trial and he is found guilty.
