Panic and chaos have gripped the otherwise peaceful world of Camden. On D 138, following the incursion of Imperial battlegroups into former-Republic sectors, Resistance Command has raised the threat level of many of their systems from “high” to “imminent.” With much of the remaining Galactic Alliance’s attention on the territory of the former New Republic or on their own borders, there is little hope systems like Camden will be able to hold out, and Keeper of the Whills Gothar Elensar has ordered a full scale voluntary evacuation. Camden is best known as home to the Temple of Kyber, an ancient structure built by the Jedi, popular site of pilgrimage, and until this week the headquarters of the Guardians of the Whills. The Guardians are a religious order dedicated to the preservation of Force-related sites, artifacts, and knowledge. They have been the caring for the temple since the last days of the Clone Wars and have become the de facto governors of the planet.

Many residents live in urban areas on or near the temple plateau, but most live in small mining outposts and moisture farms scattered around the planet’s deserts and mountain ranges. Local rebel cells have commandeered several spaceports throughout the more densely-populated areas and set up many more temporary landing pads on the outskirts of the cities where residents can be ferried to larger frigates and capital ships above the planet. There have also been reports of smaller craft visiting the more remote settlements to assist those without their own way of planet. As of now their final destinations are unknown, but a representative of the Guardians has assured us that all who want to evacuate will be offered transport well away from the front lines. Not everyone is accepting the offer, however. Many inhabitants, particularly those on large rural homesteads, are opting to remain on their land and either submit to Imperial rule or attempt to defend their homes. Given that the Resistance’s fleets are committed to preparing for the Imperial threat and the Guardians’ own resources are meager, it remains unlikely any significant percentage of the planet’s 356 million inhabitants will be relocated in time without rapid coordination with nearby governments, logistics agencies, and independent ship captains of goodwill.

The fate of the Kyber Temple is also of grave concern for the Guardians. Besides it being declared a galactic heritage site by many of the galaxy’s governments, it is said to contain a treasure trove of priceless texts, artifacts, and pieces of art. Additionally, there are unsubstantiated rumors of a large collection of kyber crystal, from which the temple takes its name. The temple’s loss would be a historical and cultural disaster. Some of those refusing or unable to flee the nearby cities are lining up to seek sanctuary within its walls, hoping its cultural significance will save it from destruction once the fighting begins. Keeper Elensar has refused to comment, but those close to the Guardians have hinted they are busy extracting yet unknown artifacts and are shipping them off-world along with the refugees. While most of the Guardians are dedicated to assisting with the evacuation, as many as sixty have already publicly pledged to remain at the temple, protecting it and all who seek shelter within with their lives.

Stay tuned for Outer Rim Broadcasting for more updates on the situation unfolding in the Mordeshine sector.