Speculation surrounding yesterday's transition of power in the recently charted territory of Takodana in the Western Reaches has largely died out after a definitive press release from the system's new governing body, the Matukai Dragons. The statement details the circumstances surrounding the initial discovery of the system, its colonisation and the return of Takodana to the governance of the organization which first discovered it.

Following the formal registration of the Western Regions into galactic databases by cartographers and the subsequent revelation of the Jakku system, Matukai forces were scrambled to assist in securing the region according to the report. With much potential wealth on offer, profiteering and criminal groups were expected to arrive within days and begin conflicts to secure their cut of blood-soaked profits. To keep the peace and prevent carnage from escalating, Matukai combat patrols were established across the sector to locate and neutralize threats before they could do damage. Logs attached to the report show it was on one such patrol that Todd Wraithson, a senior member of the Matukai Dragon's leadership, unexpectedly came across the magnificent jewel of Takodana.

Due to the combat patrol's objectives, it was not fitted with the necessary equipment to carry out more than preliminary surveys and establish reconnaissance beach heads. While Matukai Dragon's leadership held an emergency meeting to determine a more detailed course of action, reserve forces were dispatched immediately to boost troop numbers on Takodana. With limited resources in the area, it fast became apparent that attempts to secure the planet and hold off sustained attacks from waves of hostile explorers would not be possible for Matukai forces alone. A diplomatic solution was crafted, which saw the closest legitimate government in the area, the Trade Federation, notified and a request for assistance issued. With a mutual interest in assuring the peace of the sector, it did not take long for an agreement to be signed.

What followed, according to the report, was one of the swiftest and best organized responses of focused force seen in recent years. Within hours reinforcements from the forward staging area the Trade Federation had established on Jakku were streaming into the system to establish defenses. Coordination and intelligence-sharing between Matukai Dragons, the Trade Federation and other allied forces saw the bulk of the planet secured within days. It was not an assured outcome however, as the coordinates of the system were leaked across multiple holochannels days before the official announcement of the discovery to the galaxy at large. Despite this, the planet was largely secured before hostile interlopers arrived on the scene. These were quick to accept minor incentives and leave without violence when they realized their efforts could not make them significant gains. By the time assets from major crime elements began pouring into the system, defenses were well in place and many were seen leaving the system empty-handed and disappointed.

"To say the Trade Federation's aid was impressive would be a gross understatement," commented Commander Argo Viridian when contacted. "The speed of their response and logistical capability is nothing short of outstanding. At the same time friendly ties developed, despite the round the clock effort everyone put in. While I was personally too far away to have a timely on-the-ground impact when opportunists struck, the Dragons, Trade Federation and select individuals fought hard to push back would-be invaders. I thank those who helped, both on the ground and assisting with keeping supply lines open, which were, unbeknown to most, once under threat of being cut. As promised then, those who helped will be rewarded. We remember who you are."

Since then, the Trade Federation has enforced law on Takodana while negotiations were finalised for the transition back to a full time Matukai peace-keeping force. Already Takodana is being built up as major regional hub, providing security to its citizens and visitors alike. Once starlit, the night sky above Takodana is starting to be dominated by its cities' lighting, clearly observable from orbit.

While not a high-profile player in many political affairs, Matukai Dragons is known for being a long-term and trustworthy staple within the galactic mercenary community. Almost six years since it was founded, the company is showing no signs of flagging, not a mean feat considering the frequency with which many small military and industrial concerns rise and fall in the currently harsh economic environment. Their success until recently is certainly due in no small part to a lucrative exclusive contract with the Krath Empire. The association has indeed been so strong, that credible experts in the industry believed it would become a permanent union.

However, in an unexpected move that closely coincided with the Matukai Dragons' departure from their previous stronghold in Quiberon, they terminated the Krath contract on Y21 D73. The reason for this decision has not been revealed, although, from all accounts it was an amicable separation on both sides. Some pundits, possibly more familiar with the ethnic heritage of the Matukai as a loose group of force users, are speculating that the Matukai Dragons' involvement in the discovery of Takodana was less related to a decision to suddenly strike out on their own, but was in keeping with their traditional way of life, which is to help all sentients to find their way through the maze of the Force. Whatever the true situation, the Matukai Dragons have confirmed they will continue to return to their roots as an independent and neutral provider of private military services and Force research and guidance.