The insignia of The Resistance flashes into view for a moment before fading to reveal a sturdy man in nondescript clothing.  Behind him, a shining, cream colored planet hangs in space among the stars through a viewing port. The room is well-lit, but the absence of anything except the lone figure obscures any additional information about the scene as the man begins to speak.

“Denizens of the galaxy, this message is being transmitted through a series of nearby relays from the outer rim, where The Resistance has chosen to re-establish its stronghold.  It’s rare that our people choose to speak out on the affairs of the greater galactic stage, but it is even rarer when a sitting Emperor abdicates their throne in favor of a puppet.  For many years now, the people of The Resistance have fought to remove the tyrant Seele from a throne that he never deserved and had no legitimate claim to.  We’ve empathized with our brothers and sisters languishing in the Imperial Union under the boot of the Clown Emperor and helped many flee his reign of terror.  Although it would be quite logical to assume that this would be a day of celebration, of victory, and freedom, that is not the case. 

Anyone with any connection to the Empire knows well that for decades Inwe Ventidius has been nothing more than a secretary and concubine of Seele, her positions of authority were handed to her not through hard work and achievement, but through the influence of her master.  I wish I could say that it was shocking that Seele would pass over a truly worthy candidate like Graeda L'Annan in favor of a glorified placeholder, but anyone familiar with Seele knows that his lust for power knows no bounds.  He would much rather sink the entire Empire into the muck than give up that power. 

For many years Graeda L’Annan has worked hard, moving through the ranks like any normal soldier, she’s been in the trenches with her people, she’s led and organized them, she’s handled faction politics.  Perhaps most importantly, she truly cares about every person under her command.  Graeda L’Annan is a trustworthy figure that could negotiate with the other factions of the galaxy in good faith, to the benefit of not only the Empire - but the entire Galaxy.  All of this is well known, and considering that, we, The Resistance, must wonder just what is it that Inwe Ventidius has done for you Imperials that you would want her as your Empress instead of Graeda L’Annan?

Obviously, we hold a biased opinion, so The Resistance has taken the time since the announcement to reach out to various contacts who have served directly with Graeda L’Annan and Inwe Ventidius in order to see what the people actually think.”

The man waves his hand and images begin to appear holding the written testimonies of numerous individuals.

“My issue is that as a loyal Imperial you are led to believe that the Executor is part of the succession chain. It’s both disheartening and in bad taste that Lord Seele would choose someone unfitting for the Throne. A few others in my battalion feel this way as well but I am advising caution as we don’t want wrath for having an opinion.”

-Legion4Life26

“Executor L’Annan is one of the most level-headed and compassionate officers in the Empire, if she was in charge there’d be no doubt, we’d have a bright future.  It’s disappointing that Lord Seele would overlook her in favor of someone who spends all their time in the shadows.”

-PracticalOne601

“Has Inwe actually led anyone? Who would know? Not even a former Brigade Commander.  How do you pass over your own given executor? That is the nepotism and inbred nature of that regime. Merit gets you some rank. But as put on display here… it is who you know and how you know them that lets you get ahead.  Stagnation comes from that.  Grae has produced both epic changes to both the Army and Navy, she’s a true commander.  Inwe is just another bureaucrat riding the coattails of a self-indulged, loving nepotist despot.”

-Magnus Ironside

“This is all pretty upsetting; I know others are going to be confused too.  Lord Seele promised to do things better, but how is this different from past Emperor’s he’s attacked? Inwe’s not qualified to lead us, not even if Seele stays involved.”

-ConcernedTrooper32

As the various testimonies fade from view, the bearded man steps back into focus and begins to speak.

“The Empire is once again at the precipice of a great change, one that will affect everyone for years to come. The people of the Empire are starting to make their voices heard, and no doubt within the days and weeks to come more will step forward, even at great risk to themselves - and to those people we say this: You have a voice. You have the power to make great change, and The Resistance stands with you. You deserve better than this treatment, but the question becomes will Seele listen, or will he continue his hypocrisy and do whatever it takes to hold on to power?”

The Resistance insignia once again flashes into view just before the broadcast ends.