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"Coniunctis Viribus" Posted onto the GNS by Guinar Ndengin - Year 13 Day 326 CORUSCANT (INB) - Denizens around the galaxy met the news of the reformation of the Imperial Union this week with jubilation as representatives of the Galactic Empire, Black Sun, and Tresario Star Kingdom met to sign the document that would establish a comprehensive political, economic, and defensive cooperative. The announcement comes mere weeks after the announced departure of the majority member states of the Imperial Union, those bidding the Union farewell including the conservative Hapes Consortium and economic conglomerate of the Trade Federation. Whilst speculation remains rampant regarding the reasons for those governments to depart the Imperial Union, it has been wholly agreed that the undertakings to reform the multi-lateral organization was the catalyst. Explanatory briefs of the new Imperial Union Charter describe it as being designed for more exacting regulation and expectations among member governments, clearly codified operating procedures and an unambiguous program for sharing technology. This rework has been cited as addressing deficiencies of the old Union that formed the core of intense debate amongst previous Union members. According to Imperial Vizier for Diplomacy Jarek Sankin, the new Union charter is designed to address the realities of galactic politics. "This conflict we have with the rebels and criminals on the galactic rim might be a cold one now, but I guarantee that this state of affairs will not continue forever." Sankin cited the belligerence of the Galactic Alliance in locations across the galaxy, including Bosthirda, Ralltiir, and Adbatar as evidence that "[The Alliance] is more than willing to open fire without provocation, and we have a duty to protect our subjects in the best way possible. Black Sun and the Tresario Star Kingdom believe much the same." Public reaction across the Union worlds appears to be overwhelmingly positive following the announcement of the two new Union members signing the Charter. Hanz Gro'ob'r, a Kuati businessman specializing in imports and exports, expressed his pleasure with the announcement, citing the occasion as an exciting chance to expand my business to key parts of the Outer Rim, and the untapped Hutt Space market. "To know that my goods will be protected not only in Imperial space but beyond as well is a great relief." Political analysts called the reformation a bold move. "This is a welcome sign of progress," remarked Steefn Vannefra of the Charon Institute, "especially after a long period without much political progress to speak of with the old Union members." Vannefra continued to say that signs of complacency and decay had begun to creep into the Imperial Union over the last few years, but the new charter was a prudent decision on the part of the Emperor to reform and reinvigorate the organization before it lapsed into a state of flaccid impotence and stagnation. When asked for comment, leadership from both of the newly announced Union members stepped forward to express their pleasure at their entrance into the Imperial Union. Premier Steve Sphinx of the Tresario Star Kingdom said that he was "looking forward to our new joint relations within the IU. We may have had our differences in the past, however, through open discussion with both of the other governments involved, we have left our disagreements behind us in order to help the IU move forward." Dark Prince Banquo Knox of Black Sun noted that "it might seem strange to some that Black Sun is joining the Imperial Union. However, I can assure you that our goals are very much the same in establishing a free and prosperous galaxy. Black Sun has been the target of much in the way of smear campaigns and propaganda by the New Republic that tries to vilify our differing methods of governance." Prince Knox went on to comment that these methods were completely in line with galactic norms, and despite continual claims to the contrary, Black Sun is a legitimate government with the welfare of its citizens first and foremost among its concerns. The revised Charter allows for unprecedented cooperation in terms of production, trade, information sharing, and technological exchange. At the same time, it also implements a tiered membership system that allows members to vary their level of participation within the Union. Obtaining higher levels of membership demands more of its members, but such members are rewarded with greater access to information and technology, and a larger say in Union affairs. Union representatives state that this tier system will appeal to the various organizations throughout the galaxy that are dissatisfied with or disapprove of the incompetence and corruption rampant within the Galactic Alliance, but are also concerned with not having the perceived political or military clout approach the Imperial Union for membership. Though the entry process is rigorous, the new Charter includes a process that would allow a member to work with the Union to develop its economic, military, and political capabilities to rise through the tiers upon demonstrated dedication and competent governance. Emperor Guinar Ndengin heralded the signing triumphantly as the birth of a new era, where "...the Union is truly committed to order and stability, and we stand willing to defend those ideals with actions as well as words. The galaxy does not need fear the capricious and chaotic machinations of those renegades and pirates who hide their true motives behind the facades they continue to call 'freedom' and 'liberty.'" When asked about the possibility of recently departed Union members from rejoining the reformed Imperial Union, the Emperor stated that they were welcome to rejoin at any time. With new members and a new structure in place, the Imperial Union is set to establish itself as the definitive bastion of law, order, and peace for the galaxy. Main Article