COMPNOR Releases New Security Procedures

Across the Imperial Republic, normal programming was interrupted by the rotating symbol of COMPNOR, the policy guiding body of the Imperial Republic. Gradually, the symbol faded from view and was replaced with the image of a large press room within the New Order Complex on Coruscant. At the head of the room was a large wooden podium containing the symbol of the Imperial Republic. Standing behind the podium was a man wearing a plain grey uniform with no clear distinguishment of rank or position aside from a small patch on his right shoulder which identified him as a special operative for COMPNOR. "Ladies and Gentlemen, late last night, the COMPNOR Select Committee voted on and passed a series of new security protocols. The protocols were originally designed and created by the Grand Minister for the purpose of ensuring our security procedures are in keeping with the changing times... The Grand Minister had intended to present these new policies himself, but he is unavoidably detained at present."

As the operative paused, he opened a piece of paper which contained the official tasking orders that had already been distributed to all government offices and locations, to include military installations. For the most part, the policies were directed in the general direction of the Imperial Republics civil servants, but it was vital that all facets of the government were onboard with the changes. After clearing his throat slightly, the COMPNOR operative began reading. "Effective immediately, all civilian government clearances are being re-issued pending full employment review. Further more, all government enforcement agencies will be issued new identification commensurate with the aforementioned clearance changes. In the process of doing this, any old clearances will be relegated to an area of the personnel tracking system which affords us to track any illegal attempts at gaining access to restricted areas. In order to ensure these changes are carried out smoothly, the Grand Minister and Select Committee will be commissioning a panel of assistants to ensure meticulous track of all changes is kept and properly documented... With that, are there any quesitons or points of clarification?" The operative was not at all surprised when numerous hands immediately shot into the air. However, before he could call on any of them, an armed IRSB operative approached the podium and whispered something into the operative's ear.

Within mere seconds, four red-robed royal guards immediately slipped into the room. Taking up positions near the back, front, and sides of the room, they stood motionless. Silence fell upon the room at this sight. The arrival of royal guards could only truthfully mean one thing, the question was...who would it be? Intuition, however, would tell most that it was likely the Grand Minister...otherwise known as Executor Revan Centurion. Quickly, Revan stepped up to the podium and relieved the operative that had filled in for him. He was trailed by two more royal guards that stood on opposite sides of the podium. Not wearing his usual black and crimson cloak, Revan stood before the reporters in a plain black uniform with cold, silver trim. After a significant amount of silence, Revan simply smirked. "What's the matter, no questions anymore?" His comment loosened the tension in the room slightly as a few tentative hands raised. He picked the first one he saw.

"Your Excellency, don't you think that these changes could bog down the government in a lot of unnecessary paperwork? What's the government's reasoning for such a massive barrage of changes at this point in time?"

Revan noded slightly to the question. The truth was, the changes had already been completed now. Revan knew announcing something like this before it was completed...would simply create unnecessary resistance. "In response to your first question, no. The changes have already been completed, we're in the review phase of the program at this point. Idle hands are the work of the devil, after all. As for reasoning...need we give more other than providing for increased security and safety of Imperial Republic citizens and interests?"

"What do you think the Senate will have to say about these changes? Don't you think that some of this could...perhaps be misconstrued as an abrdiging of civil liberties?"

Revan forced himself not to roll his eyes. "When was anything regarding civil liberties even discussed? Don't worry, a recording of this press conference will be available for those that apparently have trouble listening." Mild laughter rippled through the crowd before Revan silenced them with the raising of his hand. "Unfortunately, my time is short, so I will make this brief. These changes were conducted to ensure things like the attack on the palace last year do not happen again. With these changes, it will be impossible for any member not directly involved with this government to use any benefits associated with such membership. Further more, the selection process for people with sensitive material access has been made far more rigorious and intrusive. IRSB will command at their fingertips, a much broader ability to administer Imperial Republic law and policy. Quite literally, they maintain supreme control over any law enforcement agency...military or civilian. If issues arrive, IRSB will always know and they will direct any subsidiary assets as necessary. Before any of you asks, no that does not give them military oversight. Military officials are Imperial Republic citizens just like everyone else. Universal Imperial Republic law overrides any subsidiary laws that may be government branch specific. IRSB is the enforcing entity of that law. I urge any Imperial Republic citizens to contact their local Senator if they believe their 'rights' are being violated. Security or vulnerability ladies and gentlemen, you make the choice. So long as you don't do anything illegal...your lives will not change at all. That's all I have time for, thank you."

A chorus of shouts erupted as Revan turned his back and exited with his royal guard contingent. Once he'd left the room, the operative stepped back up to the booth. "Further inquiries may be routed through a local New Order Complex. Sector Liaisons will be on hand to address any questions as necessary."

The view of the press room was quickly replaced by the rotating symbol of COMPNOR once again. Gradually, the symbol faded from view and normal programming was restored around the Imperial Republic.