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[James Stratus]

After the Turbulence and Wind Stills scenarios.

APPROVED FOR GENERAL PUBLIC RELEASE

It had been a long time since Channel One had been activated. The long-dormant channel suddenly became active. Many had been expecting something like this to occur, but the timing they did not know. All communication frequencies became active galaxy-wide. It was known only to be activated from a single planet, Coruscant. The usual stand-by message was playing. Soon the familiar symbols of the Galactic Government and the Royal Imperial Throne began to display in ceremonial fashion, with the anthem of the Imperial Republic playing. "And now, we go live to Coruscant, to the Throneroom of the Royal Palace, to hear from our Supreme Ruler, His Majesty the High Prince James Stratus."

The Throneroom came into view, flags dangling from the ceiling along the wall of the Imperial Republic insignia. To the right of the High Prince were Executor Treyson and Lady Devin, and to the left Supreme Chancellor Quick and Grand Admiral OVERMIND.

"People of the Imperial Republic, and especially of the Armed Forces. I come before you to announce a change in regime and structure of the Armed Forces of the Imperial Republic. For some time the High Council, Military High Command, and the Throne has been in deep discussion as to how to handle the changes rapidly facing us in military staffing and operations. Many options were discussed and considered. After much discussion, the High Council in cooperation with Military Leadership felt that the merging of two branches, Army and Navy, would be the best option. After considering all options, and taking into account all recommendations and opinions, the decision became a difficult one for me. I have, however, decided to officially merge the two branches, the Army and Navy of the Imperial Republic, into one combined branch of the armed forces. The Military Police and Military Intelligence Departments, as well as the Army Reserve shall remain seperate departments underneath the Ministry of Defense. This merger and official changes shall become effective on the 1st of the following month. A change in rank structure will be released by the Ministry of Defense following this broadcast, and all personnel will recieve rank adjustments as determined by Military High Command."

The High Prince in his might and majesty continued on. "With these final changes, many of which were orchestrated by Field Marshall Cognatus himself, am pleased to inform you that Command Marshall Cognatus has accepted appointment to the position of Commandant of the Armed Forces, sometimes referred to as Military Commander or MCO underneath the Minister of Defense. We are greatful to have his services, who we esteem as a hero and combat veteran of the Imperial Republic, a leader of soldiers, honored for his dedicated service and loyalty to the Throne and the Imperial Republic. He contributed much to the miliary, as well as to the High Council of the Imperial Republic. He was responsible for many victories in combat as well as in more peaceful negotiations and other crises. I am pleased that we were able to talk him out of retirement." There was a chuckle heard in the background as a smile crept across the Prince's face.

"With these changes I would like to mention a rising star of the Imperial Republic Military, and protege of Command Marshall Cognatus. I present to you Group Captain Jared Quinn, Former Commander of Army Special Forces, who has also served both in the positions of Interim Executive Officer and Acting Commanding Officer of the Army. While still fairly new to command, he has proven himself time and time again. In a ceremony previous to this broadcast, I appointed Group Captain Quinn to Chief of Combat Operations of the Imperial Republic Military. This position shall serve as a supportive command position to the Minister of Defense, Commandant and Executive Officer of the Armed Forces, and shall assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of military combat operations. We are greatful for his leadership and for all that he brings to the military. We look forward to workign with him in his new position." The screen panned over to the left of Admiral OVERMIND, stood Group Captain Quinn in ceremonial uniform.

"I expect the cooperation of all personnel in the armed forces and in the civilian governments involved with the armed forces to assist and do their part in the process of the merging of branches. I have appointed Command Marshall Cognatus and Group Captain Quinn to oversee the final aspects of the merging and given him authority over such, under the supervision and guideance of myself and the Minister of Defense."