In this week's Voices, there is a mixed bag of responses from you, the concerned galactic citizen! Our past four issues have dealt with some of the ideals which keep the Galactic Republic afloat: equality, openness of information, and the importance of liberty to an oppressed and tired people. To kick off our fifth publication of Voices of the Republic, let us reflect on the words sent back and forth by users in our fourth publication, Aliens, before we converse on this week's topic about the trials and tribulations of the freedom of Hyperspace lanes.

HoloNet users of two vastly different ideologies had it out on our forum, as well as one very opinionated Chiss who saw it ample opportunity to plug the official and non official stance of the Chiss Ascendency. In the end, it seemed that all non-humans were well-respected in the Galactic Republic and the xenophobic tendencies in the Sith Empire was an agreed-upon fault.

BLASTech has a special feature today. We have hunted the galaxy and found one of the fiercest warriors in it—a Mandalorian clan leader who is as deadly as he is well equipped. But read at your own peril, as some of this warrior's tales are bone chilling and gruesome.

 Hello! Thanks for taking the time to sit down with BLASTech HoloZine. Would you like to introduce yourself to the viewers?

I am Nas'cuyan Bes'uliik, alor of Clan Bes'uliik, alor Mando'a for "leader." I lead Clan Bes'uliik as my father did before me, though that's not to say clan leadership is inherited through blood. I was simply the one best suited for the task at the time and I did my part of the aliit, my family.

It must have taken a lot to gain that position. So what are your specialties? What got you to where you are today?

I am heavy infantry, assault, and semi-airborne. That means that I wear the heaviest beskar'gam I can get my hands on and specialize in offensive actions but don't compromise my mobility by using a jet-pack to get around during combat and in the field.

Game Update 1.2 keeps getting closer, and with it, the introduction of The Old Republic's Legacy System. While other MMOs have global chat systems and names, no other major online game has gone as far as TOR in connecting our characters. The idea was one BioWare has had since the game's inception, since many of the great Star Wars characters are linked by blood. Darth Vader revealing himself to be Luke's father remains one of the best twists in movie history, but how does that work for roleplay in TOR? It's a little hard to wrap your head around at first. Despite the available races being near-human or humanoid, there's still a lot of variation between a Twi'lek and a Chiss. How exactly would they breed, if it's even possible? The good news is the developers thought of that too, and you can add your characters instead as allies or adversaries to the central family tree. 

From stark white, to the bright bursts of color, the armor of our soldiers and independent contractors is vast and always changing. Whether it be a new alloy, or a new HUD interface, these pieces of Tech are constantly improving. But they all do one basic thing: make you a better fighter. Just like the offensive blaster, your armor can be customized to any sort of situation or preference. The fighting Republic soldier, to the fierce Bounty Hunter, they are all alike in their love and use of armors.

Independents like the Bounty Hunters or the many different Security Contractors, they sometimes wield some of the most advanced and high-tech kits. The Mandalorians are well known  to take great pride in their unique armor. Classically, Mandalorian armor is made of Mandalorian Iron, better known as beskar—practically blaster-proof and strong enough to withstand lightsaber attacks! But chances are you see more common durasteel and carbon fiber equipped armor, which is more economical—may not be as strong, but just as useful. It can take multiple blaster hits and withstand harsh elements. With helmet on, the wearer is practically encased in armor, which is why it is so often worn by heavy fighters.

But that helmet is one of the most effective force multipliers the combatant can utilize. Wired up with HUD interfaces, voice command recognition, and Sight Improvement Technology, the HUD can view everything that is going on inside and out. Some new improvements allow you to track up to thirty targets at once. Able to be interfaced with blasters and jets that are fitted to the back, it is pivotal in a fight. Voice commands can fire up the jet-pack communicate to other users, keeping you in constant control of the field. And no matter if you are taking the fight to the night, or through a wall, infrared and night vision lenses are a standard.

Without a doubt, one of the top fastest expanding pieces of Tech that is happening! Thanks again for tuning into BLASTech HoloZine. Remember to send in your Comms and HoloVids to BLASTech! This is Jace Draden signing out!