THE SUPREME LEADER'S GOVERNMENT PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS TO PREPARE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF COMPETITORS FROM ACROSS THE GALAXY
"It started as a friendly rivalry between two Stormtrooper units right here in the Imperial Palace garrison's mess," says Pytr Calinda, head of Ministry of Culture. "And it really grew from there. But it was General Vaas' office that suggested expanding it to what it has become now -- a galactic competition on a galactic scale. It was a lot of work, but I think the results will speak for themselves."
And just what was the work mentioned by Calinda?
"The construction of eco-friendly, pre-fabricated dormitories for the athletes that conformed to the aesthetic standards of Avalonia, not to mention the completion and dedication of Kalast Stadium. We've created protocol to address the tricky diplomatic scenarios to ensure that all who wish to represent their faction will be able to do so safely and without prejudice. We've had to work with the Foreign Office on that -- and with the Supreme Commander to ensure that whatever First Order serviceman qualified to compete in the games and wishes to do so, can do so without creating a security concern or gap in coverage."
"What's more," continues Calinda, "We have worked to secure funding and sponsorship from various corporations in First Order space, as well as donations of uniforms, foodstuffs, and other necessary articles, so that at the end of the gay, the Galactic Games will cost the First Order taxpayer much less than the treasury is likely to take in based on the latest projections of government economists." He puffs his chest proudly. "This event will certainly show the galaxy what the First Order is capable of."
Moff Fortan, who has chaired the process, was similarly enthusiastic. "I would put the citizens and soldiers of the First Order up against any competitor, anywhere in the galaxy. But it's all in good fun -- and this event also gives us the opportunity to showcase First Order hospitality, organization, and architecture to the rest of the galaxy. We're so pleased to play host and we look forward to an outstanding event. I myself will be competing in the steeplechase -- which, I might add, I did not select the route for." She laughs charmingly. "The Galactic Games will be a sight to see, I can promise you that."
KALAST STADIUM: CLASICALLY MODERN
THE 100,000-SEAT STADIUM AT THE CENTER OF THE GALACTIC GAMES IS A TRIUMPH OF FIRST ORDER ENGINEERING
"What else could we name such a stadium?" asks Moff Natasi Fortan, standing on the windswept balcony that overlooks the massive playing field and track that will play host to the Galactic Games soon. "What man, other than the Supreme Leader himself, is more worthy of a public worked named for him? And what structure could be more illustrative of the the character of our own Supreme Commander? Like he, the stadium is sturdy and solid. It will not fall in my lifetime -- in a hundred of my lifetimes. It is classical; in our design of the stadium, we took models from the ancient greats -- the buildings still standing on Naboo, on Alderaan, on other worlds. But it is unmistakably modern. I believe First Order architects and engineers are among the best in the galaxy at balancing these elements into something truly unique and beautiful."
The engineers take over to describe the features of the stadium. "It's got a completely interchangeable playing field. The grass can be switched out for ice for games that involve ice, sand or dirt for gladiatorial combat, or it can be removed entirely to show the Olympic-sized pool, and that pool itself can be expanded for aquatic gladiatorial combat. For offsite sports like podracing, great screens will emerge from the barriers so that spectators can see from their seats. The concessions are second-to-none, and the skyboxes are among the most luxurious and technologically advanced in creation. VIP pods, reserved for use by participating nations' heads of state, will be able to get just about any view of the competition without being able to interfere with the sports. It is an exciting endeavor."
"Steps have been taken to ensure the facilities for the athletes are ample. There is extensive shower, practice, and storage space in secure underground facilities. And, of course, the Galactic Games flame will shine like a beacon to Avalonia," the Chief Engineer gestures to the large, multifaceted torch dominating the pavilion overlooking Avalonia in the distance. "It will be something to see, I tell you, and all broadcast live across the galaxy."
