Though full details were not disclosed in Senator Koresh's public statement, sources in the Senate say the new evidence indicates the accused were innocent victims in a malicious bid to destroy their rising popularity. A special sub-committee, assembled on short notice last night to evaluate the evidence and make a recommendation, has given full support to the proposal to drop all charges. The proposal is expected to pass today in the Republic Senate. However, Amber's representative, Senator Rein, has requested a delay to the proceedings.

One year ago, in the wake of the confusion surrounding the attack in Amber Castle and King Random's disappearance, information came to light implicating the singer Cara Sylvain, Jedi Padawan (now Knight) Aidan D'Eian, and Focus Magazine journalist (now Duchess of Rebma) Helena Shevala in a plot to undermine the Republic. The serious nature of the accusations led the Senate to approve the unprecedented use of bounty hunters in efforts to bring them to justice.

In spite of approving bounty hunter activity in the Republic for the first time ever, both Jedi Knight D'Eian and Duchess Shevala have been openly residing in Amber and Rebma for several weeks without being arrested. Speculation has run rampant that this is due to payoffs made to Senators and Republic officials, though sources within the Republic have not confirmed this.

Bryce Garabaldi, a strong supporter of the proposal and current president of the official Cara Sylvain Fan Club, released a statement last year asserting the singer's innocence and calling for solidarity from her fans. He says he feels vindicated by this new development. "I knew there was no way she could have been a traitor. I met her once backstage, and she's too great to stoop that low. Besides, we're her fan base. If she betrayed us, who would she sell her music to?"

Jedi Knight D'Eain also enjoys strong support in the Republic. Rumors on the Net claim that D'Eain played a pivotal role in the arrest and detainment of Prince Benedict of Amber, who has been stripped of his Jedi Master title as the result of a series of unspecified murders in Amber City.

Though the proposal to drop the charges has been lauded by some as the most intelligent thing the Senate has done all year, it is also a source of disappointment for some, specifically about the method used to resolve the case.

"I know a trial would have taken a long time, but it would have been better than this," said Dorine McConnell, a reporter with the Shadow Earth Shadowverse Tribune and vocal supporter of the three Traitors, especially her former colleague Helena Shevala. "I work in the news; I know a lot of people won't know Helena's name was cleared unless the media makes a big deal out of a trial. This way, well, at least one newspaper is taking an interest."

Ms. McConnell was not the only person to comment on the curious circumstances surrounding the proposal. Senator Merit Azuray of Shadow Kategeno asserted, "Secret meetings with selected members of the Senate? Shadowy new evidence that just happened to show up now? Who are they trying to fool? This smells like a cover-up to me."

None of the three formerly accused Traitors were available for comment, though House Shevala in Rebma released a public statement that members of the House are pleased the ridiculous rumors will finally be put to rest. Queen Xanieas of Rebma also noted, "We were never in doubt of our subject's loyalty to the mighty Republic, and are pleased that this has been resolved without conflict. We of Rebma welcome all of these wrongly accused persons to our peaceful realm."