The "Band of Nine" is a large, roving group of space pirates that have come into posession of several military starships.  The group, which is approximately 25 years old, originally had a fleet of nine vessels over 1000 tons in displacement, including an Azanti High Lighting class cruiser.  Over the years however the outlaw group has suffered losses during clashes with Republic Navy forces, and the system defense forces of independent worlds outside of the Republic.  The Band often splits up so the exact size of the fleet and membership is not known, but thought to be only 4 or 5 large ships. The fleet is currently known to include a 3000-ton Warhound Class Light Cruiser, which has often been spotted transponding as The Ishim, the Vilani word for "Death".

    Band of Nine has had several leaders over it's 25 year history.  It is currently led by a man named John Stiles, who manages the fleet and the group's activities.  The Band of Nine roams from world to world, usually outside of the Republic, often extorting supplies and provisions from worlds that are unable to defend themselves, and engaging in space piracy.  The group has no particular political or religious motivations that are openly known, and exists more as a self-sustaining haven for wandering rogues, misfits, and outcasts.
 
 

T