Looking at a list of datacron locations, it seems like it's impossible to get three of the same color matrix shard without going to the starter worlds of the other faction.

 

Is this possible, if so how, if not how am I supposed to get three of a kind?

That is not correct. There are 3 of every color shard available to both factions. The guide you looked at probably is incomplete (most are missing Ilum for example)

That makes sense.

 

So it is impossible to go to the early planets of the enemy then, though? (It's also annoying because of social vendor stuff and such)

Right, you cant go to opposite faction starter planets or capital worlds. (even if you could you could not access vendors since you'd be killed before you got to them) You also cannot go to opposite faction versions of Taris or Balmorra. Every other planet is open though. Edited January 5, 2012 by jtzako

Bleh. Which makes it impossible to get some social items for each side.

 

Oh well. Now if only I knew of a version of the Imperial Dancer's Outfit that wasn't security key vendor. (The republic gets a reskinned slave outfit, and the empire gets something completely unique? Seems odd)

 

They also should just rename this section Q&A, because lets face it, general is no place to be asking questions.