Ask Coruscant A Drawing of Lines

[Emil Ro]

Among the many things Emil Ro sought to address as Supreme Chancellor was the uncertainty surrounding the Sector Rangers. Before the New Republic and the Free Worlds Alliance had gone their separate ways, the Rangers were the protective force that guarded their borders and policed their streets. Now, the organization remained loyal to the Alliance, while its bases and equipment came from the New Republic. This was an issue that needed a speedy solution. So, Emil had sent for a representative from the Alliances' Galactic Senate delegation.

The meeting was one of many that marked the first week of his tenure as Chancellor. Already, he was looking ahead to a foreign trip to the Independent Systems Consortium, which he expected would prove testy after he defiantly stood up to its own representatives in the last Senate session. But that was a headache for another day.

Emil sat behind his desk in the Senate office building, having cleared his schedule for the rest of the afternoon in the hopes of resolving this matter swiftly and without interruption. Even so, he felt this would only be the first of many meetings on this subject. The next would have to be with the Sector Rangers themselves. And he had no idea how they felt about all this. Would they accept new jurisdiction? Or would the act split the Rangers in two? He couldn't say.

Instead, he tapped a pager on his desk and called to Joost. "Send her in," he said simply, and then summoned a droid to pour them both something to drink. @lizzie

 

[Korre Belasi]

Coruscant. Korre seldom traveled this far into the Core, and she never stayed long on the planet when she came to visit. It was crowded, smog-filled, and noisy. The upper levels were certainly luxurious, however. The building which contained the New Republic's chancellor was very nice, as was the room in which she entered to meet him. Truth be told, she was clueless as to why she, out of every FWA senator, had been chosen by Ro when she was more scientist than politician and only on her first term. They had met before, though, so perhaps he was looking for familarity?

"Chancellor Ro, thank you for inviting me here today." She arrived in a modest baby blue dress she felt was more appropriate than the usual gowns she liked to wear, and found a seat across from his desk. Korre wore her usual resting smile as well, looking just as at ease as she usually did. Her emphasis on his new title was in reference to the last time they'd spoken. "Congratulations, by the way. The New Republic is blessed to have new hands behind the wheel."

@Mockingjay

 

[Emil Ro]

"Senator Belasi," Emil said, standing to greet her. "Thank you for making it all the way out here to Coruscant. I hope the trip from Belasco wasn't too trecherous."

The smile he wore was genuine. He had only met Senator Belasi once, and seen her at work in the Galactic Senate from afar, but she was one of the few politicians he liked. Kind, thoughtful, and level-headed. All traits good in a leader and in a diplomat. Would that Belasco were in the Republic, he would have named her to his cabinet.

Emil gestured for them both to sit and then resumed sitting behind the Chancellor's desk.

"I won't waste your time with small talk. We both have work to get to, and the matter in front of us is very serious indeed." He reflected a moment on how best to phrase this; but there really was no easy way to put it, so he decided to be blunt. "The Senate has asked me to look into the matter of the Sector Rangers. Before our two governments split, the Rangers were law enforcement that protected the entire Free Worlds Alliance. Now, the Rangers jurisdiction still falls under the Alliance, though their base of operations remains here on Coruscant; and their funding and supplies come from New Republic coffers." Emil spread his hands wide on his desk. "You can at once see the issue."

"I called you here," he continued, "because you are a fair mind and a reasonable voice. I intend to approach your Prime Minister over this matter. But first, I need to know what you, a member of the Alliance think on this matter. At some point, I will also need to speak to the Rangers themselves." @lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

Korre listened quietly and intently as Ro explained the subject matter at hand. Her brows furrowed once he finished, as she immediately understood the complication of the situation. It seemed the New Republic was essentially paying for a FWA system. No matter how you looked at it, that was objectively unreasonable. She was very glad that they got straight to the point.

"Well, I no doubt see the issue." Korre, who had been leaning just a bit forward as Ro spoke, leaned back. "I think there are a few options. The Free Worlds Alliance could immediately begin construction on a new base of operations for the Rangers and begin supplying their ranks with credits and materials. This, I believe, would be the best course of action for the FWA.

"On the other hand, we could hand jurisdiction over to the New Republic, as you are already supplying their ranks. However, I would strongly guess that no FWA senator would approve of this as the Rangers play a large role in our protection, especially since our planets are much more spread out.

"Alternatively--and this depends on you and the New Republic's interest in keeping the Rangers within the Core--we could look for a way to split the Rangers between our governments. That, however, would be a bit more complicated and would require collaboration between all three parties."

Korre reached out to the desk and picked up the glass poured by the droid. She regarded it for only a moment before taking a sip to clear her throat.

tag: @Mockingjay

 

[Emil Ro]

The options Korre had presented to him were the very options Emil had considered. Here, he needed to be delicate. The Sector Rangers, as Korre had said, were critical to defending the Free Worlds Alliance. Without them, the Sith would invade unimpeded. And yet, the Senate would consider it a victory if the Rangers were to officially join the New Republic.

"You and I think a lot alike, Senator," Emil said. "Those are indeed the options before us. Though we disagree slightly on the best solution." He drummed his fingers against his desk as he settled on the best way to present his case, and when it came to him, looked the senator in the eye. "The Free Worlds Alliance faces more trouble than just its spacing. Mutual defense is something your delegation has stood against as recently as the latest meeting of the Galactic Senate. Some of your worlds dislike the idea of paying for the security of others, I believe was one objection."

"There are others of course. Even if the Alliance were to agree on mutual aid to fund the Rangers, there would be a question of fairness. The wealthiest worlds would be candidates for the new Ranger base, and would be viewed as recieving preferential treatment by worlds unable to pay significant taxes to maintain supplies, equipment, and bases."

Here was where matters got dicey; but he trusted Korre to be honest with him if she thought he was overstepping. That was why he chose her, after all. "An organization like the Rangers requires a robust federal backing. Backing only the New Republic can hope to give it. That is why I think the best solution is to cede jurisdiction over the Rangers to the Republic Senate in exchange for certain assurances. A treaty, if you will, assuring the Alliance and its Prime Minister that the Republic will use its navy to protect our allies in the event of a Sith attack."

There were problems with this proposal. He knew that. There would be problems with any proposal. But this was a start, unless Senator Belasi thought otherwise. @lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

Them disagreeing slightly on the best solution, in Korre's opinion, was a natural result of the two being from two different governments with two very different philosophies in governing. That was not to say Korre did not understand his point of view. Despite the FWA's insistence of a small government, Belasco itself had a very strong central government and ample social programs. But one thing she stressed to remember in her decisions was maintaining knowledge the difference between what worked on her planet, and what would work for the greater FWA. Unless their credits went only to paying what would support FWA planets, they would not be happy. Ro was right about that.

Korre, before responding, took a moment to mull over Ro's words. Belasco, before essentially shutting down their borders to prevent the spread of AMS to the planet, dealt with a fair amount of Five Syndicates activity. They were right on the Ootmian Pabol hyperspace lane, which ran from Nal Hutta through FWA space and eventually into New Republic space. While they had previously prevented the scorn of the Syndicates through a couple different factors, the presence of the rangers had been helpful in keeping crime down around their space. Ceding jurisdiction of them would have a negative impact on Belasco, and she imagined it would for many other planets as well.

"You are right about the monetary needs of the Rangers. The Free Worlds are wary of funding social programs--we are not entirely against it--but we are wary of it. That being said, the Rangers serve us in more ways than a deterrent for Sith attacks. Belasco specifically, as we lie on the path between Syndicate space and the New Republic, appreciates the help from the Rangers in preventing illegal activity. Many other planets do, as well.

"Both of us desire to keep the Rangers. They are beneficial to both the New Republic and the Free Worlds, so I do not think that the best course of action lies in either government giving them up."

Korre crossed her legs and put her hand to her chin as she thought for a moment. She was not here to draft legislation, write a treaty, or put anything in writing, so she did not feel hurried to rush her judgement. Her mind went first to the conversation she had with Dr. Ilana Moarta, as she felt the topic was comparable. The only problem being that they could not bring this to the Galactic Senate necessarily, as it did not (and probably should not) involve the ISC. An idea surfaced after a moment. It would need to involve the Rangers' inputs. Korre lowered her hand to her lap and regarded Ro.

"I think that perhaps it would be beneficial to look into reworking the structure of the Rangers. Two divisions could be created--one for the New Republic and one for the Free Worlds. The New Republic would, in this scenario, gain jurisdiction over a percentage of the Rangers for one division, and the Free Worlds the other. Each division would be funded by their respective associated government."

Of course, this would all have to be discussed between the Rangers and more than just Korre herself, but it seemed like the best compromise to her. It might be a little idealistic, but Korre was in the business of doing what was best for her people. That did not, however, mean she was out to deprive others of something they needed.

tag: @Mockingjay

 

[Emil Ro]

Emil had suspected this was the route Korre would ultimately want to take. It made sense, politically. The Rangers were a precious resource to the Alliance—not just in deterring the Sith, but in keeping the Consortium from seeding crime within its borders. And yet, Emil wasn't convinced that the Free Worlds Alliance could provide the structural framework necessary to fund even half of the Rangers on their own. Not after the recent turmoil in the Galactic Senate. And yet, Korre was also right: none of this matter if the Rangers themselves weren't on board. They had to agree to this, in the end.

"What if we were to call a summit? We could host it right here on Coruscant, or even on Belasco, if you would be willing to help arrange the amenities. The Alliance could nominate a delegate to represent it, the New Republic would have a delegate, as well. And the third delegate could come from within the Sector Rangers themselves." Emil scratched the unshaved scruff on his chin. "As you say, this is a matter that requires their input. And I believe a summit could help to ensure that both governments, and the Rangers themselves, get the best possible deal out this terribly difficult situation."

Even as the question left his lips, he was already thinking about the logistics. The planning, the press would need to be notified, but it was the right move. Korre couldn't make him any assurances, and it was wrong of him to make it feel as though she should. But her support for a summit would get the ball rolling in the right direction. This was a matter that required a diplomatic solution, not the Republic strong arming its allies. @lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

"A summit would probably be the best course of action," Korre agreed. "Considering Belasco's closed borders, it's probably best to host it here on Coruscant, though." She would need to get a nominee from the FWA Senate, but it would be an easy fix with the upcoming assembly. Korre wanted what was best for her people and her nation, but she did not intend to screw the NR out of anything either. If they were both on the same page, getting the Rangers to agree might not be as difficult a task, perhaps.

"Is there anything else of importance, Chancellor?"

@Mockingjay

 

[Emil Ro]

The Chancellor smiled and tipped his head to Senator Belasco. "That settles the most important matter, Senator. I shall alert the press of our decision and at once scour the New Republic Senate for a candidate to be our representative at once. Both of our governments should send notice to the Sector Rangers to select a delegate, as well. The sooner this matter is resolved, the sooner our two governments can put it behind us."

Emil stood, wordlessly summoning his aides with a gesture. "I do thank you for your counsel and wisdom, Senator Belasi. My aides will see that you are brought to your amenities, and I have instructed them to provide you with whatever you need. May the friendship between our Republic and your Free Worlds Alliance continue to prosper."

With a bow, Emil dismissed the Senator and began mentally preparing his statement for the press. The work before him seemed endless. And yet, on this one matter, he finally appeared to be making headway.

/end thread