Ask Lothal A Three-Pronged Crest

[Jal Widase]

In his role as a military advisor to the FWA, Widase had seen his share of politicking. It was still an arena that he did not fully understand or appreciate; the finer points of governance, elocution, . Despite his high position, clean ships, and burgeoning aristocratic accent, Widase still viewed himself as a rough-and-tumble sailor at heart. Smuggling had brought him into half the ports in the Outer Rim, his commission with the Trade Fleet the other half, but that wasn't "travel," per se. Not like the diplomatic travel was, at any rate; taking in rich cultural exhibitions, seeing the heights of galactic society's accomplishments, this was real learning. Combined with the endless reports, numbers, papers, facts, figures, and all other documentation of a respective world's culture that he had to read even before his meetings, he felt like he was truly a student of the galaxy at present. This was standard fare for the galaxy's senators, of course, but the sheer formality of it all was astounding.

He had come to appreciate some of the finer points of diplomacy, though. Especially when it could reduce or alleviate conflict. He was no longer the hot-headed sailor of his youth; he served a higher cause in the FWA and the Crown of Mon Cala. And he had seen the value of diplomacy time and time again during his work; shared values and kind words had created trade deals worth far more than his meager smuggling-and-blasting returns ever had. There was a lesson in there, perhaps, about the possibility of peaceful reconciliation. Or, perhaps, the lesson was about the vast disparity in wealth and struggle between representatives of major powers and the proverbial "little guys," smugglers trying to make ends meet. A more sophisticated thinker would have to ponder that.

As his ship began to dock in Lothal City, Widase was first struck by the beauty of the landscape. He had grown accustomed to the great oceans of his home, or the ecumenopolis of the wider galaxy. On Dac, design was carefully, elegantly, made to highlight the natural beauty of the world's deep oceans. Buildings, ships, clothing, all made to match the perfect designs of massive coral reefs, sandy beaches, and moving tides. While each world, of course, had a unique and divergent landscape alongside a new culture, it was not often that a land-based settlement struck him as beautiful in a similar way. Buildings were made of local stones, larger architectural works were subtly crafted to emulate the feeling of great mountains of rock and dirt. It was true these people had an appreciation for their world's great bounty.

It was this thought that carried him off of the port, towards the estate of Senator Starros. The idea that we are, by virtue of being, connected to something greater than ourselves. It was the core mission of the Galactic Senate, and its various governing bodies in the ISC, NR, and FWA. The FWA - his odd family. A body of planets that were, seemingly, only unified in their desires for autonomy. It made passing any kind of intragalactic legislation incredibly burdensome - already, the representatives from the FWA have routinely criticized any kind of bulk arms stockpile or defensive treaty. A difficult place to be in, as a military advisor, when some of your advisees don't see the need for a military. But, he had come to appreciate his faction's eccentricities, too. Autonomy and independence had created nimble actors amongst their stars' politics, and when cooperation was necessary, he truly believed that the FWA would not disappoint.

The question was, now, does Starros believe the same? If not - at least Widase had the chance to see another lovely world that the galaxy had brought forth.

@Nor'baal

 

[Cal Starros]

There had been little doubt in the Senators mind for the past few months, that Lothal stood on the front line against one of the most dangerous foes in modern times - the Sith Empire. It was why he had spent much of his time shoring up the defences of his homeworld, such as the new shield and anti-air systems over the city, and the roving defence turrets, and advancing alliances with other worlds and groups, New Alderaan and the Jedi, who now occupied a temple on his world, to name a few.

As such, when Widase of Mon Cala had reached out, Starros head nearly bitten the man's hand off to get a sit-down.

From his research, Starros had learned that his guest today was one of the most well-respected commanders of his world, and that was something he could very much use. He approached the Mon Cala with a smile on his face, and shook the man's hand "Commander, it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person - my name is Cal Starros, and I am the Senator for Lothal. Thank you for coming all this way, I believe we have a great deal to discuss, and there is a degree of urgency to it. We stand on the border with the Sith Empire, and Empire I very much intend to ensure expands no further into the Free World's than it has already."

 

[Jal Widase]

Senator Starros - a figure of growing importance within the FWA. His bold senatorial remarks, alongside his ambitious attempts at diplomacy on Felucia, had left a mark upon Widase's memory. Though, that was likely true of many across the FWA. In person, Widase had practically expected a glowing light to envelop him, holding an ancient copy of the Old Republic's constitution and riding a massive loth-wolf. He did not quite fit that superhuman image; no, he was perfectly human, so it seemed. And humans have motivations beyond selfless devotion to cause. This would be an important opportunity to evaluate just what those motives were: A misplaced sense of pride or glory-seeking behavior were downright dangerous attitudes in the threat of the seemingly-implacable Sith Empire. An Empire in truth, they seemed to learn from every victory, every loss, shedding their old skin to become a new, winding snake that was coiling its way around the galaxy. Manic cultists had become a legitimate army, the mysterious old leader replaced with a public-facing and charismatic Empress. The last thing Mon Cala needed was to be in this Empire's iron sights.

Widase offered a handshake; his thick, black leather gloves were rough to the touch. "The feeling is mutual. It's not everyday that I meet a politician of such conviction." He let out a small chuckle, which mingled with a cough already brewing in his throat. He used the opportunity to clear his throat, to make his next statement sound authoritative. "And as a military advisor to the Free Worlds Alliance, I certainly appreciate your efforts here. The defense of our shared borders is one of the greatest challenges ahead of us." If only because the FWA seemed to balk at any attempt to commit its constituents' forces to a single cause.

He gestured forwards, towards the sweeping plains of Lothal. The sun was still low in the sky, its radiance just beginning to surround the green pastures. He began to walk, at a leisurely pace, among these pastures. "Senator Starros, I would like to open with an old Dac story, if you'll permit me." He continued on without waiting for a response. "In the late days of the Old Republic, just after the Grand Army's victory against the Confederacy and the blacklisting of Jedi, Mon Cala had a young king. King Lee Char, a member of an unbroken dynasty stretching millennia. Lee-Char, with the aid of the Jedi and the Clone Troopers, had effectively quashed a civil war on the planet to assert his right to rule. But the war took many lives, and we are at our core a peaceful people." He put his hand over his heart as he said the word peaceful. Dramatic effect.

"So, understandably, the people of Mon Cala desired a return to normalcy after this horrendous civil war. For a moment, 'normalcy,' implied subjugation - the onslaught of the all-powerful Galactic Empire. But King Lee-Char had different plans, for in his ears whispered an advisor of great power: A Jedi. This Jedi spun tales to the King of a great revolution that was just upon the horizon, he had foreseen it with his Force magics. And he revealed that, should the King light the first beacon, the rest of the galaxy would follow." He paused for a moment, using the opportunity to once again admire the sunrise on a new world. In all of the galaxy's greatness, such a simple event was still so beautiful.

"So King Lee-Char, acting with the knowledge provided by the Jedi, stood against the great Empire. He imagined an instant victory, a swift and resounding strike that would drive the Empire away. The battle against the Galactic Empire was no such thing - billions of lives, Mon Cala and Quarren alike, were lost like that." He snapped his fingers to punctuate the remark. "Our fleet, a marvel of engineering, the arts, and diplomacy, was turned crudely into an effective war machine capable of punching through Imperial armor. Our people, much the same; diplomats and Royal Guards turned into guerilla warriors to fight for the galaxy."

"I want to make it clear, Senator Starros, Dac has remained a beacon of liberty that shines bright upon the galaxy. And we will not trade our freedom for servitude to any, no matter how much plenty is promised." He put his hand to his chin thoughtfully, pondering a way to end his story. "The Sith Empire is a threat that we can meet together, as brothers-in-arms. But we must be brothers, not pawns, to face the challenges that lie ahead." He turned back to Starros and smiled. "I don't mean to imply that you, Senator Starros, have any intentions of using our resources towards ill intent. But your oft-poetic words in Senate have made you a target of some aggression - both by the New Republic, who has struck back against the Sith Empire, and the Empire itself. I wanted to meet you in person so that we could, collectively, work towards a cool-headed response that strengthens our mutual positions in any coming conflict."

@Nor'baal

 

[Cal Starros]

Taking the man's hand, Starros was reminded of the immense importance of what was to happen here today. For centuries the people of Lothal had lived in peace, and they had grown used to it. Yet, as the times changed, so must their approach to the preservation of that peace. The Senator had been concerned in recent months that, should diplomacy fail, Lothal was simply unable to protect itself in any way.

It was why they had welcomed the construction of a large dome-like shield over the capital, supported by anti-air weapons and mobile anti-infantry defences. It was why he had headed to another world with the Senator for New Alderaan to purchase ships for the planet's protection, and it was why he now sought to devise an army for the planet itself.

”Thank you Widase, I was not aware of the extent of your people's history in that regard. If I might assuage your concerns from the off, war is not my desire, indeed I fail to see why anyone would wish for it - it is however my fear. I cannot shake the belief that the Sith Empire will come for Lothal, New Alderaan, and even Mon Cala in due time, should we refuse to bend the knee.”

“History has shown that those who stand up to tyranny must be prepared to face the consequences, and that is what I intend to do.”

“Under the last Empire, Lothal was brought to the brink of ruin, our people effectively enslaved, and our natural beauty torn apart. It took decades to rebuild, and the memory still lives through our history. I simply will not let it happen again. I believe we cannot do this alone, and we must work with our neighbors to shore up our security in this region.”

“Let me be clear. If Lothal falls, New Alderaan, Mon Cala and others suffer, and vice versa. We only survive when we work together. I want to see Lothalite ships aiding Mon Cala in the event of an invasion, New Alderaan engineers shoring the line, and more. I want to work with you, to develop an army here on Lothal, that can be used to defend this region.”

Mentioned - @The Good Doctor @Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

Widase was, indeed, assuaged. "I am glad to hear, Senator. I am in complete agreement - it is only through cooperation, horizontal cooperation, that we have any chance of winning here." Widase turned his gaze towards the city, admiring the bustling construction of the defensive weapons platforms. Mon Cala, too, had been abuzz with the creation of orbital and surface-level defensive guns and shields, moving civilians to safe locations; general emergency preparations. Any world that could, certainly would. "I do wonder how we could reach a diplomatic end to conflict. You cannot defeat an enemy you do not understand and..." He thought to the total strangeness of the conflict with the Sith Empire. Changing heads of state with a continuity of government, targets attacked seemingly at random, and, most curiously, unclear casus belli from all parties. A war that had escalated from a Ranger investigation; a cult that has taken over a significant portion of the galaxy. Were they all preparing to fight a war of extinction? "I am ashamed to admit that I do not fully understand them."

"So, I do hope that diplomacy will win the day. But, what is the saying? 'Speak softly, and carry a Gaffi stick'? A strong military presence with be a useful diplomatic tool." It was the reason he was here today - to speak to the passionate Senator about developing a more robust military presence across the FWA. Starros, and thus Lothal, had a great deal of momentum at present; if Mon Cala and Lothal came out first, perhaps it could convince others to follow.

"I have great faith in our peoples," he continued, watching a large repulsorlift vehicle load durasteel plating to the top of an anti-air cannon. "Because I have great faith in our strategy. In the war against the Empire of old, the Rebel Alliance fought far worse odds against a far larger Empire. They pursued something called the 'stateless strategy,' if you recall." He referred to the concept where a numerically smaller and much weaker military could defeat a larger one by leveraging the vastness of space against their enemy. Without a clearly defined homeworld, a central locus of their power, this "stateless" enemy would be able to continue to fight, indefinitely, without properly defined territory. The resources used in trying to control all of space at once were beyond even the most sophisticated Empire's ability. "As the late Admiral Firmus Nantz said: 'Control space and you control any battlefield you can imagine. Unfortunately you cannot control space.'" He chuckled at the remark.

"Our lack of a defined command structure has been viewed as a weakness by the New Republic, by the Sith. They think us weak, incapable of defending our worlds." To an extent, Widase actually agreed with them. To date, the Free Worlds Alliance had balked at any attempt at collective retaliation against the Sith Empire, while loudly lambasting any who did. "This weakness is a strength: The crest of the Rebel Alliance was many-headed, unable to be stopped at once. If we can find a way to unify this concept of stateless resistance with the need to develop fortress worlds..." The strategies were often thought opposite each other - fortress worlds were high-value, planetary targets. Stateless strategies relied on a near-infinite number of incredibly low value conflicts and targets to bleed out their enemies. A death of one thousand cuts. "We can create a real fighting force. Imagine, if you will: an FWA full of well-armed militias, ready to support each other at a moment's notice. Each world of strategic importance will be heavily defended - making invasions long and costly to the invader. Citizen soldiers, fighting for their world to the last breath, even in the event of an enemy occupation." It sounded grim, but it was likely the reality of the coming war in Widase's mind.

"In the meantime, the rest of the FWA's militias are able to rally and strike back against the enemy in proper, targeting their invasion fleets, cutting off logistical points, attacking VIPs or even the homeworlds and governments. Discrete and low-intensity resistance on occupied worlds, in the meantime. It could cripple the warmachine, which would be unable to prosecute a thousand wars at once."

He looked back to the Senator, his eyes firmly settling to meet Starros' own. "Which brings me to my proposal, I suppose. Someone must set the example here. I believe, it is us and the time is now. Mon Cala and Lothal, today, sign a voluntary defensive pact against any enemies - be they Sith or Republican - and begin joint training exercises to develop strong planetary militias. I believe we could recruit the Sector Rangers to help lead this training, or perhaps pool the resources together to hire mercenaries for the task. Training civilians to use arms, preparing them ideologically against enemy propaganda and magicks, creating detailed and localized emergency preparations: These tasks will require outside help of some sort, I believe."

Having finished his pitch, he took a breath. "What do you think?"

@Nor'baal

 

[Cal Starros]

For once it was a pleasure to be engaging in good like minded conversation with others who shared his passion for the continued freedom and liberty of his worlds. Cal felt at ease with this newcomer, but also was slightly concerned at the mans willingness to seek to understand the enemy, when history itself rendered them with all the information they required. "There is little to understand with regard to the Sith that history itself cannot teach us. Under the last 'Empire', six worlds where deleted from the map, resulting in 146 billion deaths. The lives of ordinary people are meaningless to the Sith Order, history has shown us this fact time and time again."

"Diplomacy in many ways merely allows sides more time to build up for the inevitable war that is coming."

"When the Sith took to the holo-broadcasts, telling worlds that they should 'submit or die', I believe it was made clear that the Empire has no intention of anything other than conquest and subjugation. As ever, the Sith remain hell-bent on total and complete power at any cost." Cal made his position on the Sith clear. He did not trust them, and he doubted he ever would. There was nothing whatsoever that made him doubt his position - the Sith thrived off of destruction and chaos, seeking to reap it on anyone and anything that stood in the way of their goal - total and complete conquest.

"Your suggestions with regard to the armed forces I find myself in total agreement with. We must ensure that we can fight back, using whatever resources we have. On behalf of Lothal, I accept your offer."

 

[Jal Widase]

The feeling of pleasure and ease was mutual. Widase respected Starros' resolve, an unbending passion to the ideals of the FWA that would be necessary in any coming war. Durasteel ships and iron men were needed to win wars; Starros could well be the latter. Still, he had to advocate for an attempt at peace.

"History teaches us a great deal about the Sith, this is true. An Empire of bloodthirsty, Force-wielding marauders, dead set on setting the galaxy aflame. Taking innocent lives to use for cruel rituals. The desecration of the beauty of the galaxy, both in its sentient life and in its natural form." The Sith were a mythical evil made manifest, a storybook monster given a real armada. In many ways, Widase agreed with the Senator on their level of threat. But they also had an obligation to their constituents to fight for peace, and the reprisals from all sides in this war had put many civilians to countless early graves. "I must admit, even if diplomacy can only buy time; it is time that is much needed, Senator. Time to save those that we can by evacuating them to neutral space, readying our forces for combat, bringing other worlds to our side." Widase still felt the FWA was unready, at present, for a conflict. The Sith had consolidated their armies and their rule, creating a professional army and their own weapons manufactories; an uncalculated, aggressive move could leave them vulnerable in a time when

"History teaches us much, Senator Starros, but I believe we must be ready to face a changing galaxy. We live in the present, not the past. History governs the past. And it is our willpower, not history, that governs the present." He took a moment to think of an example, to make his point more readily clear. "Our worlds, Taris and Denon, still lie in Sith hands. Meanwhile, we have taken the fight to places unknown, of questionable military use."

He sighed, worried he was straying to become blunt or insulting. "Felucia was an example of this. A world that voluntarily joined the Sith, for whatever reasons we may disagree with. I do not argue whether or not a strike there was justified, I question its strategic value if we are unable to hold the world." He continued on, having found the stride within the argument. "And that is something the FWA is unqualified to do. Hold worlds. We are a democracy first and foremost, not an imperialist power. If we are to prosecute a war, we must go in with clearly defined parameters of victory. I believe those parameters would be the restitution of our sovereign territory and a terms of peace agreeable to the peoples of those worlds. Unless, of course, you feel that your militia is ready for total war; ready to occupy the Sith's worlds' on Exegol, Korriban, Dromuund Kaas." It was not a rhetorical statement, but a reminder of what war implied. If committed fully, the FWA would flush out Sith from every hole, destroy every bunker, throw all their blood-colored lightsabers into a mighty furnace after victory had been declared.

"I appreciate your willingness to fight, Senator Starros. I am prepared to begin our cross-training exercises as soon as I can meet with your military's leadership." The execution of the plan would rely on close coordination between the two worlds, something Mon Cala was ready to commit to. Alone, isolated in the Outer Rim next to the Empire, many were fearful of the threat the Sith represent. Others considered the Sith to be an isolated religious threat, a greater risk to the Core Worlds and those who harbored Jedi than themselves. Perhaps a belief that was changing, given the random incursions into neutral, Republic, and FWA space that they had made. "I believe we have use for your diplomatic tact still. We will need the Republic on our side in the growing conflict with the Sith. That Supreme Chancellor is a testy one." Widase had not protested the military actions of the Republic, viewing the Sith's occupation as a clear and present threat to the whole galaxy. Strikes against the world were strikes against a terrorist organization wearing the skin of a legitimate planet.

"And we need more FWA worlds on our side. I believe conversations, like the ones we're having, will be more effective than proposals before the Free Worlds' Senate. Perhaps we can travel together, Senator, to Kashyyyk and Onderon. These two worlds are known for their fearsome troops; if we can add them to our growing alliance, we would have a fighting force." He paused, formulating his final request.

"Perhaps, you can negotiate with the FWA Senate to approve letters of marque, too? Allow mercenaries, pirates, volunteers to bolster our numbers."

He chuckled before he spoke his next part. "I am going to meet with her. The 'Empress.'" He took off his thick, black gloves, allowing the sun to kiss the gray-green of his blubbery skin. "It is out of my hands, ordered from the Crown itself. But, for what it is worth, I agree with the command." The sun felt different, on this world. It enveloped him, filling his chest with the warmth akin to a hug from a loved one. Perhaps it was simply the day, this morning, that gave the feeling. Perhaps it was the Force, extending its divine touch. Perhaps it was just Widase's mind, resolved to see his mission through. "I have my doubts. I am unsure I will survive this encounter. But if Mon Cala can save even one life through diplomacy, we must. I understand you will have your disagreements, but you have my guarantee that I will do nothing to put the Free Worlds Alliance or our two worlds at greater risk. I do not trust the Sith, you must understand. But I will not let them drag us down to their depths. Mon Cala will meet and, failing any peaceable resolutions, offer a formal declaration of war."

@Nor'baal

 

[Cal Starros]

Widase was certainly well-schooled in his history, however Senator Starros could not escape the concern he held that the current Sith Empire would do anything they coulld to obfuscate the lessons of the past. He new that their approach was one of 'increasing distance', namely that they sought to distance themselves from the past, and claim they where blameless. There was a degree of logic to it, yet it did not make them more trustworthy in his eyes.

The Sith claimed that their fued was with the Jedi.

They claimd that was the link between the recent attacks. Yet, how was this the case? Was Ferrerro a world teeming with Sith when it was firebombed? No.

"The teachings of the Sith have not changed, their core ideology remains the same. We must buy time, because I believe we both know what is coming. They steam across the galaxy, crushing worlds at their whim; we must be ready to be the immoval object, to their seemingly unstoppable force." he replied to the Mon Cala commander, appealing as best he could to the man.

Senator Starros avoiding responding to the raising of the Felucia issue.

"I will arrange for you to meet out military leaders, and thereafter the work can begin to ensure Lothal can join our defences with readiness. I will raise the letters of marque in the FWA senate, and, furthermore, shall reach out to the NR on matters of further cooperation. However, I must warn you -" he looked directly at the Mon Cala "- the Empress is dangerous. She has killed before, we have seen it on the holo -" he referred to the live stream of Preef Callos death "- and she can do so again. Please, be careful."

 

[Jal Widase]

Starros was right - war was on the horizon. And, loathe as he was to bring it to Mon Cala, there was no doubt that a strategic alliance with Mon Cala's closest neighbor, Lothal, was appropriate. The worlds had common interests, and essentially common borders; were Lothal to ever be lost, be it to Republic bombing, Syndicate invasion, or Sith conquest, the security of Mon Cala's corner of the Outer Rim would be in doubt. The two worlds needed each other. Or, they were incredibly significant to one another, at the very least.

"You have a great sense of wisdom on these matters, Senator Starros. I appreciate your concern. But, know that should I or my King ever fall, the great Fleet of Mon Cala will rain fire upon those who would betray us." A little bit of chest-puffing to assuage the concerns of his compatriot. "Let us have faith. And when faith fails, let's have big guns."

"I look forward to meeting your military staff. We have great works ahead of us to build, Senator Starros." Widase stared again towards the military-industrial bustle of Lothal City. It was a city preparing for siege, a world preparing for war. Yes, they both did know what was coming. And if it would be war, Mon Cala would not be on the losing side.

/Exit Thread

@Nor'baal