Open Galactic Senate Chandrila Assembly of the Galactic Senate

[Caliban Drast]

"No one," Caliban spoke up in response to the words of President Thorne, his words calm, his demeanor calmer still, "President Thorne, is making you do anything on the drop of a dime. What we are doing is discussing possibilities, options. The proposal put forward by our esteemed colleagues in the Free Worlds has obviously failed to garner the support it needs to pass. But out of that discussion was born an idea that I thought could benefit one and all. Instead of listening to the all the so called bickering and countering with more of the same or Force forbid meandering fear-mongering," he gave the briefest of glances towards York when he said that, before returning his attention to the leader of the Independent Systems, "I shared something that could benefit us all. Maybe your understanding of the Sith is greater than mine, I will happily admit to not being perfect, but despite the counter arguments you presented I still believe there might be some benefit in the creation of a Security Council. The next time the Hutts encroach upon one of your planets, allied peacekeeping forces standing at the ready could respond much faster than anyone else could come to their aid. The next time a Free Worlds trade route is persistently harassed by pirates, allied peacekeeping forces could respond much sooner than any planetary forces could sort out issues of jurisdiction and take action. They would not be an all powerful force that would solve all our problems, but they could be a quick response force that might buy us the time to take the right actions to deal with most conflicts."

He looked around him, noticing the different reactions on the faces of his colleagues. Some were in favor of such a centralized force, some where vehemently against it. He was very likely putting them on edge just by bringing up such things. "Sure, this idea might have been born out of a concern of Sith aggression, and if I take your word for it then it might not be as grave a threat as some here think. Locked away in the core my dealings with the Sith have been a lot less limited than you my friends, " he would look around to look at both Free World and Independent Systems members he knew to be at bigger risk of Sith aggression, "so forgive my ignorance. But I ask what holds you from discussing this proposal further, even if at a future date, other than any seeming focus on the Sith, or an encroachment on your ability to work in the best interests of the people you represent. Unfortunately Governor York we are already in an alliance, so all I ask is we work together to keep it strong. Part of that is understanding each other, so all I can ask is you help me understand when I don't. We are all just flesh and bone, and we are all limited in our own ways."

@Sreeya @Isen @LouJoVi @Mockingjay @lizziie

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc rubbed his chin in thought for a moment before addressing Drast. He was one of the few men that the half Sephi actually respected both in and out of the senate chambers. When actually present and active, Drast had proven himself exceptionally capable.

“Walk me through a scenario, Senator Drast,” He said calmly, “Say the ISC is already engaged in a fight with the syndicates. The Sith attack Ithor. What actions would then take place? What would ISC be required to do? Would the ISC then be considered to be in a two front war? And if this is voluntary, how will you mitigate or address the inevitable finger pointing when one governing body sends less resources than others for whatever reason? Who will drive the defense efforts? Who will answer if we send resources that are then lost in battle and we are asked to provide more when it’s a battle we otherwise could have avoided? ”

He paused for a moment, “And where will the Jedi fit into this? ISC worlds largely do not want to affiliate with the Jedi. Those are the wishes of my people regardless of my personal opinions on the matter.”

“Sell my people and I on this, Senator Drast, and you may have our support.”

@Wit

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

For the first time in her life Sibyl was embarrassed. How President Thorne heard Tristodd's question? Then she remembered that the man was a half-selphi, a species that are known for having a good hearing. The worst part of this entire situation he answered it in a way that could turn public opinion against the New Republic and more importantly against her.

"I'm sorry, Senator." Tristodd said, this time trying not to speak too loud. He was red with embarrassment. Sibyl looked at him furious, her desire to throw him out of the pod increasing. "I thought that he would not heard what I was saying." he continued, now doing a face that reminded Sibyl of a child that is apologizing to the parents after having done something wrong. She hates children. "But after President Thorne explained the situation of the ISC, I think that I agree at least in part with their reluctance. They have more imminent threats than the Sith to deal with." the young man continued. At this point Sibyl wanted to strangle him.

"Tristodd, dear, I think that you already talked a lot for today." she falselly smiled at him and turned to listen Senator Drast and President Thorne discussing. The Senator of Brentaal decided to remain silent and plan to compensate this situation, even if she needed to force Tristodd to apologize to the ISC representatives for speaking out of time.

@Sreeya

 

[Korre Belasi]

Korre had nothing more to say; she had not been convince by any of the other opinions that the original script of the proposal was worth salvaging, even with an amendment. She was a bit surprised that the ISC president directed his questioning of the FWA's actions regarding their stolen worlds to her, rather than the FWA Prime Minister which sat in a pod not even three meters from him. Her brows furrowed as she realized, too, that the Torgutan woman had yet to chime in at all regarding this proposal. Was she for it, or against it? Did she not desire to lead the conversation?

Korre pulled her datapad to her lap and began to make notes on it while the conversation between President Thorne and Senator Drast continued.

 

[Caliban Drast]

Caliban was a seasoned enough player on this stage to not put up so open a show of emotion, but his aide could see the man's reaction in his demeanor. President Thorne's response was exactly what he had been hoping for, actual arguments, valid questions which didn't simply reject what was said but pointed fallacies that he asked the Coruscanti representative to address. This is what politics should be, not the pointless bickering and roundabout maneuvering it was often reduced to.

"Valid points, one and all. And points that make me realize that the first part of my proposal, born out of an evolution on the original agenda item is not viable. It has the same limitation of forcing wars on each of us. But the second half alone, the creation of a Security Council that could operate as a peacekeeping force without any binding enforcement of wars on anyone might be one that could satisfy you." He paused for a moment to think on the remaining questions, and the more he thought the more he was convinced that an independent body without any allegiances forced on anyone might be possible. "The Security Council could be lead by representatives from each member state, Republic, Free Worlds, Independent Systems, the Jedi, and any future members, picking representatives who would vote on what action to take, and how. As for the Jedi, I think it should still be within the purview of the Republic, the Free Worlds, or the Independent Systems to refuse aid, be it from the Security Council as a whole or specific elements under its command. The freedom to refuse aid is just as vital as the freedom to ask for it. I would consider each of us to be more than willing and capable to resolve any conflicts within out borders, but in such matters what this new body would offer would simply be an additional resource to call upon if the need arose."

He had still left out one question, the matter of volunteering forces, and he came to it last. He knew what his answer would be, but it was one that would not work for many. "As for the matter of volunteering forces. Consider me an idealist, but I would hope that we would find it in the best interest of the people we represent to support this cause, and it is in that hope that i put my trust. But beyond that an answer illudes me, so I leave it to the wisdom of others here to come up with a solution that best suits them." In the end he could not change everyone here, he would have to simply trust that they would do what was right.

@Sreeya

 

[Julia Hipori]

Julia had kept her silence as members of the ISC took to the floor to debate the various motions laid before the Senate, however, as Caliban Drast ended his speech, she took the floor herself.

"Speaker, Members of the Senate. The arguments put forward today mark a landmark shift in the nature of debate across this Galaxy, and on one hand, it is encouraging to see worlds come together, on the other, it is distressing to see the same tactics that have failed in the past, being used again. Senator Drast, the proposed Security Council lacks the legislative and military power it needs to react with haste to rising threats across the Galaxy. Indeed, I would question why a 'Peacekeeping' force is needed at all, and why the ISC would be expected to contribute to it in this way. The ISC was founded by worlds, a consortium of them, who felt they would be better going their own way, united in a common purpose and drive for self-sufficiency."

"Senators, to ask the ISC and its member worlds to tie themselves to a Security Council, stands against the very founding principles of our entire movement. We were founded because our members were ignored, treated as second-class worlds without a say in their own affairs. We took charge of our destiny and forged a new path, out there in the rim, where few others have dared to try it. To throw that away and return to a table where our members would be fed scraps? Senators, no. You cannot ask a confederation of pioneers to become a gaggle of committemen."

"And yet, even if the ISC were to join, this Security Council lacks a workable method of operation. Each member state can send a representative who can debate, vote and discuss options when what is needed is the swift action only a sovereign nation can perform. Yet the ISC can still choose to provide aid, as can any other sovereign power, where it sees fit to do so. Senators, that is what this comes down to."

"Freedom. That was the principle upon which the ISC was founded. We went our own way, and we chose our path. The Senate, as it has tried to do for much of this session, must stop denying us that freedom, and it must accept, that the ISC is a sovereign nation, that will choose its enemies, and support its friends, when we decide. The ISC has come far, but the road is long, and we have further still to travel. Stop trying to yank us back to the old ways, whilst we pursue a new one."

 

[Emryc Thorne]

The President rested his chin on his curled fingers as he listened to the rebuttals. While Emryc was not speaking, his gaze flicked briefly over towards the aide he had overheard earlier. To his amusement, the man looked thoroughly mortified at having his commentary become the topic brought before the senate. The half Sephi caught the nervous man’s eye and decided to give him a playful wink before his silver gaze flicked back towards Drast. (@LouJoVi)

Emryc tilted his wrist to glance at his chrono as Hipori finished bringing up her points. He looked towards Drast.

“Based on high level observations, as this idea appears to be rapidly evolving and changing as we speak, I must agree with the Secretary of Intergalactic Affairs,” Emryc stated calmly, “While you stress the importance of the ability to refuse, I consider it PR suicide in practice. If many FWA worlds refuse to send aid for example to help curb an ISC problem against the Syndicates - and they are well within their rights to - then the Prime Minister and the worlds get crucified and shamed for it. Not everything can work on ideals and good faith, there are a lot of logistical factors that are at play. Signing up for this introduces two complexities - first, the potential for extra scrutiny and comparisons on who is contributing how much. Second, it bogs down the response time for a threat because now we go through extra administrative procedures through this Security Council. And then we go right back to an even smaller fraction of people that decide the fates of many - which governing bodies like the ISC and, quite frankly, also FWA have moved away from.”

Emryc paused as he regarded Caliban for a moment, “I do recommend that we revisit a formal alliance and what that may entail in our next Galactic Session. I would like to see a formal proposal there with defined logistics that are agreeable to ISC, FWA and also New Republic. Our presence in the Galactic Senate does not mean we are formally allied nations. That needs to be addressed with diplomatic meetings between our groups and a path forward.”

The half Sephi looked around the room, “Since it appears that the original proposal pitched by Senator Graa was ultimately unanimously rejected, can we perhaps move to the next agenda topic?”

@Wit @lizziie @Mockingjay @Feng Mian @Tess @The Good Doctor

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

---

The Speaker did her part and waited quietly for the arguments to come to an end. There hadn't really been a reason for her to step in until now, and she was only stepping in to move everyone toward the next topic. President Thorne had rightfully declared this proposal moot.

Tapping her staff three times upon the floor of her pod to command silence, she would say, "Seeing as the original proposal has been rejected as is, we will be moving on to the next agenda item." The aging woman pulled it up onto her holoscreen and had it sent to the pods of every Senate members as well. As they glanced over it, she would pause, then read out the summary: "This agenda item, sponsored by members of the Free Worlds Alliance, lobbies that Senator Drast of Coruscant be relieved of his position on the AMS response team, as well as forced to abdicate his position as Senator and have his holdings and estates liquidated and transferred to aid AMS refugees.

"If the Free Worlds Alliance delegate or delegates responsible for this item would like to come forth to argue your point, please do so now."

Spoiler: tags

@lizziie @Wit @The Good Doctor @Mockingjay @Tess @LouJoVi @Rhogar @Reyn @Nor'baal @Nefieslab @Mr. Teatime @Altaris @Sreeya

 

[Julia Hipori]

Julia wasted no time, and stood.

"Point of order. The Senate has no authority or legal precedence to confiscate the personal and private property of a member of this body. I, therefore, move a closure motion, and request this motion is tabled and thrown out."

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl was happy that the Speaker had announced the next topic of the agenda, since the discussions about the last one reminded her of the shame she'd gone through because of Tristodd. The Senator looked at the young man, noticing that he was more flushed than before. She also saw that Tristodd was rotating two small metal balls repeatedly in his right hand, something he used to do when nervous or stressed. Sibyl smirked, glad that he was feeling bad for embarrassing her in front of all of the Senate. However, if the Brentaalan woman could see what was going on in his mind, she would know that he was like that because of President Thorne’s wink. Poor Tristodd, his mind was a mess and he could only think about how handsome Emryc was.

As soon as the Speaker finished, Governor Hipori stood up calling for a point of order. Sibyl rolled her eyes discreetly again. It seemed that the Governor only thought about points of order, this was probably an obsession of hers. However, the Senator of Brentaal needed to agree with Hipori this time, the Senate had no powers to liquidate all holding and properties of Senator Drast. This proposal was absurd.

Leaving her seat, Sibyl activated her microphone “I agree with Governor Hipori, the Senate has no authority to confiscate property of one of its members. Even if we decide to continue with the rest of this proposal, we should give Caliban Drast a chance to defend himself before we start to vote. Moreover, before we decide whether the Senator in question should be punished, the Senate should create a committee to investigate the allegations about his conduct as a member of the AMS response team.” she made a pause, watching the reaction of the other members of the Galactic Senate “This proposal as it is should be completely discarded or at least tabled to be modified.”

While returning to her seat, Sibyl noticed that Tristodd was still in the same position, flushed and rotating the balls in his hand faster than before in an attempt to calm himself. She wondered if the boy finally went crazy.

@Sreeya

 

[Tyris Thanewulf]

Tyris will take a stand. This agenda is just complete bogus and highly illegal. He just couldn't sit this one out as he had done with the rest, "I agree with Governor Hipori. As far as I am aware the Senate doesn't have the authority or power to Confiscate property from any of the Senate members. Drast should be given the opportunity to defend himself before judgement is decided." Tyris paused for a moment, "This agenda is illegal and so I also request that this agenda is to be completely discarded." Switching off his mic Tyris took a seat.

@Sreeya

 

[Nicolas Clément]

Well, that was something, in regards to the previous discussion. Previously the assembly was generally in agreement on what votes to take, what measures to take on the first two items, but this one it got headed and the difference in mindset with the Consortium really showed. Still, the original proposal was shot down, which was a good thing, and Calbian might be on to something good, but that can bet be discussed at the next meeting.

For the the next item, well Nicolas sighed and shake his head as the speaker said that the next proposal that it was sponsored by members of the Free Worlds for literally seizing someone's private property. What do people think this is? The Galactic Empire? Ugh. At the risk of being reprimanded, he would step up. "I have to concur the my fellow ISC and Republic counterparts, This proposal should indeed be rejected. As said, in addition to being repugnant and overly vindictive, the Galactic Senate can not seize another's personal property and in addition can't enforce who Courscant can or can't have representing it, any discussion on this would be moot as a result. Lets move on to the next item shall we? "

The next item was more important as well than this would be. There were some concerns about the final item as well now that he would look at the agenda list on his datapad. Nicolas would then sit down. Nicolas would then look at the where the Senator of Coruscant would be, that would be interesting.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

President Thorne intended to stay quiet on this particular topic, but he caught a few glances his way for his opinion. He stared back calmly before he finally leaned into the mic.

“Pardon my candidness, but this is one of the most halfwitted and injudicious excuses for a proposal I have ever seen come across any regional congress, let alone introduced at the Galactic Senate,” He said flatly, “Not only should this be outright rejected, but we should install a better vetting process before proposals make it to the floor at all. The topic of AMS distribution will be addressed by Doctor Morata and Senator Belasi, so I have no heartburn over tossing this one out altogether.”

The half Sephi desperately wanted a smoke break.

 

[Caliban Drast]

Caliban took the tabling of the proposal in stride, after all it was something that had been born in the moment and did need more thought before it could satisfy everyone. Heck, even while discussing it with Thorne Caliban himself had seen holes in it and conceded as much. He responded to the tabling motion with a gracious nod and quiet support. Which of course brought the proceedings to the next agenda item, one that he himself had some interest in. He might have asked his aide for politeness at the begining of the session, but when others started speaking up and calling out for the rejection of the proposal, for obvious reasons, Caliban was relieved. Not because his position was on the line, but because the Galactic Senate even attempting to pass a motion such as this would set a precedent that would lead them down a slippery slope.

But despite everything, there were things in the item that he wanted to address. "Honorable Speaker," Caliban spoke up, requesting the floor before the motion was dismissed, "if I might speak a few words. While the manner in which this proposal was put forward, and certain elements that were amended to it, were not the most reasonable." It was at that moment that his aide spoke up from besides him. "Or even legal." With his mic still on her voice carried through to the rest of the chamber and was answered with a more than a few chuckles. "Be as it may. But there were certain elements that I wanted to address. The calls for new leadership for the AMS Task Force are not entirely unfounded. Unintentional though it might have been, my actions in this role have been less than sufficient in some regards. I will not make excuses, it is what it is. And while we were fortunate that it did not have an adverse affect on the efforts to develop the vaccine and the Task Force has been able to support Doctor Morata in her efforts, I do believe it would be best for me to step down from my position on the Task Force."

There were murmurs around the chambers, his words having caught some by surprise. Many present here would have taken the reprieve he had received by the overreaching elements of the agenda item that meant to replace him as a win and used it to hold on to the position and the power came with it. That simply wasn't who he was though, he knew he could have done more, he hadn't, and someone else might be able to do more. Once the chatter had died down he resumed. "Though as one who has held this position, might I suggest replacing the role with not a solitary leader but a committee. I believe Senator Belasi might have something similar in mind and this would get discussed soon enough. Maybe a member from each of our three primary members. Not only will it allow them to bring forth intimate knowledge of the needs and requirements of their people to the table, but also ensure that the strain of the role doesn't overload any one person." More murmurs, but he wasn't done yet. There was one last thing he needed to address. "And one last thing before I concede the floor. Regarding the proposal to have my holdings and estates liquidated. Unfortunately I come from a line of civil servants, and my personal wealth is almost nothing. My position as a Senate has afforded me a life that I normally could never have dreamed of. But it has also made me appreciate how blessed I have to posses what little I do. So I hereby make a pledge to willingly, and with haste, donate all of my personal assets, negligible though they be, to the AMS relief effort." For the briefest of moments his eyes lingered in the general direction of the Free Worlds delegates, among whom sat those who had made the original proposal. "I can only hope that others gathered here, more blessed than me, will also follow this example and help this noble cause."

With that he sat down, this town to stunned silence. Normally he was not one for the games and machinations of the political elite. But sometimes he did love to mess with them. He had seen the opulence that some of his colleagues lived in. If they were willing to take pot shots at him then they should be willing to take a few hits in return.

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

---

This was about what she had expected to happen, but before the Speaker could respond to Governor Hipori’s Point of Order, several members decided to voice their opinions on the matter. She had her second and third, that was for sure. Just as she was about to accept the dismissal, Senator Drast spoke up. The Speaker lowered her staff and nodded for him to continue.

“Point well taken, Governor Hipori. As seems to be the general consensus as well, this item shall be dismissed,” she would finally say after Senator Drast had finished his spiel. “If a vetting process is desired, this should be discussed within the committees belonging to each present government.” Moving forward, the Speaker pulled up the next proposal onto her holoscreen. Senator Belasi and Dr. Morata had requested for their agenda items to be proposed together, so together they would be sent out to each pod.

“The next agenda item on the list is a proposal from Senator Belasi and Dr. Morata.” At the mention of the doctor, a pod near the floor would be activated to allow the doctor to rise up to speak. “Senator Belasi and Dr. Morata have requested for their items to be combined, so this will be our last official item for tonight.”

The Speaker then gestured to Senator Belasi and Dr. Morata to speak on their proposal.

Spoiler: TAGS

@lizziie @Wit @The Good Doctor @Mockingjay @Tess @LouJoVi @Rhogar @Reyn @Nor'baal @Nefieslab @Mr. Teatime @Altaris @Sreeya @Killa Ree

 

[Korre Belasi]

Korre had been nervous for the Senate’s reaction to Senator Graa’s proposal, but thankfully the Senate had reacted as she had herself when she’d first laid eyes on it. She would not voice her opinion on the matter, as Governor Hipori, President Thorne, and her fellow FWA colleague, Senator Clément, beat her to the punch. A vetting system, she agreed, would be a good thing to implement within the FWA delegation to prevent this from happening once again.

But, alas, it was her turn to speak. She couldn’t tell if it was nervousness or excitement, but the two feelings were so similar by nature she just decided to be excited. If her proposal passed, she would be one step in the right direction to fulfilling her promise to the citizens of Belasco. At the Speaker’s gesture, Korre pulled her pod forward and activated her speaker. It seemed Dr. Morata would be joining her in a few moments.

“Members of the Galactic Senate,” Korre pulled back her shoulders and quickly made sure her notes were pulled up on the screen of her pod. Here goes nothing… “As our Speaker has summarized for us already, Dr. Morata and I come before you all to propose the reconstruction of the AMS Taskforce.

“It is in the best interest of every nation--every planet and their peoples--to end the scourge of the AMS virus upon the galaxy. The AMS taskforce was originally created to do just that, but so far it has lagged behind in its ability to do so effectively and efficiently. As Senator Drast mentioned just moments ago,” Korre would gesture in the direction of the New Republic senator. “It is written in the proposal that the sole seat leading the taskforce should be replaced with a committee containing members from each galactic government.

“Members of this committee, hailing from their respective governments, will make decisions alongside the other committee members. It is much easier for a group to oversee the fight against the AMS virus over the entire galaxy rather than just a singular man. In addition, a committee head would be elected from this group to serve as the face of the task force."

Korre would glance in Dr. Morata’s direction and give her a nod. “Dr. Morata will continue with more detail on our proposal.” The Belascan senator then quickly switched off her microphone and took a breath. Slowly, a small smile replaced the serious look on her face. After the doctor had proposed the idea to her at Senator Ordalos’ party, she had waited for this day.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

"Thank you, Senator."

​

A light, mellifluous voice lifted from the box granted to Dr. Morata. Long had she planned on this day. Precautions were set, and allies were selected. She had sworn an oath as a physician, to Do No Harm, and she would abide by that with every fibre of her being, regardless of the cost. She listened to Senator Korre, giving the woman a brief nod of approval. Considering her scientific background, she could think of none better to help her; glancing at the faces before her, she knew one of the people who would bring up the most interesting points would be Julia Hipori.

"Members of the Senate, I thank you for the honor you've bestowed upon myself and my company for researching the vaccine for this deadly disease," she spoke up calmly, stepping into the light of her pod. Three of her guard followed, keeping a tight watch around her. "Without your support, such an endeavor would have taken many more years to make; I thank you." She glanced at Emryc once, amber eyes cool, before turning her gaze to Caliban, and then the general faces around them.

"It is my proposal that the vaccine be distributed safely; as I recall, a Senator Rayne brought up concerns for distributions." She tapped once on her datapad, and on the holoscreen, an image flared to life of the galaxy. "In several sectors of each respective government, there are medical stations. Some have been long abandoned. Some have been forgotten." The map flared to life; four in the New Republic, five in the Free Worlds Alliance, two in the ISC. "For the sake of safety and the health of those willing to take the vaccine, I propose repurposing those into proper medical facilities once more to distribute the vaccine, not just for the vaccine, but beyond."

She drew to her full height; though not a normally imposing figure height-wise, she gleamed in the glow of the pod in a tall column of white with piercing, sharp amber eyes. "I propose that the AMS taskforce be renamed to something more fitting for this alliance of powers; each station will abide by the rules and guidelines of their respected governing body, but work in collaboration; I propose calling it the Galactic Health Organization." She paused for a moment, allowing the words to sink in. "However, I will not distribute the vaccine under the MorataCorp brand, but brand it under this organization the Senate, as it is in thanks to you, representatives of the people, that this endeavor has even come to any fruition. My organization and I were merely a figurehead to the hard work and research done by our people. All I ask is that this vaccine be distributed freely, without charge, regardless of status and rank."

She glanced at Korre for a moment, then bowed briefly. "I thank you all for the opportunity you have presented to myself and my company; I hope we may continue to serve the galaxy as well as you have provided for us."

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc eased back in his seat as the agenda item shifted. He didn’t normally have fidgeting habits, but his thumb idly tapped against the surface of the pod. The urge for a smoke was rising and he forgot the gum he normally chewed to curb the habit for long meetings. The half Sephi had his head tilted slightly to the side as he first looked at the Speaker. Frosty gaze then flicked over to Belasi, who appeared mildly nervous. However, once she began to speak, it was clear she was passionate about the topic. If there was one thing that instantly caught Emryc’s attention, it was when people actually believed in their work and had the chops to speak to it.

He then heard Dr. Morata address the floor. He met her gaze when she looked at him, but otherwise he glanced away to gauge reactions from others in the room. At some point he once again caught the Senator of Brentaal’s aide staring his way. This time Emryc, with his head still slightly tilted, gave a lazy half grin towards the man. Long enough for the aide to know for sure Emryc wasn’t going to be the first one to break eye contact. (@LouJoVi )

The half Sephi looked back at Morata and then Belasi when the aide inevitably went back to his panic attacks.

“Korre- I mean, Senator Belasi,” He gave her a smile, knowing it was a subtle joke only she would understand, “What authority, if any, would this committee head have? After our last attempt at a committee only resulted in a single point of failure, you must understand why I’m not too keen on the idea once again. Is this head strictly intended to be a public relations role? Do they serve as some sort of tie breaker for decisions or someone with veto power? What kind of roles do you see the committee filling? How will the finances be handled? Will the Galactic Senate finance this committee with an ongoing, iterative stimulus that's previously agreed upon or will the individual governing body representatives be tasked with collecting funds from their respective governments?”

Emryc reserved his questions for Morata for now, wanting to hear some of the finer details about the task force. This was the part they failed to iron out last time, and it was exactly why the last task force attempt was skewed so badly.

@lizziie

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

After the Speaker announced the next item of the agenda, Sibyl heard the proposal of Senator Belasi and Dr. Morata. In theory the AMS taskforce was a good idea, but in practice it has proven to be inefficient. Perhaps the reforms proposed by the Senator and the Doctor could make it work.

Sibyl was taken from her musings by a faint sound of steel hitting something. She turned to the direction from where the sound came and saw that Tristodd had dropped his exercise balls on the floor. The Senator looked to her aide and saw that his face was redder than before and he seemed to be having difficulty breathing.

“Tristodd, are you fine?” she asked him. Even with her sometimes wanting to kill him, Sibyl doesn't want the type of publicity that would come if the boy had a seizure or a heart attack in the pod. His parents would also be furious with her.

"Y-yes, I-I'm fine." He said, stuttering due to anxiety. Only now Tristodd was beginning to calm himself, after he finally identified what he was feeling as a crush. He remembered how Reegian, his older brother, explained his feelings for a girl to him when they were children. He called it a crush and how he described his reactions near the girl were the same that Tristodd had after the wink. He had a crush on Emryc Thorne, President of the Independent Systems Consortium. How stupid he is!

Then the President looked directly at Tristodd, giving him a grin. He became even more anxious, to the point of dropping his exercise balls. How could a man be so gorgeous?

He looked around the pod in search of the balls. One was near Senator Lassiter's feet, but the other rolled to the front of the pod, near the microphone. Tristodd groaned, to pick it he would need to crouch or be on all fours and everyone was going to see him doing it. He picked the one that was close and walked to get the other. The young Brentaalan tried to reach it with his outstretched arm and without crouching completely. He only wanted to pick the ball and then return to his seat to cry. As if listening to Tristodd's prayers, the ball flew straight to his hand. The boy's stress and emotional turmoil made him use the Force for the first time in his life.

Sibyl was listening to President Thorne's speech. The questions that he made to the Senator of Belasco were pertinent. The Brentaalan woman decided to wait for the answer before saying her opinion. She saw Tristodd return to his seat, this time he was pale and seemed surprised. He sat, while staring at the small ball in his hand. The Senator wondered what was happening with him today.

@Sreeya

 

[Korre Belasi]

At President Thorne's words, Korre grinned. Firstly, she most certainly got the joke. Secondly, she had been a bit afraid there would be no serious questions. Questions meant interest. Questions meant a desire to understand. Of course, there were also questions aimed to trip up and embarrass, but this was not the case.This was exactly what she wanted to see. Perhaps it meant she had not been entirely thorough at first, but alas, she had been (and was) a bit nervous.

"Thank you for your concerns, President Thorne," Korre paused for just a moment to press a button on her datapad. "First of all, yes, the committee head would serve as the 'public relations' role. They would only be a figurehead for the organization.

"The committee will consist of a representative from each sector, elected or chosen to represent their sector. To your next question, they, as a whole, will oversee the Galactic Health Organization, and each member will oversee the health of their individual sectors and call for action in the case of a health crisis, etc, within their sector. It is much easier to trust the intentions of someone from your sector, and it is much easier for someone from that sector to understand the unique struggles of said space. That is why we believe a committee will be more effective than a singular person..

"Dr. Morata will be able to more thoroughly explain the plan to finance the organization."

@Killa Ree @Sreeya