Ask [Bothawui] Healing the Damned

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Choosing a planet for the 'Star Guardian' project was not an easy task. Sure, saving up enough money to buy or rent a building to launch the first version of her clinic was a difficult task as well. Preferably she'd build her own structure from scratch, but she'd need a fair amount of investors for that. Regardless, while none of that was easy, it paled in comparison to finding a place where Jedi and Sith, criminals and cops, poor and rich could all come together to find help. For free.

Not many leaders would enthusiastically accept that idea.

But she thought she found a planet that might be more suitable than others; Bothawui. The planet was not only interesting due to its nature as a massive hub of information trafficking, but it was also a planet owned by the ISC. And, while not perfect, the ISC claimed to be truly neutral. Which, hopefully, meant they wouldn't be afraid of the Jedi or Sith.

Clove took confident steps through the hallway after clearing herself with the guards at the ISC office, dressed in her most formal gown and matching heels. Her curly mane, which was made up of many extensions to compensate for the lack of hair after Thyferra, was held together in a formal yet playful bun. A beautifully decorated hair brush with delicate white petals was neatly tucked into the curls next to the bun. Her nails were painted a nude pink with a white french tip and at her side she kept her trusty leather bag, filled with official papers, documents outlining her plans, etc. She may be young and lack the credits to call herself rich, but that wouldn't stop her from looking like she meant business. Literally.

The half-Annfyn came to a stop in front of the door leading into the office where Vice President Galek Ordalos was waiting. A few anxious thoughts managed to infiltrate her mind as the confidence she felt moments earlier began to flinch just a little. It was her first real political talk on her own. No Jedi to hold her hand, no friends to support her, she had to do this on her own. And that was scary. But how could she claim she'd build something new if she didn't even have the guts to face such a talk on her own? Her large brown eyes were fixed on the doors when yet another thought came to her.

Did she have to knock? Or say hello? Or wait to be buzzed in?

Oh dear. Oh Force. Oh... No. Relax. Clove closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. Freaking out wouldn't help her, at all. She just... had to do what felt right, and hope he didn't mind. And if he did, well, that would be a problem for later.

Clove reopened her eyes and raised her hand to the door, knocking gently on the wood.

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tagged @Altaris ​

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Bothawui was certainly one of Galek’s nicer offices in ISC space - and it was from there that the Induparan had staged himself, working around the clock ever since the invasion of Thyferra and Corellia. As the newly-appointed Vice-President of the ISC, he was busier than ever in the face of the crisis - coordinating with officials and Governor’s from across the Outer and Mid rims. Anxiety ran high and concerns about impending invasion came from all directions. Most of all, the betrayal of the CDF had struck the ISC incredibly close to home - cutting deep into the military strength of the Consortium and leaving their Core planets - those farthest from their remaining fleet - more vulnerable than ever.

All the same, Galek counted what small mercies he could. As the attacks seemed to pause since Thyferra and Corellia, the Induparan only had more time to coordinate and prepare.

It was only a small window between conferences and strategic meetings - but it was enough time to squeeze in Clove for a meeting. In truth, the Induparan was rather intrigued by the half-Annfyn’s proposal on paper - and the knowledge that she had helped prevent the invasion on Thyferra was enough to get her one foot in the door with Galek.

Immediately upon arrival, Clove would notice just how heightened security was. A combination of ISC soldiers and Droids flooded the government office-building, and she was funnel through no fewer than two blast doors before coming down the hallway to Galek’s office. She wouldn’t have to wait long after knocking - as the door promptly slid open to reveal the mechanic visage of a Blackwell Droid staring down at her. “Right this way,” It spoke in a mechanized voice, stepping backwards and turning to guide the half-Annfyn into the room. The office was large and spacious - decorated with potted, tropical plants and furniture reminiscent of Galek’s native Indupar.

Seated behind the mahogany desk, Galek immediately glanced up - hazel eyes locking onto the new arrival. “Miss Vanhoop,” He began, rising up from his seat and rounding the desk to approach her. The Induparan was dressed in the elegant and regal fashion of his homeworld - adorned in a gold, embroidered Sherwani with a crimson dupatta draped across his shoulder. His black hair was combed neatly into place, and the scent of his spiced cologne hung heavy in the air.

Upon reaching the diminutive half-Annfyn, Galek extended a hand to shake hers - flashing a small, genuine smile. “I wish to personally thank you for your service on Thyferra,” He said, his sing-song voice entirely genuine and lacking any ulterior motive. “Without outside assistance, I fear the worst would have befallen our world and the Bacta we all rely upon.” He then tucked both hands against the small of his back, nodding ever-so-slightly. “I trust you have had an opportunity to recover any injuries?”

He gestured not to the executive desk, but instead to a pair of plush, cushioned seats off to the side of the office - positioned in front of a coffee-table where an assortment of beverages were already set out to be poured. “Please, have a seat.” Galek gestured a hand, and promptly moved to do so himself.

“I have to say, I was rather intrigued by the summary of your proposal,” He began, glancing over her shoulder. “I am curious to hear you elaborate on it further,” Once seated comfortably, the proverbial floor was hers to pitch her case.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Oh? A droid opened the door? Clove blinked before shyly smiling at the droid. "Thank you, that's kind of you." She spoke softly as she walked into the stunning office. She had never seen anything so grand in the Jedi Order. Her eyes lingered on the stunning mahogany desk before moving to the man behind it. He wore a gorgeously decorated dupatta with rich details that made her incredibly envious.

"Governor Ordalos," the half-Annfyn said, fighting the urge to stare at the man's dupatta as he approached her. She shook the man's hand, making sure to use some strength—but even after all these years of practice, a handshake with some strength for Clove equaled an average handshake at best. The man's singsong voice caught her off guard, her cheeks quickly lighting up into a small blush that reached for her fluted ears. "Ah-! You're welcome. I'm just relieved that we all arrived at Thyferra on time." She said with a humble tone in her voice. "It would have been truly terrible if Thyferra an' Bacta had fallen into the hands of the Killiks." She paused for a moment, debating on how she'd been recovering because, in general, she'd been very lucky with very few wounds. "Recovery has been going lovely, I can't complain! But thank you for askin'. I hope you are doin' good as well? I imagine these times to be incredibly busy and stressful. Thank you, for that matter, for sparing some time for me."

Clove didn't complain when he pointed to the more comfortable-looking sofa instead of the more stoic yet grand desk. Her white heels clicked against the floor as she walked over to it before sitting down. And gosh, it was really comfortable to sit on. While listening to the man speak she removed the leather bag's strap from her shoulder and placed it next to her hip. He was intrigued?! Intrigued is a good start, it meant he didn't outright refuse it! "Of course!" She said, trying her best to stay composed. This was her first pitch, ever, and she had no idea what she was doing. But she was going to do it.

"The plan is to build a network of hospitals throughout the galaxy to provide free healthcare to anyone who needs it. This means that anyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, is free to seek assistance without fear of imprisonment." She paused. This was far as the summary went. It was now up to her to explain the things she had worked out on paper. "The long-term goal is to create a purely neutral banner called Star Guardians, a group of trained medics who can work across the entire galaxy, easin' people's pain caused by endless wars, politics, and other sufferin'." She paused with an almost shy smile. "But, of course, those aspirations are for the future; we all begin small. An' I'd like to start on Bothawui by buildin' the first hospital where everyone can get help. Bothawui is a cosmopolitan planet, which means that by nature, a diverse range of people flock to it, makin' it one of, if not the, best places to begin. And, of course, it wears the flags of the ISC. A neutral faction."

"Of course, if not properly cared for, a setup like this can easily be abused. Only ships escorted by the hospital's security will be able to enter the hospitals, which will have increased security and a limited entryway. This means that the planet, in theory, only allows ships with hospital-grand permission to enter for hospital visits. Any other unidentified ship falls under the jurisdiction of the planet itself." Clove took in a deep breath. So far, so good. "The general staff will be made up of doctors, nurses, and healers. Those who are capable will be trained in general defense and self-defense in the event that something goes wrong. And if something goes wrong, the person in question will be arrested and handed over to the planet's authority."

"Then there is the matter of finances." Clove said while opening her leather bag and reaching inside for a datapad. She turned on the datapad containing documents about Vanhoop Boutique and placed it on the coffee table. "The project's initial fundin' will come from my own savin' and will be backed up by Vanhoop Boutique. An' the plan is to seek out investors who are willing to support the project, allowin' the hospital to expand and hire more staff, among other things." Clove paused and smiled faintly. "A large portion of the cost of the medicine will be covered by herbs grown by hand at the hospital itself, leaving only Bacta, medical equipment and staff compensation as regular costs."

Did she cover everything? Or over-explain? She wasn't sure, but she gave it her all and hoped it was enough. It was now time for questions and answers.

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tagged @Altaris ​

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek tilted his head ever-so-slightly towards Clove, flashing the half-Annfyn a warm and charming smile as he shook her hand. “I am gladdened to hear it,” He said in reference to her own recovery, giving her hand another light shake and squeeze before releasing, “Truly.” He - and the rest of the Galaxy - owed the defenders of Thyferra a debt that likely would never be repaid. For all the ways that the Induparan proudly boasted the Consortium’s own president taking the field in stark contrast to the other governments, there was nothing but genuine inflection to his voice when he spoke to Clove and her assistance.

“I am more fortunate than some,” Galek’s lips tugged up sideways at that, hands folding against the small of his back as they made their way towards the much more comfortable couches. “Ruusan was.. An experience I will not soon forget.” Footage of the disaster and Galek’s own presence there had spread wildly across the HoloNet at this point. “The Kilik’s are a crisis’ like none other we have faced,” He said solemnly, though his expression hardened like marble and into firm resolution. “But it is one we will triumph over. Just we have triumphed over crisis’ in the past.” The stress and workload went without saying, and Galek wasn’t one to allow others see him crack under pressure.

“Please,” He hummed in that sing-song voice, glancing over to Clove with a smile, “It is my pleasure to have you - and to further discuss this proposal of yours.”

Galek settled comfortably in his seat - sinking ever-so-slightly into the plush and clearly expensive cushions. Ring-adorned fingers reached forth to curl around a pitch of Blossom Wine, pouring himself - and Clove, if she so inclined - a glass filled just shy of three-quarters full. He drew from the rim of his glass - holding the liquid on his tongue as Clove reiterated the summary of her proposal. The Induparan had given the brief she sent a great deal of review - and it was when she elaborated further that he truly began to listen.

While she spoke, the prince lightly tapped his fingers against the crystalline exterior of his glass - nodding a bit here-and-there as she went through her proposal. The pleasant smile never quite dimmed from his lips - though it left the half-Annfyn with very little hint of what was truly going through his mind at that moment.

After a smile or two, the Induparan placed his glass down - knitting his hands together to address her properly. “I must say,” He began, “It is a rather impressive proposal. One that you have clearly poured your passions into - and one that I believe has the potential to do a great deal of good for the Galaxy.” There was nothing to the Induparan’s voice that indicated he was being anything but genuinely. “Bothuwai would be a prime location for such a venture,” He nodded, “I do have a few questions, of course.”

Galek leaned forward a bit. “Have you already given thought to what security will exist on the premises of these facilities? Droids, or primarily organics hired?” Galek asked after a moment of pause, hazel eyes fixing onto Clove for a moment. “Naturally, any facility - hospital or otherwise - built on Bothawui will be protected externally by police forces here on the planet. Any acts of terrorism or vessels entering the planet with intentions of hostility towards the hospital would be handled accordingly. But, for the Star Guardians to be truly neutral - as you say - internal security would need to be managed by your organization.” It would take additional capital in either instance. “Secondly - you claim those treated within your doors would be able to do so - free of the fear of imprisonment. While I support the sentiment of such a proposal, there are the simple matters of public safety to consider.”

“If, for instance, Gareth Gin walked through your doors?” The name of the former Crime Boss was wellknown - especially after he committed genocide on Mon Cala. “Your facility would offer him medical treatment for whatever ailed him - and then what? Upon discharge, where would such an individual be transported?” Onto the streets of Bothuwai? It went without saying that such a proposal would’ve been unacceptable - nor would the Consortium allow any wanted criminal to take more than a few un-guided steps outside of that hospital before being seized.

For the moment, Galek allowed Clove to answer his first few questions - before moving onto matters of fiances and a proposal of his own.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Clove was clearly trying her best to remain calm and collected when Galek described her proposal as impressive and clearly fueled by passion. But, no matter how hard she tried, with a small nod of gratitude and a humble "Thank you," her dancing fluted ears and flush on her cheeks gave away her excitement and happiness as clear as day. Everything went so much better than she had hoped; she had expected him to reject her proposal as soon as he heard more information, but instead, he was positive and asked some very logical questions.

One was a question she had researched and prepared much more for than the other. But that was fine; she'd respond as well and fairly as she could.

"Yes, of course! While I admit that I need to do more research on the pros an' cons of hirin' droids an'/or organics, the plan is to start with droids because they are less expensive an' thus serve as a reliable steppin' stone. Especially with Blackwell's current discounts. When the budget increases, the plan is to hire organics as well, resultin' in a mix of droids an' organics." Clove paused for a moment. "They will indeed be managed by the organization, which is why I believe a mix is best; droids carry little to no bias, but are more fragile. Organics are far less fragile an' can be trained in more complex ways, but they are biased. Which cannot be blamed; I'm askin' men an' women to witness criminals receive free healthcare an' while I expect them to stay professional, even the kindest of souls may struggle with it at times." It was a truth she didn't want to admit out loud, but it was one she had to address. "For that reason, I think a mix is the most reliable option."

That was the most difficult question out of the way; now for the one she was actually prepared for. And it showed, Clove's body language shifted and relaxed ever so slightly. "I completely understand why people like Gareth Gin, an' even lesser criminals, should not casually walk the streets of Bothawui. The last thin' we need is to endanger the lives of the public." Clove's large brown eyes danced to the hazels of Galek. "For that reason, people who are discharged from the facility will do so in the same manner that they arrived; they will be escorted back to orbit, preferably in the ship they came in. If they don't have that ship for whatever reason, say because they were dropped off by a friend an' that friend disappears with the ship, we'll let them board the escort ship an' drop them off at a space station in neutral space."

"Naturally, this means that the facility requires two escort ships at all times, one for retrievin' people an' one for escortin' them out." Clove finally took the glass of Blossom wine off the table before leaning back again. "If the person inside the escort ship decides to hijack the ship an' divert from its intended course, the facility will be automatically notified an' the authorities will be alerted so they can take appropriate actions."

She pressed the glass to her lips, taking a slow sip of the wine so expensive she'd probably never tasted anything like it again. While the floral taste was... pleasant, she couldn't help but slightly scrunch her face when the taste of alcohol hit her tastebuds. No, no matter how expensive, she'd never like alcohol. Still, she took another sip out of politeness, her gaze returning to Galek.

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tagged @Altaris ​

 

[Galek Ordalos]

A few moments ticked by, and Galek listened intently while Clove spoke - allowing the glass of Blossom Wine to linger just a few milimeters from his lips. In truth, the Induparan had few issues with the Star Guardian’s proposal as it was presented - and the half-Annfyn managed to provide detailed solutions to the problems that he did have. It spoke to the fact that she was passionate about her project, and it earned her a margin of Galek’s respect. The Induparan finally leaned forward, setting his glass back onto the table. Hazel eyes fixed onto the half-Annfyn, lips tugging up ever-so-slightly to betray his approval. “A reasonable solution,” He mused, nodding a bit, “Very well, Ms. Vanhoop.”

“I am confident in your proposal - and you have my support in the establishment of the first facility here on Bothuwai.” Galek drummed his fingers against the table, allowing the words that Clove obviously hoped to hear sink in. “In addition, I would be willing to make a sizable investment into the Star Guardian’s project personally - in order to see the facility flourish and get on its feet.” In addition to being Vice President, Galek was a prince of Indupar and a wealthy man in his own right - and the success of Clove’s hospitals only promises growth in his portfolio. He had defined his career through ISCRA and similar humanitarian efforts, and this most current venture largely fell in line with his area of expertise.

“I am sure we can iron out the details of such an investment at a later date,” He waved a hand, “We will be in contact.”

“Lastly, a proposal of my own.” Galek ran a finger across the rim of his glass, pondering for a long moment. “As you are well aware, ISCRA provides humanitarian relief to billions of sentients across the Galaxy. Many of them are relocated to neighboring planets for only temporary periods of time,” He tilted his head a bit. The Induparan remembered her own participation on Kashyyyk and knew she was familiar with the work of ISCRA, “Far more, however, are accepted as refugees into the Consortium and relocated to constituent planets. Part of that process, naturally, involves passing through designated checkpoints and receiving medical care upon entry. Bothawui, as it so happens, is one of those checkpoints.”

“I propose that ISCRA enters into a partnership with the Star Guardians project. As part of this partnership, we will funnel a manageable number of refugees into your facilities to undergo the same treatment and vaccination regimen that is required. Taking the undue strain off of Consortium-managed facilities, while bringing new patients - and the notoriety of working with the refugees - through your doors.” Galek offered her a small smile. “As you expand and new facilities are opened within the Consortium, this partnership may expand to those as well.”

“As a neutral organization - one that has serviced civilians within the Empire, Republic, FWA and independent systems, you would not be jeopardizing your own neutral standing through association.”

From Galek’s perspective, it was a fundamentally beneficial deal. It took the strain off the Consortium’s own facilities and outsources the patient load - while capitalizing on the existance of the Star Guardian’s presence on Bothawui.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Galek agreed. Galek. Agreed! And even offered to personally invest in the project! It took every fiber of her being not to leap up and embrace the Governor out of pure gratitude and happiness, despite the fact that her face lit up with delight. "Governor Ordalos, thank you so much. That is extremely generous of you." She was well aware of what this investment entailed for the prince. Success would be good for him, the planet Bothawui, and ISCRA as a whole. Still. That didn't lessen Galek's kindness. "We'll absolutely be in contact!"

Then Galek made a proposal that, to be honest, caught her off guard. Visibly so. Her ears were frozen, and her already widened eyes remained fixed on the man. A partnership? It was far more than she could have ever imagined. It would immediately put the Star Guardians on the map, giving her the name she needs to attract more investors. It'd be the perfect way to start. But, as much as she wanted to agree right away, she held back, allowing herself to mull over the proposal in the silence that followed.

After the silence, Clove took another sip from the glass of floral wine and began to talk. "I think the proposal is very good, but I do have a question if that's okay?" She gave him a shy smile before continuing. "The ISCRA is neutral, an' we all hope it stays that way. But, say... hmmm... take the FWA as an example. Let's say the FWA declares war on the ISCRA, forcin' the ISCRA to move its hand. Given such a partnership, where does that leave the Star Guardian project? Would the ISCRA demand that FWA-located hospitals—as the plan is to build throughout the entire galaxy—shut down, or stop helpin' FWA civilians? Or would that neutrality remain, as long as the Star Guardians continue helpin' the refugees?"

Clove leaned back slightly and took a deep breath, feeling somewhat proud of herself for daring to engage deeper in such a political conversation rather than simply agreeing. That said, if he agreed that the organization would remain neutral even during wartime and could continue to help everyone regardless, she had no reason to say no.

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tagged @Altaris ​