Tabloid BREAKING NEWS! Senator of Kashyyyk comes under fire for outrageous comments!

[The Storyteller]

“Good Evening, folks.” A female Twi’lek was sat behind a news studio desk - the iconic logo of ‘GNN’ lit up behind her. The woman was flanked by an additional co-anchor sat just to her left. “I’m Tysha Arnet, and we are coming to you live with new developments from the situation on Kashyyyk. In a move that has left many stunned and bewildered, Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl has publicly disparaged the arrival of an I.S.C.R.A convey to the far side of Kashyyyk, going so far as to suggest that members of the refugee agency put themselves in line of fire with Imperial Naval Forces!”

“For a more in-depth look at this situation, we have Tahira Ro on Kashyyyk.”

Within a split second, the HoloNet feed cut away from the GNN studio on Coruscant. Instead, it began to broadcast live from one of the established ISCRA Refugee camps on the far side of the planet. Within the first hours of arrival, the agency had already established rapid-response facilities at designated coordinates on the planetary surface. Hospital ships and overflow tents began to immediately administer medical aid to the wound, while food and water were being distributed to others. Viewers could clearly see the shuttles that had touched down at the edge of the camp - where dozens of Wookiee refugees were in the process of boarding - in order to be transported to the larger ships in orbit and ferried away from the system.

The camera quickly panned to a female human reporter. Rather than business attire one might expect from a reporter, Tahira was dressed in tactical pants and a blast vest - the word ‘PRESS’ stitched across her back and chest. “Thank you Tysha,” She said, lifting the microphone to her lips. “I am here, on the scene at an ISCRA Refugee camp - where only a short time ago, many here were stunned by brazen comments made by the Senator Kashyyyk himself - currently engaged in a naval battle with the Sith Empire.”

“In a publicly broadcast response to the arrival of ISCRA within the system, Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl is on the record critisizing the agency for their, and I quote ‘early’ arrival in the face of this ongoing humanitarian crisis. This is in spite of the fact that the ISCRA one of the only - and certainly the largest - bodies to provide humanitarian assistance to the planet.”

“The Senator is also on the record as saying, and I quote, ‘Since you're so confident in the fact that the Kitten will not fire on your minivans, I don't suppose you'd consider driving some of them between the Andraste and my planet?’.” The quote was immediately met with some shouts from nearby refugees within the camp, and the reporter herself couldn’t help but grimace. “It is unclear whether the Senator of Kashyyyk was serious about putting refugee vessels full of his own constituents in the line of fire with the Empire, or if he was attempting to make light of the situation..” She paused. “But needless to say, the Senator’s comments have not been well-received by many receiving ISCRA aid.”

With that, the reporter walked over to one of the refugees in the process of receiving food from one of the duraplastic tents, holding the mic up to the Wookiee’s face. A translator was built into the microphone itself, converting the Wookiee’s native language into Galactic basic without the need for a protocol droid. “Can you please share your thoughts on the Senator’s comments?”

“It’s outrageous!” The Wookiee growled into the mic, his words translated by the microphone. Even with his anger, it wasn’t difficult to pick up on the clear hints of pain and betrayal in his voice. “Our world is burning and ISCRA were the first people to arrive to help us. Women, children, elders - all of them have been taken to safety, because of them.” His voice grew bitter. “And our Senator has done nothing but disparage and insult them for it.”

“And what would you say to those who argue that the Senator was merely being sarcastic? And that his comments are being blown out of proportion?” The Wookiee narrowed his eyes, staring directly into the camera. ““Maybe Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl should come down and see for himself what is happening on Kashyyyk. And if Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl thinks that what is happening to his people is worth making jokes about, then I say he can go f—“ The reporter abruptly cut away from the Wookiee as a string of profanities was yelled out. As soon as the microphone was taken away, the translator was clicked off and all the audience would hear is the distance Wookiee-screeches distantly. “Back to you, Tysha.”

The HoloNet feed flicked back to the GNN newsroom. The lead reporter blinked a few times before speaking. “There are already many who are calling for Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl to issue an apology for his statements to ISCRA, as well as those calling for the Senator of Kashyyk to step down from office.” She said. “A very volatile situation on Kashyyyk, as you can see. Our hearts go out to all of those effected by this crisis, and we will continue to bring you updates as the situation develops.”

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc was kept up to speed on every update coming out of Kashyyyk. On one comms channel, he had a direct line to the Sith Empress, on the other he could reach out Galek in the orbit of the planet. He heard about the terse exchange some time before it aired on Holo, and his ears almost began to flatten - something that happened exceptionally rarely. Between this and the exchange with Cassian, his patience was near zero with the FWA. Their Senators had been openly hostile towards him and the ISC quite brazenly and usually unprovoked. While the half Sephi was known for patience, it was getting into dangerous territories where he had to actively fight off Raze from creeping into his thoughts.

He exhaled softly before reaching for his comms line. He dialed the FWA Prime Minister’s number. He knew she was up to speed. He knew she was seeing this. He knew she would be expecting this call. It was because he respected her that a call was even being made.

@lizziie

 

[Sandé A Veruna]

She didn't often watch the news, indeed, Queen Réillata had often advised her ministers against it. However, when news had reached her ears that Kashyyyk, a planet whose people she very much admired, was under attack, she had been unable to keep her eyes from the holoscreen.

Réillata had needed to be stopped from asking the President of the Consortium to intervene directly. She'd even contemplated flying to the world herself to help with the evacuation. Cooler heads had prevailed in that instance, and she had remained on Naboo. As such, she was gobsmacked to see the reaction of the Kashyyyk Senator, a man she had, until now, harboured a great deal of respect for.

"Minister Callie," she gently called her foriegn secretary over "- please inform the President that Naboo will take any refugees from Kashyyyk that he can rescue. Inform the treasury to make the appropriate welfare arrangements." she instructed, the minister nodding and turning to leave.

"And Minister," he turned back as she spoke, and bowed "- summon the ambassador from Kashyyyk, I'd like to discuss the actions of their Senator." she added, anger seeping into her tone.

 

[Korre Belasi]

When the news of the Sith's arrival over Kashyyyk hit her, Korre felt a weight drop in her chest. The reports didn't describe an invasion, but a bombardment. The Sith were burning the Wookie homeland. Images of the fires raging on the planet's surface flashed before her until the Belascan stood up abruptly, knocking items over on her desk as she rushed to the conference room where she would be able to receive transmissions from those in orbit. She was only slightly relieved knowing there was a fleet in the sector at the moment.

"Who's in charge of the local fleet?" Korre asked as she entered the room, tying her hair back into a bun as she descended down to the holotable.

"Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl. He's leading a small group of frigates, and it will hopefully buy us some time. We have other naval forces en route as we speak, but it's gonna be a minute before they get there."

"Aezz?" He had military experience, right? "Patch me into the local radio. I want to know what's going on."

"Prime Minister, there's a broadcast being sent out by ISCRA. We're transmitting the signal now. They've arrived to evacuate the Wookies."

"Bless." GHO stations were being sent word to prepare for an influx of wounded, but they weren't equipped to go in and rescue quite like the ISCRA. Frankly, Korre was surprised they were able to respond so quickly, but she wouldn't question it. Help was help, and with all that was burning, the Wookies needed every ounce they could get. "Send it through."

« This is Galek Ordalos...operating under the mandate of ISCRA...If you can hear this message...You are immediately advised to evacuate and seek refuge at these coordinates...Emergency medical facilities have already been established...seek refuge at these coordinates...this is not a military exercise. Any attempts to interfere or harass ISCRA vessels will not be tolerated...This will be your only warning. » (@Altaris)

There was a bit of hope, and she would have to make a point to thank the ISC governor at a later day. "General, get into contact with Ordalos and see if we can coordinate activity between—"

"Prime Minister, Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl has just sent us a transcript of a conversation with Ordalos's ship."

Blue eyes widened as she read through the holo-displayed transcript, then narrowed as her features tensed. The officers in the room, too, seemed just as shocked as she. "He suggested the ISCRA send ships in between the Sith and Kashyyyk?!" Korre was very much aware that the Wookie senator had a bone to pick with the ISC. It seemed many of her senators did, but she was appalled that he was unable to curb that even in a time like this. Furthermore, she was angry that he would actively express that to him as he represented the ISCRA. They were there to help! What if this caused the ISCRA to turn away?

"Have we been able to get through to Sen—" She was interrupted by the tone of an incoming call from Korre's personal line. If not for the distinct pattern, she might've ignored it. Fortunately, the Belascan recognized the caller (@Sreeya).

"I just received word," were the first words out of her mouth. "His comments were unacceptable. The Free Worlds are extremely grateful for the ISCRA's assistance and I do not condone suggesting ISCRA ships to—" Deep breath. She could not believe he chose to suggest that, even jokingly. Though it was once in a blue moon that Korre felt frustration turn to anger, she was certainly on her way there. "I've had my generals begin coordination to assist the ISCRA. If you can, please relay my apologies and gratitude to Governor Ordalos. Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's actions will not go without consequences and I will see to that myself."

Disappointment wasn't enough to express her frustrations with him at the moment. How deep was his hatred for the ISC that he would—

"Prime Minster! We have another problem! The Jedi are—"

Korre's face fell even further. What the fuck was going on now?