Open Galactic Senate Onderon Congregation of Planets and Nations

[Lon Tendree]

Lon Tendree listened to the proposal put forward by the President of the ISC and thought about its ramifications. It was no secret that many in the Galactic Senate viewed the ISC with completely unwarranted suspicion, and the Senator could certainly understand why they would not want to subject themselves to further restrictions from governments that had treated them with questionable fairness.

Despite being a member of the Republic, he had often discovered that his own homeworld kicked against the goad of the restrictions placed on it. How much less did they want multiple more external bodies placing restrictions upon them? Sometimes you had to put up with it in order to survive, but there was no reason to add more or go quietly into regulations.

Regulations on businesses are often done with good intention but seldom with the outcome intended, he said.

I think we can all recognize that each of the groups here has not only a broad composition, but also different needs from one another. To make single legislation that will be beneficial to every planet is difficult enough for the individual groups here let alone singular legislation for the majority of the explored galaxy, he said.

I must agree with President Thorne that the most recent legislation hurt business throughout the Core, and not because they were selling arms to the Sith as many "business amateurs" have asserted, but because the additional paperwork and inspections to prove innocence have severely slowed production and export, he continued, subtly - or not so subtly - poking at those who assumed that "drop in stocks" after the legislation meant "they must have been selling to the Empire." If he had a credit for every time he'd heard someone assert that he could have retired.

It is for this reason that Cato Neimoidia must support the proposition put forward by President Thorne, he said.

 

[Cassian Graves]

One by one, each Jedi was escorted from the senate chambers. Cassian couldn't conceal the smile that crept unbidden across his lips as he chewed on a Ewok gummy. He had never approved of the Free Worlds Alliance associating with the Jedi as the result would only bring ruination and war upon them. It was no secret that the Jedi and Sith despised one another. Why should the Free Worlds Alliance become involved in a fight that was not their own?

Proposal #5 was a motion that the Zeltron supported fully, with every fiber of his being. He had taken issue with the Sith Embargo from the very beginning but had not been in attendance when the vote was cast the month before. More than once he had considered voicing his complaints in the assembly of the Free Worlds Alliance but had refrained from sharing his true opinion on the matter for fear of public opinion. Cassian had not cast his vote that day, and he certainly did not want to look the part of a hypocrite.

Since it was the President of the ISC that brought this proposal forward, Cassian could now speak freely, and he did so. Eagerly, even standing up for the first time since the assembly had been called into session. "It comes as no surprise to me that the sanction against the Sith has been a complete and utter failure."

Between unsupervised planets on the outskirts of society and the formation of Canto Hypserspace Distributers, the Sith had hardly been effected by the embargo at all. "The Sith continue to prosper even with the embargo issued against them, and as a result this assembly looks like a group of pandering legislators who are more interested in public opinion than actually solving problems.

"It is not within this body's purview to dictate to private business owners and manufacturers whom they can and cannot distribute their goods to. Do we support free enterprise or not? I am ashamed that such sweeping and overreaching legislation was passed and that I was not there to stand against it. For that, this assembly and every business and family that has been negatively effected by this sanction has my sincerest and heartfelt apology.

"Onderon supports the President's proposal," he concluded, returning to his seat.

@Sreeya

 

[Hergalor]

The President and the Speaker had jointly done it. Restored order. Moved on with the agenda. There were small blessings in this life.

"Taanab echoes the comments of the other gathered bodies." A proposal that seemed to unite the entire Galactic Senate - it was beautiful. No need for any new speeches. "We support this proposal and applaud any worlds who oppose the heavy-handed overreach of the Galactic Senate into sovereign worlds' affairs."

@lizziie

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Grand Admiral Brum took a step forward in the pod "I support the proposal"

@Sreeya

 

[Elayne Isard]

There was a time when the Core, Coruscant, and her family had gained a great deal from trade restrictions placed on the Outer Rim worlds. Forcing them to only buy from certain suppliers, jacking up the prices, and reaping the benefits as planet after planet was sucked dry. But that had backfired when the Senate had passed the proposal to ban trade with the Sith. Many core worlds had suffered, and maybe none more the Coruscant. The passing of that bill was part of the reason why her predecessor had lost his seat, and she had risen to take his place. So the proposal by the Consortium President was one that Elayne could get behind wholeheartedly.

"Coruscant supports this proposal," she said, "it is not for this body to restrict the freedoms of its constituent members, as most of my colleagues in the Free Worlds would agree." Her eyes would wander towards the Free Worlds delegates, pointendely staring at the vaccant seat of the Lothal representative. Letting her gaze linger for long enough to make her point.

"As I said, Coruscant supports this proposal."

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was not enjoying his first Senate session. His doctor had warned him about high blood pressure, and while the Wookiee had laughed her off at the time he was beginning to understand her point. Between the pandering speeches, the less-than-subtle backstabbing, the practiced sincerity, the tap tap tapping of the Speaker's staff, he was beginning to understand her point. He felt as if he'd aged a dozen years in the last forty-five minutes.

Now the Senate, often a fragmented body, was neatly moving ahead to approve Emryc's proposal. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl found himself agreeing with many of the sentiments expressed by the ISC President- he didn't appreciate Galactic oversight- and resigned himself to the fact that he normally would've voted to accept the proposal. However, the Wookiee had a counterproposal that he hoped would both serve his interests of reducing the potential for future oversight while keeping accountability for wrongdoers like the Sith should the Galactic Senate deem future sanctions necessary.

"For all its benefits, this proposal sets a dangerous precedent, Mr. President" he said. "It is rare that this Senate agrees on something, such as correctly placing economic sanctions on the Sith for their ongoing war... and now you would see that power taken away? This body has no army to enforce its decisions- and rightfully so- which means we must not throw away the tools we do have to condemn that which must be condemned, such as slavery and warmongering." The Wookiee let his gaze wash over the assembled Senators and dignitaries; they knew he bore the scars of the Empire's lash, and if they didn't, the deactivated Imperial inhibitor chip he wore around his neck would clue them in.

"Are we unable- or unwilling- to condemn and punish such atrocities?" he asked rhetorically. "Because if pressing sanctions on the Sith Empire" he stressed the coalition, "is all it takes for economies to collapse, then perhaps the problem is not with the Galactic Senate, but with how those economies are run." A not-so-subtle dig at the Core senators lining up to ensure they could continue line their pockets.

Although his words were accusatory, he knew the drill- less regulation meant less oversight, which meant more credits (or Emryc faces) for those who could take advantage of it; his own political allies on Kashyyyk would be angry if he voted against the proposal, even if Kashyyyk had escaped much of the fallout from the last sanction. "But I hear and understand the calls of my peers to eliminate the potential for the abuse of unnecessary sweeping sanctions" he continued. "And therefore I would instead suggest that the threshold for such sanctions be increased from a simple majority to a two-third's majority." Perhaps a compromise could be made here, and a political victory on the galactic stage might silence some of the voices that called him out-of-touch with the current state of the galaxy... Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl had no idea what they were talking about.

 

[Elayne Isard]

As an amendment was put forward, Elayne voted "No."

 

[Cassian Graves]

Cassian listened to the delegate from Kashyyyk’s remarks and proposed addendum. Were the Zeltron a sympathetic man, he might have understood the wookie’s unique point of view. In the past, the wookie’s people had suffered at the hands of the Sith Empire more than, perhaps, anyone else in this assembly hall. Of course the wookie would be hesitant to allow trade with the Sith Empire to continue, but it was not the senate’s place to curtail private business owners. Cassian did not agree with his sentiments.

“The Senator of Onderon votes no on this amendment.”

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek listened as the Senator of Kashyyyk put forward his amendment, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose with growing irritation. The Induparan prince didn’t even get up from his seat – merely leaning forward in his pod to flick on his mic.

“No.”

He proceeded to flick his mic off, leaning back in his seat.

 

[Jana Kang]

Jana would lie if she said she had predicted the fierce economic depression planets like Coruscant had fallen to. Sanctions were commonplace, just like how some worlds didn't allow certain kind of blasters to be carried or sold, while others didn't restrict personal blasters. The sanctions she had voted in favor of had been limited to the sale of heavy armanents to specifically the Sith Empire. As a former employee of Systech Corporation she knew there were countless of ways to avoid fines and she suspected Systech itself had found a way to keep selling to Imperial worlds, seeing as they didn't report a significant profit loss.

Still, it was never the intention of the sanctions to cripple entire planet economies. That it happened felt strange to her, but it had happened nevertheless. So when it was her turn to declare a vote she was deep in thought. What would her government say about this? Was the depression merely a short-term response to policy and would it stabilize later on, in which case cancelling the sanctions was premature, or would this significantly weaken the worlds in this assembly and make it easier for the Empire to invade them again, but succesfully this time.

If anything this session showed that when it came to factions headed by Force sensitive leaders, like the Jedi Order and the Sith Empire, that normal people regardless of species were helpless. When was Jana under mind control and when not, when unknowingly dealing with the Force sensitive? Perhaps next time it was better to attend in holo.

She pressed the button to signal she wanted to speak, "In regards to the amendment brought forth by the Senator of Kashyyyk, Byblos votes no."

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl watched the Jedi being escorted out of the Senate. The Governor never cared so much about them, she always considered them tools to be used against the Sith. However, after the glassing of Firrerre, the Brentaalan woman started to consider them as a liability.

However, she still couldn’t believe that one of them was trying to influenciate Ro in the middle of the Senate meeting. Since who did it was the Grandmaster, a Morellian with near one hundred years, Sibyl thought that the woman was probably becoming senile due to her age. Or the tabloids were right and Voran and Ro had an affair and the two were having shared sexual thoughts. The Brentaalan woman grimaced with this thought. Both were two depraved.

If it was some sort of mind control by the Jedi, Sibyl could understand why it was so easy. Ro lacked brain cells, he was an inept. Influencing him wasn't something difficult to do. Even someone without the Force could easily do it. Vaisra for example. The Chancellor was basically Jin's pet, even if they acted as rivals in public. She wondered if the Senator of Fondor had trained his dog properly. Although, given how wet his pants were during the last Senate meeting, Jin probably didn’t teach Emil the proper place where he could alleviate himself.

After the Jedi were removed, President Thorne explained his proposal, one that Sibyl totally supported. One of the reasons for the defection of Brentaal from the NR was due to the sanctions proposed by the imbecile Senator Starros. Sanctions that Ro embraced without any protest and caused an economic crisis on the Core. Maybe he was trying to woo Starros and bring the old man to his harem. After having a centenary woman as a lover, Ro probably didn’t care for the age of his partners. Sibyl wanted to vomit with this thought.

Then the Wookiee Senator, which colossal and nonsensical name she didn't care to remember, proposed an amendment that was stupid like his name. Sibyl rolled her eyes. Maybe he was another one suffering from dementia due to his advanced age. Given Emil appreciation for old people, the Brentaalan woman wondered with he would want to have the Wookiee as his lover too.

After the other representatives spoke, Sibyl rose from her seat and activated the microphone of her pod. "The sanctions had no impact on the Sith war machine. They only caused an economic crisis on our own planets. I consider that these absurd sanctions were more beneficial to the Sith than to ourselves. This way Brentaal supports the proposal of President Thorne." then she turned to the senile Wookiee "Brentaal votes no to the amendment." she deactivated the microphone and returned to her seat.

 

[Korre Belasi]

The Jedi grandmaster denied entering the Chancellor's mind only for him to reveal the lie. It was playing out like one of the young adult novels Korre had read as a teen, and it left her feeling some kind of way. Disappointment? Irritation? Curiosity? Second-hand embarrassment? Sympathy? There seemed to be an edge in Ro's voice that Korre could only assume was a feeling of betrayal. The two were friends, no? And now the Jedi were being escorted from the chambers, left to wait to see how their fate was decided.

Now it was Thorne's turn to present a proposal.

Though Korre had originally supported the trade sanction on the Sith, she had done so on behalf of Belasco as a senator. Now that she sat here as Prime Minister, and most definitely after seeing the effects it had on the Core, she found herself agreeing with the proposal. The FWA was a trade alliance at its core, and sweeping sanctions passed by the Senate could have a devastating impact on their diverse economies if action was not taken to prevent them as whole. She did not have a vote as PM, but she was glad to see many of her senators were voting in favor of it.

Florin, could you bring me a glass of water? Korre sent the message to her assistant as the Speaker began to tally the votes on the projected holoscreen. He had offered earlier, but she had a feeling she would want something to sip on soon.

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

As votes were cast, a holographic counter would tally the vote from each planet in attendance. It became clear very quickly that Thorne's proposal would pass. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's propose amendment on the other hand, gained a couple votes but was near-unanimously voted against.

"The proposal passes," announced the Speaker after all votes had been tallied. "We will now move onto the next agenda item to introduce the Corporate Sector into Galactic Senate. Senator Galek, you have the floor."

@Altaris

@Fine Dining Set @Mockingjay @SlagathorTheUnknown @Altaria @Wit @Valen Pelora @lizziie @LouJoVi @DutchYoda @llamallove @Nefieslab @Song @Mr. Teatime @Sreeya @Phoenix @Charles

 

[Galek Ordalos]

After making his opinion known, Galek proceeded to recline comfortably within his seat, listening quietly as the rest of the votes gradually began to tally. Much to silent delight, the proposal from the President Thorne – abolishing the sweeping authority of the Senate to levy sanctions – seemed to pass with almost unanimous consent, even managing to do so with a record-low amount of unnecessary ISC hatred.

Naturally, Galek saw no purpose in masking his opinions about the latest turn of events – an immensely satisfied expression plastered on his lips.

His attention was finally drawn away from his own satisfaction when the Speaker addressed him –bringing his own proposal to the floor. Despite making a name for himself as a particularly vocal member of the ISC delegation, this was the first item that Galek had proposed an item of his own – and it was one he suspected would generate some controversy among members.

Galek finally rose from his seat, taking a moment to straighten his tunic before stepping up to his mic. His pod extended out from its stationary position, moving towards the center of the room before Galek addressed the Senate. “Distinguished members of the Senate,” He spoke, his singsong voice amplified throughout the chamber. “For years now, the Galactic Senate has stood as a beacon of collaboration and self-representation - striving to bring about a better galaxy for all.” He paused, allowing his hazel gaze to drift between those assembled. “And it is in this spirit of collaboration that I come before you now. As Governor of Indupar and representative of the ISC, I propose that the Galactic Senate formally extend an invitation to representatives of the Corporate Sector, inviting them to sit as voting members within this illustrious body.”

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to hang in the air before he continued. “More than just the conglomeration of businesses that govern it, the Corporate Sector represents an entire region of the galaxy - entire worlds and systems, countless jobs, and billions of civilians. All of whom have – despite being equally affected by the actions of this body - have gone without any form of representation."

He leaned forward, gripping the sides of his podium. "By finally allowing the Corporate Sector a seat at the table, we would be giving these corporations and businesses the opportunity to speak for themselves, rather than being spoken for by the Senators within this building. In doing so, we would be paving the way for open and transparent dialogue with these businesses, and enable us to make better, more informed decisions for the galaxy as a whole.

Galek turned in his pod, gesturing to the man seated behind him. "With that, Madam Speaker, I yield my remaining time to guest-speaker, Newton Arden.” With that, Galek finally took a step back away from the mic.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Well, this has been really entertaining, Newton had a hard time covering his smirk as he watched the session un-fold. The Jedi Grandmaster was unceremoniously dismissed from the chambers following being caught using the Force in session, lying about it, and then digging herself a deeper hole. The sanctions were repealed as well and the precedent was set for sweeping sanctions not to be imposed again. The best part about it all? Newton had a front row seat the entire time.

Newton would then stand up, and then nod and smile towards the good governor Galek as he would look across the senate chambers. He can see the many politicians gathered here today. Newton does not like politicians in general as they tend to be imbeciles, but the ISC governors and their president Mr. Thorne are impressive. And there are a few others that proved to be able to show reason.

Anyways, the Blackwell Executive would then speak to the assembly. "Thank you, thank you for having me." he would nod "I'm Newton Arden, Chief Technology Officer with Blackwell Technologies, I'm speaking on behalf of the Corporate Sector Authority today. It is an honor to be here today" The senators, assuming they are not living under a rock, should recognize the name, the one behind the popular D3 series droid.

"The Galactic Senate has shown that it's been a grand forum of ideas and cooperation to better the galaxy. Even though the Corporate Sector haven't be present in this body, what is done in these also affects the rest of the galaxy. The Corporate Sector wishes formally to be part of this forum too, so that they have their own voice to ensure the dozens and dozens of systems under them are well-represented in affairs which could potentially affect them. Many galactic-wide corporations make their home in the Corporate Sector, but as they do business in the GS-affiliated worlds that did spell some complications with the sanctions that were passed the last sanctions, but thankfully the sanctions are now abolished, still the point can be made.

Newton would end his little speech for now "I simply ask this: Are there any reasons as to why the Corporate Sector shouldn't be allowed representation here?" The Corporate Sector is a legitimate government of systems after all. The droid expert would look across the chambers as he posed the question to everyone, he would look at the reactions of some of the others in attendance, ready to respond to others if needed.

@Altaris @everyone_else

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

The Senator from Kashyyyk had what he hoped was a simple question. "The Galactic Senate currently seats 100 members. How many seats additional does your proposal allocate to the Corporate Sector?"

@Altaris

 

[Cal Starros]

Senator Starros had remained in his seat for the entire session thus far, abstaining from the votes as he watched the Senate descend further and further into anger and division. Over the past few months, clear lines had been drawn, and those Senators who had not joined a ‘team’ found themselves shunted to one side. He had nearly risen to speak when the Jedi had been asked to leave the chamber, whilst the confessed force sensitive members of the ISC had been allowed to remain - but ultimately had opted to stay silent.

This new proposal was one that interested him deeply. Starros was naturally wary of those who sought to change the makeup of the Senate, as normally it was for political reasons. This was never more transparent than when it came to giving Corporations votes in this body. Keen to speak before this motion was rushed through by the ISC and their almost duracrete voting bloc, he signalled his intention to take to the floor and waited for the Speaker to call him to do so.

He was somewhat concerned that this would merely cause another mudslinging contest, however, there were questions he felt needed to be answered.

”Speaker.”

“I would begin by saying that few of us in this chamber, and the many who observe it on the holos, can deny this session has been a heated one of late. It is becoming ever clearer to me that our gathering here is becoming more partisan and divided, and the core principles of cooperation upon which this body was founded are being washed away. To that end, I welcome this debate, as raised today, as an opportunity to examine the purpose of this body.”

“Naturally, I would be misleading the chamber if I said that I did not have reservations about the idea of welcoming Corporations to vote in this body. I do not believe that Corporate bodies should have the same voting rights as bodies of people, however, I would ask that those gathered today in this Senate look at the purpose of the chamber in which we sit.”

“It is my belief that this Senate is a meeting place of planetary governments. It is not a representative Senate of the people of this Galaxy, but rather of the governments that operate within this Galaxy. Monarchies, Republics, Cartels and more are already represented in this chamber, so on that basis, I believe it would be wrong to deny the Corporate Sector admission to this body.”

“However, I believe we must build in safeguards against ‘double voting’. Let me put it this way. Corporations can be purchased by individuals, funds, other Governments and companies. This could lead to wealthy organisations, some in this body, effectively purchasing votes at this Senate. None of us, for example, would want the Sith Empire, or the Hutt Cartels to basically buy a seat at this table.”

“As such, if safeguards against this can be built into this bill, I would vote in favour of allowing the admission of the Corporate Sector to the Galactic Senate, unless other information comes to light that would prejudice that decision.”

 

[Newton]

The Blackwell Executive would look towards the wookie, as his words. Thankfully there is a translator droid around, because otherwise Newton wouldn't even be able to understand what is being said. "Ah, good question Mister... honorable Senator... of Kashyyyk" he would smile. Newton knows the name of the wookie senator, but doesn't know how to pounce it. Newton would then answer the question. "The Corporate Sector is seeking ten seats, same as what the Jedi have currently." The Corporate Sector are bigger than the Jedi truth be told, but even the CSA seeking an greater number of seat would be folly. Ten seats should be more than reasonable.

Next up is the man behind the sanctions, Senator Starros of Lothal. He's a goody-goodie type. As the senator was talking, Newton looked towards governor Galek and then rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Thank you... Mr. Starros." Newton said with a low energy tone. With a pause, the Blackwell droid expert would proceed "Just a reminder - just in case - the corporations already have seats in this body." Namely Kuat. After all the ruler of Kuat is also the owner of Kuat Drive Yards. It's basically a corporation that owns a planet, but he shouldn't need to blurt that out. "Another reminder, that non-corporate politicians can also have their votes bought by whomever. Maybe you got bought by the Jedi for example?" He posed as an example. It's not an accusation, but hasn't Starros been really chummy with the Jedi? Any kind of public figure can be subject to corruption

"But safeguards... do tell, what do you have in mind? What could be feasible?" he would raise an eyebrow and cross his arms towards Starros. Newton isn't a great political genius like President Thorne, but the last proposal showed that the Galactic Senate body isn't kind towards sweeping restrictions or anything like that. And any amendments can get shot down and the original proposal can still pass just fine.

@Nor'baal @SlagathorTheUnknown @Altaris

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

The Speaker activated her microphone.

"A quick interjection, Mr. Arden. Please refer to our representatives here today in the correct manner. Senator Starros.

"Please continue."

@The Good Doctor @Nor'baal

 

[Newton]

Newton would bow respectfully towards the speaker. "My apologies Honorable Speaker". Newton would then look towards the Lothal senator, and take this as a reminder to be more nice, realizing how blunt and informal he may come off.

"Senator Starros,, perhaps we can look towards a solution on this and find a good path forward with the GS and the CSA? Did you happent to have anything in mind?"

He tried sounding nice as possible.

@Nor'baal