Open Galactic Senate Onderon Congregation of Planets and Nations

[Korre Belasi]

Korre was incredibly intrigued by the motion put forward that would have the Corporate Sector join the Galactic Senate. Before even becoming a senator Korre had interned at a couple different companies associated with the sector, though she had obviously not ended up there. But even between Ordalos' and Arden's words, Starros' hesitation and her own thoughts on the matter, she found herself right on the fence. She was strongly in agreement with Starros' first point, the one summarize as the Galactic Senate sat representatives of planetary governments, not people. Notably, Arden did not address that particular point.

"If the Corporate Sector wants only ten seats," Korre began as she activated her microphone to project her curiosities to the room. "Then how will it be decided which corporations will take those seats? I would also be curious to hear you address your views on Senator Starros' first point."

The woman would then deactivate her microphone an await an answer.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Lon Tendree]

Senator Tendree listened to the debate back and forth over the issue of the CSA gaining seats in the Senate. To him, it was a no-brainer. They were in control of a large sector of the galaxy, they were a respected if perhaps not well-liked entity, and there was no reason to deny a group like that entry to the rest of the galactic stage.

What he couldn't believe, however, was some of the statements that were being made by Senator Starros.

If I may, I find it highly inappropriate that Senator Starros has decided to be so disrespectful as to state that he believes the CSA so corrupt that their votes can be outright bought. Such accusations border on slander and have no place in this body, he said.

By the logic you present, we should be far more inclined to investigate whether your vote was paid for when you walked away from Felucia mid-negotiation, he said. He was no fan of the war with the Empire, but he knew that regardless of that stance, walking out in the middle of a negotiation was highly inappropriate and far more suspicious than anything the CSA had done.

He went on to address the remainder of the Senators next. It is my view that to deny a legitimate government body - for that is what the Corporate Sector Authority is - access to the Galactic Senate is in direct opposition of what we hope to accomplish here. It is why I must not only support this addition, but would urge others to do the same, he said.

 

[Newton]

Newton would nod towards the FWA Prime Minister. She has been making waves as a Senator he heard, now a Prime Minister, and she has a scientific background and is from a planet known for it's science. Respectable. Newton would then respond to her in a professional manner. "The Corporate Sector Authority, the binding government of the corporations that operates in their respective worlds, will chose it's representatives for it's Galactic Senate seats. The seats will most likely go to the more renown corporations, such as Blackwell and Czerka."

"And yes, as for Starros point, the Corporate Sector Authority does indeed represent people in it's space. The Corporate Sector is home to billions of people, dozens of star systems, and many planets. As the corporations are represented in the Galactic Senate, as will their citizens. Honestly, it isn't much different than lets say if Chandrilia was here for example. As Chandrilia would represent their people in this body, so too would the corporation be doing the same here. The citizens would have their own voice here as do the corporations."

He thought that would suffice, Newton can elaborate more if needed.

@lizziie

 

[Hergalor]

Another relatively tame proposal. This one made complete logical sense - outside of logistical concerns, it seems like even the idealistic members of the Senate were on board.

"Thank you, Governor Ordalos and Mister Arden." It would be simple enough just to voice his support for the proposal, but given the following agenda items around excluding the Jedi and inviting the Sith, Hergalor saw an opportunity to articulate his position on the function of the Senate. "If I understand you correctly, the Corporate Sector Authority requests a seat on the Senate to represent the planets governed by the Corporate Sector, not just the many corporations of the galaxy." It seemed that the other parties were confusing the two. The Corporate Sector was a discrete part of space fully administered by corporations, a part of space currently neutral to the Sith and Jedi conflict. "Taanab supports this proposal, and would welcome the Corporate Sector's representatives to the Galactic Senate." He nodded towards the Governor and Blackwell's CTO.

Hergalor turned to address the rest of the gathered Senate. "Our Senate functions for precisely this purpose. We seek to bring as many stakeholders, as many governments of worlds, as possible. As a body, the sort of initiative that Governor Ordalos has shown should be celebrated, not met with skepticism. For too long, this Senate has represented the interests of only part of the galaxy; the New Republic, the Free Worlds Alliance, the Independent Systems Consortium, the Jedi. These recent Senatorial gatherings should have shown the problems of this limited thinking." Jedi mind control, ineffective sanctions, members getting choked out of consciousness. The Senate had become political theater. Or, it always was, and the routine of it all was becoming tiresome.

"We are at our strongest when we have more voices at the table. Planets working together, like we have seen with the ISCRA and the GHO. The Senate must remain a forum for all sovereign planets to collaboratively discuss shared issues and set shared goals. It should not be a bludgeon by which the strongest, most centralized governments can violate the sovereignty of our member worlds." He nodded once more as he slowly returned to his seat. Hopefully, his point hadn't been too muddied; it would, hopefully, set the stage for later discussions. In truth, he thought little about these organizations; the Galactic Health Organization, helped slow the spread of AMS, for which he was grateful, and the ISCRA had kept refugees from showing up en masse to his world, for which he was equally grateful. If the Senate would remain that - pet projects undertaken voluntarily by members of constituent governments - he had little issue with anything they would do. As long as it didn't cost his world money, the Senate could aim for whatever lofty goals it wanted to.

Either way, it had been a good day for Taanab. Corporate representation? An end to sanctions? Honestly, after this vote, the Senate could be burned to the ground for all he cared. It was a good day to be an enterprising businessman.

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

"If no objections are to be made to Senator Ordalos' proposal--if there are, do so now--please begin to voice your vote for the proposal."

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

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

The proposal of giving seats to the Corporate Sector was something that Sibyl approved. After all, she had business with some of the corporations that existed there. Their presence in the Senate would be good, the benefits coming from it could be excellent for them. And there was also the possibility of establishing alliances with these planets.

She knew many Brentaalan nobles that would love to meet with representatives of the Corporate Sector to make business. With the Sector's presence at the Senate, these meetings could be more easily arranged. She would always help this happen, with the right price of course.

The Governor rolled her eyes when Senator Starros started to vomit his stupidity. When the Speaker said to Newton Arden that he used the wrong title for the Senator of Lothal, Sibyl wanted to laugh. The old man probably asked the Speaker to say that, she had no doubt about that. It was childish of Starros, probably his old age was making his mind regress to that of a child.

As soon as the vote started, Sibyl rose from his seat and activated the microphone. "As the Senator of Cato Neimoidia said early, it goes against the existence of this entire Senate to refuse giving seats for our colleagues of the Corporate Sector. This way, Brentaal votes yes for this proposal." then she returned to her place.

 

[Hergalor]

Hergalor had already made his point, no need to belabor it with further dialogue ."Taanab votes yes to this proposal." Hopefully, he would soon be celebrating this victorious day with champagne flutes in his suite.

 

[Cassian Graves]

Following the Senator of Tanaab's remarks, Cassian leaned forward in his repulsorpod and activated its microphone. "It is not within this collective body's prerogative to deny any section of the galaxy representation. The citizens of the corporate sector are not second class citizens, and their voices deserve to be heard. Onderon votes yes."

He deactivated the microphone and leaned back in his seat, hoping that sounded empathetic enough.

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Brum: No

 

[Lon Tendree]

Senator Tendree had already said his piece on the issue at hand, so for him the vote was quite simple.

Cato Neimoidia votes "yes."

 

[Elayne Isard]

As the voting began, Elayne switched on her mic to utter a simple "Yes."

 

[Jana Kang]

“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.” - Senator Starros

______________

Jana's thoughts lingered on these words by senator Starros. It felt both correct and disheartening at the same time. They were representing governments, cartels and corporations. No bills could be brought in that forces any other party than your own to action. If anything that disregarded the senate as a governing body and made it more of a central communication hub while the technology of the time allowed for holographic meetings that didn't have the gigantic costs of moving a fully staffed and apparently growing senate around the galaxy. Thousands of people, and entire media circus and apparently an overzealous political fanclub followed it from planet to planet. The costs of temporary housing, transport and infrastructure was immense.

In its current form it made no sense to deny the Corporate Sector their seats, so when it was her assigned time to vote the senator of Byblos pressed her speaking button and said, "Byblos votes yes on the proposal." If anything their own representation would likely diminish the power that corporate lobbyists had in the rooms and hallways outside this very chamber.

 

[Cal Starros]

"Aye."

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl stroked his chin as he pondered his options. On one hand, the Wookiee was wary of any shifts of power in the Galactic Senate- and the Corporate Sector being added followed by the possibility of the Jedi being expulsed would make for a significant swing in the Senate's dynamics, in his opinion. However, giving them 10 seats, instead of full representation on par with the Consortium, New Republic, and FWA, hardly threatened to tip the balance.

The Wookiee also knew that the next item on the agenda was going to require what little patience he had left; opposing this out of stubbornness to change would only make item #5 that much more difficult to sit through. "Kashyyyk votes in favor of this proposal."

 

[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 the proposal would pass.

"The proposal passes," announced the Speaker after all votes had been tallied. "We will now move onto the last agenda item which is to bring up the removal of the Jedi Order's representation within the Galactic Senate. Senator Isard, you have the floor."

@Wit

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

 

[Elayne Isard]

While the previous agenda item was being discussed, one in which Elayne did not have much interest either way, she was preparing herself for what was to come after, her proposal. She had come prepared for this, with an entire speech in mind, she had even laid down the ground work for it in her earlier arguments. But then the Jedi Grandmaster had been caught using the Force on another member of the Senate, and that had changed everything. There was no way she could have predicted this outcome, and the reaction it got from the other members in the Senate. Not that she was complaining, for this was all working in her favor.

So when the Speaker called upon her to present her proposal, she got to her feet having reworked her strategy on the fly. "Thank you Madam Speaker." She paused to give a brief nod to the Lurmen woman, before turning to address the entire gathering, taking an exaggerated pause before speaking up again. "Forgive me, I am forced by recent events to regather my thoughts on this matter. I had a great many reasons to bring forth this proposal, the separation of religion and state, the Jedi being the exception to this body being a gathering of governments that represent the people of this Galaxy, the Jedi putting down claims on bases of operation on planets spread out over more than one member state of this body. I could go on, but it seems a much simpler matter now. One of trust." She paused, looking around the Senate, catching the eyes of a few of those present who had shown support for her attempt to move forward this motion.

"I do not share the same love for the Jedi that my predecessor did, but I do share in the respect he had for them. I did not fear them like many among us fear the Sith, even though we have seen time and time again that they are but two sides to the same coin. I have always believed that when push came to shove we could trust in the Jedi. But not anymore." She looked around, face pensive while she smiled on the inside on seeing nods and other gestures or agreement across the Senate chambers. "We stand here to represent the people of the Galaxy, to do justice by them. But we know now that we cannot be sure that a few with the power to steal our very free will from us will not try to impose their ideals upon us. Even if it as the expense of the Galaxy at large. Today it was the Chancellor," She looked towards the Supreme Chancellor then, for but a moment, before continuing, "next time it could be someone else, someone lacking the strength to reject such advances." As she paused she noticed more than a few eyes turn towards the Senator Ord Mantell, forcing her to suppress the smile that threatened to pull across her face.

"We cannot let the sanctity of this body be put at risk by the continued presence of a religious body that has no place in this halls. They are not a government, they are not rulers, and they have shown today that they cannot be trusted. So it is with a heavy heart that I propose the immediate expulsion of the Jedi Order from being a voting member of the Galactic Senate."

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

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Grand Admiral Brum stepped up in his pod and activated his mic "I agree with Senator Isard." He looked over to the Senator with a nod of approval, before turning back and facing the rest of the Senate. "No matter her intentions, what the Grandmaster did was inexcusable. Although she was caught, who knows if this was the first time. What if they had gotten away with this before?"

"Outside of the situation that occurred today, I also believe there is no point in having the Jedi here. Whether or not they have a voice in the Galactic Senate, they will still continue to do what they always do:" Brum paused "fight the Sith and help those in need. It isn't like they are all of a sudden going to wage war on us. The only reason they were brought here was to be friendly with them and hear their opinions. However, we can still maintain good relations and communication with them, even if they are no longer in the Senate, if that is what we want." Brum heavily emphasized the word 'if', and looked directly at Chancellor Ro.

Personally, the Grand Admiral thought the Republic's official alliance with the Jedi brought more harm than good. After speaking, he deactivated his mic but continued to stand.

@Wit

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl growled softly to himself as Senator Isard lambasted the Jedi. This was the proposal that the Wookiee had known going in would define this session for him, but he hadn't expected it to take the turn that it had- and not for the first time, he bemoaned the Grandmaster's unwise decision to use the Force in violation of the Senate's rules. Regardless, the proposal that was being put forth threatened the future of the galaxy, in his eyes, and the venerable Wookiee stood to address the Senate.

"I will respond to your comments in reverse order, Senator" T-8R translated, pausing briefly before launching into the protocol droid equivalent of a tirade. "Is this how the New Republic treats its best allies in the struggle against the Sith? By removing their voice, their vote, and their presence from the Galactic Senate because you are tired of 'being friendly with them and hearing their opinions'?" The reasoning Senator Isard had given was so shallow the Wookiee was hard pressed not to laugh. "This proposal is nothing more than a callous attempt by the New Republic to remove a minority voice from the room- a voice that has continued to stand for peace, justice, and collaboration; regardless of faction or planet." Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl looked up towards the ISC's pods. "The Grandmaster herself aided in the search for President Thorne when he was kidnapped, despite the ISC's willingness to distance themselves from the Jedi." The Wookiee then addressed his section of the senate, where the Free World's Alliance sat. "The Jedi remain our best allies in the ongoing war against the Sith, as evidenced by their military success on Felucia." Finally, he swung his greying muzzle back towards Senator Isard. "And I will remind Senator Isard that the Jedi are the reason that the New Republic exists, thanks to Rey Skywalker's victory over Palpatine on Exogol. In your haste to write history, do not forget your own."

Now onto the day's events. The Senator's fears were not without cause, but her zeal had blinded her to other threats. "I understand that the earlier events have left many shaken. But- and I cannot stress this enough- removing the Jedi from the Senate will not remove the threat of the Force being used to influence votes. Although perhaps the most prominent example, the Jedi are not the only ones among us that are known to be Force-sensitive." T-8R paused again to let his words sink in. Surely others had to see the threat this motion posed. Removing the Jedi would remove the safeguards they brought with them- namely, the ability to call out other Force users. "I am, of course, not implying that Secretary Carrick would use his talents to influence others... but I am merely pointing out that the risk of undue influence will not be solved by removing the Jedi from the Senate." T-8R was careful that their tone carried no animosity towards the ISC; Carrick was simply the best-known Force user that wasn't a Jedi.

"So for both of the reasons I have just expressed, Kashyyyk cannot support this proposal. The Senate will find that the Jedi's continuing service throughout the galaxy- magnified by their collaboration with this governing body- far outweighs Grandmaster Voran's mistake today."

With that, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl sat and waited for the inevitable storm to continue brewing, silently wishing he was already on his way back to Kashyyyk.

 

[Jana Kang]

The senator of Byblos sighed and stepped up to her microphone, "Madam Speaker, dear members of the senate. The proposition brought forward by the Senator of Coruscant troubles me, personally." She paused to gather her thoughts on the order in which she wished to say things. This was an important topic and her words would never be perfect.

"To say that the Jedi and Sith are two sides of the same coin," she paused again, this time for a grimace, "One side tried to invade my planet we're still picking up the pieces," she, ofcourse, referred to the attempted invasion by the Sith Empire, "-while the other joined members of this body in our defense. Byblos feels indebted to them and yet the Jedi have not requested things like improper influence on our planet or permission to build one of their temple strongholds." In other words: it was an oversimplification to say they're two sides of the same coin.

"I also hear the concerns from the Senator of Kashyyyk about Force-users in the senate that are neither Jedi nor Sith and I would like add another thought-" she wanted to show a holographic video of a few minutes ago but realized she couldn't. The senate didn't stand for such media antics.

"-in recent votes we have diminished the power of this body. A majority of votes cannot force any faction in this senate to do something they don't agree with. Just now we voted to include the Corporate Sector, who despite their dubious records on climate, workplace safety and unfair competition practices, are welcomed here and want to join simply because we cannot force them to change. The threat of undue influence here is limited, but I invite the senator of Coruscant to voice these same concerns in the Republic Senate as well."

She had talked about this with the president and his cabinet back on Byblos for a long time. It was a sensitive topic on her planet and the answer she was compelled to give wouldn't sit too well with the people that felt like they owed their lives to the Jedi Order. Still, perhaps it was the only right thing to do. "Byblos recognizes that the Galactic Senate is a body for communication and cooperation between the galactic and interplanetary factions of this galaxy. The Jedi Order as religious group that occupies temples on member worlds does no longer meet that description." If they formalized that they did then where was the line? Would widespread religions all get a seat? Would the Five Syndicates each get a seat at the table? In fact, the Hutt Cartel with its vast number of planets under its control probably qualifies as much as the Corporate Sector. There isn't much difference in the way they do business....

"Therefore, Byblos supports the proposition by the senator of Coruscant."

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc heard the points made by the other Senators, some excellent points, others angles he hadn’t considered. He was especially surprised by Senator Kang’s response, originally believing her to be one of those over the top idealistic types. And of course there was the Wookiee Senator who once again came across as if he had just arrived from a dungeon into civilized space. It was amazing he had no humility to shut up after yelling about the Force use accusations being baseless right before the Chancellor himself contradicted that.

“As the man that was kidnapped, I believe I’m somewhat qualified to speak on the topic of my rescue,” Emryc began as he looked at the Wookiee after Kang finished speaking, “The Jedi showing up to aid was admirable, but ultimately a publicity stunt. In fact, their arrival promptly stalled the rescue attempt and the effort went absolutely nowhere. If the Jedi truly cared to aid us, they would have stepped up to assist with our galactic wide ISCRA refugee extractions, transport, AMS planet rescues and a whole host of other things. If the Jedi truly cared to aid us, Grandmaster Voran would have taken the time to meet with me just as she had with the Chancellor and the Prime Minister. However, she did not...perhaps because I am the only galactic leader that cannot be easily mentally intruded upon since Senator Carrick will pick up on it,” There was no denying that Alex had met with the other world leaders but not ISC. There was also no denying that the Jedi had been entirely uninvolved in aiding with ISCRA. There was also no denying the blatant demonstration of Alex jumping into the Chancellor’s mind without his consent.
“As Grand Admiral Brum (@Altaria )very accurately pointed out, the Jedi’s removal from this body does not diminish their ability to ally with galactic leaders and continue their efforts to aid those in need. Voran has already set up partnerships with several members of this body."

Emryc paused there before staring at the Wookiee for a few seconds. His face remained impassive when he spoke again. Emryc could stand for jabs at himself, but he wouldn't stand for repeated potshots at his Governors, “By naming Governor Carrick explicitly, you are in fact implying exactly that he may be free to use his talents. Being a Force user is not the main focus of this proposal, because there are many in here who very well might be. Meeting the criteria of being a governing body is the primary qualifier here."

“Finally,” The half Sephi’s eyes narrowed just the slightest bit, “Senator, you are embarrassing your planet, your governing body, and your Prime Minister with your repeated obsession with baselessly stigmatizing the ISC at every speaking turn while also brushing off Voran invading the Chancellor's mind without his consent as nothing more than a trivial mistake. I suggest going forward you change up your tactic before you lose any last slivers of credibility you have left.”

@SlagathorTheUnknown