Open Galactic Senate Onderon Congregation of Planets and Nations

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek finally took his seat amongst the rest of the ISC delegation, sinking into the comfortable cushions of his Senate pod. There was an exceptionally smug, satisfied grin on his lips for a long while after his encounter with the Chancellor. Nevertheless, he didn’t linger on the exchange for long – instead focusing his attention ahead as the first agenda item was announced.

As Senator Sapent began to lay out his long-winded proposal, Galek couldn’t help but furrow his brow a bit – a look of confusion very briefly manifested on his features. It wasn’t a bad proposal, but damn if it didn’t seem eerily familiar.

He felt an overwhelming sensation of déjà vu while he listened, and yet he really wasn’t surprised. While the New Republic seemed to latch onto every imagined flaw about the ISC, he was almost certain that they stuck their fingers in their ears and tried to ignore any positive thing that was done.

Galek was prepared to rise from his seat, but Emryc beat him to the draw. He leaned back in his seat just then, listening silently as the President began to tear into the proposal. The Induparan couldn’t help but allow a smug little grin to grace his features the longer he listened. Given all the time and effort Galek had poured into ISCRA over the past year, the prince couldn’t help but be exceptionally satisficed to see the program highlighted on the Galactic stage. The fact it was also being used to slap down a proposal from the New Republic really was just icing on the cake.

He couldn’t help but exhale a small laugh through his nostrils at the heartburn comment. At seemingly every point, Galek had to deal with politicians who harbored some deep-seeded hatred for the ISC for quite literally zero legitimate reason. The fact that they now looked petty in front of the entire galaxy was something that pleased the prince far more than it should have.

He didn’t rise from his seat nor add his voice to the opposition quite yet. He didn’t need to. Emryc covered every point that needed to be said. A few moments of silence would pass after the President finished speaking, and Galek finally shifted in his seat. Rather than getting up, he merely turned his hazel gaze to the left and leaning to address his aide.

“Nadira?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Please be sure to send an ISCRA pamphlet to the office of Senator Sapent when this session is over. You know – the one with lots of pictures.”

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

"Although it pains me to do so, I must agree with President Thorne and Grandmaster Voran." Grand Admiral Brum spoke out, with his pod extending outwards. Ceris, who stood by in the pod, quickly looked down at her feet as to not lot Emryc notice her. "Senator Sapent," Brum continued "You gave a wonderful emotional speech, but there seems to be missing components to your bill. Hypothetically if this bill was to be agreed upon, where is your plan to execute it? I've read over the bill a few times, and all I see is talks of budget and claims with no support. You say you will provide certain amenities, but how so?"

Brum's tone started to become fierce, as if he were trying to take command over the room. "First, I have not seen or heard of any plans about how supplies will be transported. What ships will we be using? Where are they manufactured? What is the cost of travel? Second, where will we find the workers to carry out your plan? It is stated in the bill that you will 'confer with representatives of industries, enterprises, or local governments, who can assist the Service in the carrying out of its duties', but that sounds like you don't know exactly how it will be carried out right now. Lastly, where will be obtaining the supplies from? Will we contract manufacturing companies? If so which ones?"

The Grand Admiral paused for a moment looking around the room. "I am a militaristic man. I understand the importance of having a well thought out plan prior to a mission, and this does not appear to be one. It seems to me you are asking for credits before finishing the plan." He looked back towards Senator Sapent with a glare, "I also do not like liars. When referring to the people this program would be used for, you stated it was for people who required 'the most basic of resources: food, water, shelter, blankets.' So why is it that I see entertainment and sports services in your bill? Will we be building theatres for these people? Throwing parades? Give everyone a brand new copy of the newest holonet game, 'Call of Honor, White Mission 2'?

"A galaxy wide project is much more difficult than a small village of 1,000 people, Senator. My Captain here" Brum pointed towards Ceris who was standing next to him "alongside Senator Vaisra, has already made efforts to try and help an underdeveloped planet. It takes a long time to start up such a project. I believe that the ISCRA and GHO are better suited for this, especially since they have a proven track record." The pod retracted back to its original position.

@Sreeya @DutchYoda @Valen Pelora @lizziie @Mockingjay

 

[Elayne Isard]

Dressed in a simple yet elegant suit ensemble designed to keep the cold out, Coruscant's newly elected representative had arrived at the session of the Galactic Senate with little fanfare. She was, after all, the new kid on the block, and she barely knew any of the delegates present here beyond what she had read up on them, both on the holonet and in briefs. They hadn't been big fans of her predecessor, what with their attempt to get him fired from not just his positions within the Galactic Senate but the New Republic as well, a lot of which she assumed was because of the planet he represented. The planet she now represented. She might have played the political game to unseat him, but she couldn't deny that he had been a decent enough fellow. He had fought bravely, he had fought honorably, and he had lost. She on the other hand, didn't give one flying fuck about honor, or fairness. All that mattered was who came out on top, and having won the first battle she was here to win the ones that would follow.

The first of which was dealing with nuisances within the Republic, the Chancellor for one, and fools like Sapent for another. She had used the Chancellor's rather controversial decision to let the Jedi reclaim the Temple on Coruscant in her campaign against Drast, so the proposal that she had put forward for this session would not be a surprise to anyone. Not only would it strengthen her position back home, it would be a strike against Chancellor Ro, with his pro-Jedi agenda. The less power he had, the more she did. But that proposal would have to wait, she had to deal with Sapent first. What good would it do her if she did manage to gather power within the Republic if fools like him turned the Republic's reputation into dirt. There's wasn't much she could do with a weapon if it was broken by the time she got her hands on it.

"Master Jedi," she addressed the Jedi Grandmaster as she got to her feet, "while I appreciate your sentiment to turn the former Imperial.. I mean Republic Museum on Coruscant into a refugee center and hospital," Calling the so called Jedi Temple what it really was, a reminder of Jedi opulence and failure, was an intentional slip on her part, as would be the moment for which her gaze would linger on the Jedi as she spoke. "but it would be another case of misuse of funds. It has been used a museum for decades, and the cost of converting it for Jedi habitation, much less acting as a refugee center, is one I cannot support. There are more than enough existing facilities across Republic, Free World, and the Consortium space that can accommodate any needs the GHO has. I understand you intentions are good and I don't hold this mistake against you, logistics and governance aren't really Jedi purview after all." Knowing full well was arguments she would use later on in the session, when her own proposal would come under discussion, she planted seeds that she could exploit then. The Jedi were not a government, they were a religious sect, and this was not their playground, it was hers.

Turning her attention away from the Jedi, she would address the speaker. "I second President Thorne's views that this proposal serves no purpose but to distract us from things that do need our attention. If there is a matter of improved funding for the GHO or the ISCRA I welcome their representatives to bring such a matter to our attention. But till then I vote to have this motion dismissed."

@Valen Pelora @Sreeya

 

[Vilgur Sapent]

Listens carefully to Emryc Thorne, and stands up.

"I must hand it to the President of the ISC. I have seen the work of the ISCRA and its aid to help thousands of refugees. I might have overlooked the ability to get these appropriations into that institution instead, as well as the GHO. But the budget is not the only problem: the ISCRA and GHO will need to take on the responsibilities as I have written in the third and fourth sections, and that includes a lot more than it does today. So if President Thorne is in agreement that ISCRA should be turned into a galactic organisation with oversight by this astute body, I can assure you that it and the GHO will be receiving the necessary funding from the Republic to carry out the larger scope of their operations. I thank the President of the ISC: instead of creating a new organisation, we simply adopt the ISCRA into one supported by the Republic and FWA as well."

He then listens to Voran and turns to her.

"The three governments here assembled owe a debt of Gratitude to the Jedi Order. And I agree with your amendment when combined with the words by President Thorne. Of course I understand most of all that the Jedi do not have financial space to give this reorganised effort much credits, but we do not insist the Jedi do so. What I do ask of the Jedi is this: we know that the Light Side of the Force has a healing effect on those affected by it. And that the Jedi are some of the brightest medical experts in the Galaxy. Will you help us not only with providing your Temple, which is more than grace enough; but also your Knights and Masters?"

He listens carefully to Brum, who appears to be an Admiral. He nods in agreement to the clear logistical questions that this Republic Officer asks. He had not been investigating those problems.

"I must confess, Admiral Brum, that I am not knowledged in the field of military logistics, or even in the field of hyperspace travel. I am a Bureaucrat at most: I am in the business of allocating funds and setting up the administration to get things moving. After that, I have the habit of staying out of the logistical part of the business. But your questions have been most valid: in truth, until the President expressed that the ISCRA and the GHO will cooperate, I had little idea how to get this done. But with the amendment that I will now put forward, your logistics questions are moved to those of the reorganised institutions. For that matter, I will vouch for you this: that the Republic must procur for this Act the necessary ships, personnel, and supplies to carry out these necessary operations. And my world, Abregado-Rae, sitting at the beginning of the Rimma Trade Route, will open its doors for those travelling to the south part of the Galaxy."

Looking around for a bit, he heard no more questions coming his way. He sat back down, but remained floating in the centre because it was his bill being proposed.

 

[Jin Vaisra]

As the Grand Admiral spoke, Senator Vaisra stared at him with a blank expression. Although he made valid points, many of which fell perfectly in line with how Jin thought of the agenda, it made his skin prickle to see a man like Brum speak to the Senate as if his opinion was worth the time of day to hear. There was nothing wrong with the idea of a military leader participating in galactic politics, but it was odd considering the proposal at hand, and worse when it was the Brum discussing it.

The same man who lost Denon in a single day.

If there was anyone worth speaking on this matter, it should be Captain Odrosess—men or women who had actively made efforts to curb the pandemic, instead of contributing to a slate of embarrassing military disasters. Jin pursed his lips. Perhaps a bit of military restructuring was in order.

As for what everyone else were saying, he had to agree—but just this once, if only to keep the whole Republic from looking like a band of petty morons, Jin would present his own case to the chamber. “The honorable President Thorne makes a fine point as to why this proposal is irrelevant, to me and to many others. But I would hope the Senate might understand the Republic’s hesitation in channeling millions of credits into foreign agencies when the task could be done much more easily, and directly, by our own means—as we have done with Firrerre and Cyborrea.”

Jin cut a glance to Senator Sapent. “I understand the honorable representative of Abregado-Rae has good intentions at heart, but Fondor would not support sinking its own funds into another intergovernmental program ruled by another committee. The GHO could do with enhanced financing and administration, which we may support, but that would require a new proposal for a different day. However, if you’re asking for a Republic-sponsored refugee program, that is a case I would bring up with the Republic Senate. Or the HoloNet, if you’re so inclined.”

Jin clasped his hands and gave the man a warm smile, as if he hadn’t just ripped his proposal to shreds before his very eyes. “Fondor also seconds both President Thorne’s and Senator Isard’s motion to dismiss this proposal. Thank you.”

 

[Carrick]

Karking hells he needed a cigarette.

Not only was a hilariously poorly informed senator making an arse of himself in a public forum but he was doing so while pissing all over the accomplishment of sentients who had gotten themselves involved in the crisis before he deigned to arrive on the scene. And then, lacking any kind of real plan, decided that he was obviously more qualified to continue the efforts in the Galaxy than those with actual experience.

Instead he went to take a sip of his coffee... and ended up downing the entire cup instead. Setting the now empty cup within it's saucer, Carrick leaned forward and pressed his microphone to allow himself to speak.

"Tinnel IV agrees with the motion to dismiss the proposal. Further, the representative of Tinnel IV would also like to remind senators of this esteemed body that they can find literature on the efforts of both ISCRA and the GHO on the holonet at their leisure by searching for AMS Refugee Assistance. It should be relatively easy as they will be the only relevant results."

Sitting back in his seat, Carrick gestured for one of the protocol droids to come closer so that he could order a cup of tea and busied himself making the selection from the varieties of tea available.

 

[Lon Tendree]

The Senator from Cato Neimoidia had briefly looked over this bill when it had first been broadcast and received a summary from one of his aides. Now that he had the bill in front of him, his opinion on the matter had not improved.

As the others finished speaking, Senator Tendree took the opportunity to say his piece.

As I examine this bill, I must agree with those who have already spoken that this bill is ultimately superfluous and if others are interested in investing in relief operations, setting up an entire alternative bureaucratic structure is a waste of the very funds that should be used to help those in need, he said. While he wasn't necessarily the greatest fan of giving away funds to help others, he was even less of a fan of straight-out wasting credits on things that were already being done.

I would further raise concerns with the distribution of funds as they have been outlined here. For a bill that is about helping those displaced by war and plague, just over one quarter of the funds are going directly into military expenditure. Almost no mention of these funds and yet they make up over 25% or 80,000,000,000 credits. I assert that this bill is more of a veiled attempt to funnel this body's funds into war than it is about accomplishing a task that is already being seen to by other organizations, he said, indirectly pointing all of their attention to section 4a of the bill.

The people of Cato Neimoidia stand with the motion to dismiss, he said before completing his speech and returning to his seat.

 

[Cassian Graves]

Although he might have appeared disinterested and bored, Cassian listened to every word that the Senator from Abregado-Rae spoke. In all honestly, the Zeltron was disinterested in this particular proposal. His mind was already made up, but he would still listen, nonetheless.

Many worlds within the Free Worlds Alliance already funded the Global Health Organization, a venture put together by their own Prime Minister Korre Belasi. Surely Senator Sapent could not expect planets to fund every single humanitarian project that surfaced. Outreach programs were as plentiful and endless as the crises that spurred these good-will initiatives. Credits, however, were not so plentiful.

Sure, the images that Senator Sapent projected of families reduced to poverty were sad and unfortunate, but was that really Cassian's problem? Or anyone else's problem in this room for that matter? The planet of Onderon housed refugees of its own and saw to it that they took good care of them. What more could the galaxy expect of them? Was the Free Worlds Alliance supposed to swoop in every time catastrophe struck another planet to the neglect their own interests? If the Free Worlds Alliance did not look after their own interests first, they would be doomed to fail.

Cassian was not against extending a helping hand to those in need when it was beneficial to both parties involved, but this proposal would do nothing but harm the Free Worlds Alliance and spread their resources thin. To have too many hands in the pot, as his mother used to say.

His blue eyes strayed to the Senator of Fondor, amusement tugging at the corners of his lips. Of course he would vote against this proposition. After the Senate voted to sanction the Sith Empire and the core world's stocks plummeted, he really had little choice in the matter. The New Republic probably didn't have the credits to fund any more projects, Fonder in particular with its many shipyards.

Cassian swallowed the last of the Calamari Crisps he'd been munching on and then leaned forward in his seat to address the rest of the room with a smile. "I appreciate Senator Sapent's concerns for the refugees of the galaxy who have been dislocated from the comfort and safety of their own homes by the wars and the AMS Virus that threaten our galaxy.

"It is unfortunate, and it is a concern that I believe everyone in this room shares. However, as many others have already pointed out, this proposition is redundant and unnecessary. Onderon moves to dismiss this proposal but vows to increase funding to the GHO and explore funding to the ISCRA."

@DutchYoda @Song​

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl sat back in the chair of his Senate pod, the wizened Wookiee feeling another year pass as each new speech was made. The Senator from Kashyyyk made no attempt to speak- the Sarlacc pit that was the Galactic Senate quickly poked holes in the proposal- although he did flare his nostrils in contempt of President Thorne's suggestion that the funds be channeled to the ISCRA instead, along with the GOH. No one could doubt the ISCRA's track record, but the organization's close ties to the ISC rankled the Wookiee; it seemed as though the ISC was more than happy to ignore the first letter of their government's acronym when it suited their desires to push into other people's business in order to score political points. He'd consider increasing funding to the GOH, but not the ISCRA.

Resisting the urge to make his opinion known, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl rested and conserved his mental strength for other items on the agenda.

 

[Vilgur Sapent]

Listens very carefully to all the people debating his law. He raises up and raised his hands.

"My fellow Senators and Representatives. I have heard the words of all here that have spoken the last minutes. I believe we can resolve this predicament and still pass what I think is the most important part of my Act: I am willing to funnel these funds - which we have calculated very carefully - into the GHO. With these funds, I will supplement a list of fifteen-hundred refugee camps where I believe these funds will provide immediate relieve: together these camps constitute no less than ten million refugees across no less than 300 planets. These camps are however not randomly selected: Huosnoughow and the Bank of the Core is willing to provide fiscal services to these as well. But we need to provide the bulk of these funds ourselves. And I am very firm on providing for each of these projects a very clear and extensive outreach program. These camps have different needs. I will provide the GHO with the details of each camp as needed."

Holds up his hand. This was his last effort: the Act, in hindsight, was to draconian and bureaucratic for everyone's needs.

"My focus on every plan is to provide immediate relief from the AMS Virus by extensive vaccination programs, for it is these cramped and unhygienic places that such diseases will spread; and education to the children, which is vital to their well-being. Their other needs are not less valuable, but we must make the programs as focused as possible to ensure funds are spend accordingly. Is this Resolution a plan this Congregation can live with?"

Resolution on the Expansion of the GHO​

The GHO will be supplemented with ₹310,367,481,957 for the carrying out of the following Programs: The providing of 1,300 Refugee Centre (of which the locations have been hither provided) with the following funds and provisions.

• Food Provisions​
• (Potable) Water Provisions​
• Electricity​
• Apparel, Heat, and Sleeping Provisions​
• Construction of temporal or semi-permanent Shelters​
• Medicine, including ​
  • Vaccinations​
  • Emergency Medicine​
  • Psychologists​
  • Obstetrics​
  • ENT Doctors
  • Revalidation
• Education, including ​
  • Pre-school Services
  • Minor Education
  • Occupational Training for Adults​
• Community Services, including​
  • Entertainment Services​
  • Sport Services​
  • Information Services​
  • Cultural/Spiritual Services​
  • Access to Local Government​

Every Refugee Centre will send to the GHO a list of their most pressing needs. For the Logistics, The GHO will receive ₹80,247,362,826 for the construction of depots and resupply stations, as well as the complement of 40 CR100b 'Vanguard Refit' Corvettes and 5 MC80 Star Cruisers.

Lastly, the GHO will be granted ₹2,476,251,426 to expand its media campaigns, recruiting operations, and human resources management. The focus will be to ensure the recruitment of medical and educational professionals, for which planets may supply them with lists of academic alumni that are seeking employment. These funds are also meant to be spend on the proper wages for GHO employees.

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl’s mood worsened when she saw Emil walking toward her. Then the Chancellor started to make comments that should have made her furious, but she didn’t care. Although the one about her dress was smart, which was strange because she doubted that Ro had enough brain cells to formulate such a thing. Probably Vaisra wrote it for him and he was repeating. She always thought that the Senator of Fondor was the brain behind the Chancellor.

After the man finished talking, Sibyl pondered if she should say something. She really didn't feel like wasting time with a being so low, in every sense of the word. Even her, with high heels, was taller than Ro. She wondered if small stature was a common characteristic of the Ro Family, because all history holobooks say that Marchion Ro was tall. Maybe he was a dwarf and used stilts to be taller. If it was that, a duel between him and Master Yoda would have been legendary. Thankfully, Governor Ordalos came to her defense and put the midget in his place. “Thank you.” the Brentaalan woman said, genuinely smiling at the Induparan. (@Altaris)

Then the meeting started, with Senator Vigur Sapent from Abregado-Rae presenting his proposal. This one made Sibyl raise an eyebrow. His project servers for no purpose if there were already other organizations doing it. Herself was already donating money to the refugees through the ISCRA, she even loaned her deterrent chief aide to work on it. The Brentaalan was certain that Sapent was probably getting commissions behind the scenes with this idea. She wondered how much of these donations were going to his pocket.

Soon Emryc started to talk, saying his opinion about it and destroying the proposal. She agreed with him. Who also agreed with it was the new Senator of Coruscant, Elayne Isard. Isard, Sibyl wanted to vomit. Her Family never had a good history with these Coruscanti. She remembers the story about one of her female ancestors punching someone called Ysanne Isard in an Imperial event. Rumors say that the two went into a full fist fight, where even Mas Amedda received a punch when he tried to separate the two. Apparently Emperor Palpatine laughed when he heard about what happened. If it’s true, she doesn't know. However, her father had also entered in a fight against a Isard and herself had clawed the face of one when she was a child, the other girl had said that her dress was ugly. In normal circumstances she would have been punished, but her parents bought her more dresses and toys. According to them it wasn’t a problem to hurt someone in public if they were a Isard.

After other representatives said their opinions, Sibyl rose from her seat and activated the microphone of her pod. “The idea proposed by Senator Sapent is good, but as has been very eloquently said here by others before me, it becomes irrelevant due to the existence of programs that do just that. This way, Brentaal supports the motion to dismiss it.” Then she returned to her seat, waiting for the discussion about the next item to start.

 

[Elayne Isard]

Elayne had been sure the matter was put to rest once it received almost unanimous backing for dismissal. But no, there was still more to be said, the Senator from Abregado-Rae seemed to be a very sore loser and was not willing to back down.

"Senator Sapent," she began, keeping the exasperation out of her voice as she addressed the irritatingly persistent man, "what you are presenting is not a bill for the Galactic Senate to address, but a very small part of the operating agenda of the GHO. They deal with millions upon millions of refugees, with their scope of operations far outreaching what you propose. And on that matter, why must the refugee camps that you list receive any preferential treatment compared to the thousands of other camps that need our aid? Might I suggest you send your list to our colleagues on the GHO committee, and let them study it just as they would all other cases?" With that she would return her attention to the Speaker, and flashing a tired smile repeat what she had said before.

"Coruscant's vote stays the same."

 

[Korre Belasi]

It seemed to Korre that Vilgur Sapent was the epitome of a worldly man. He was a silver-tongue man; she was sure that his flowery words had served him well. Unfortunately, elaborate speeches would do little to impress the Belascan native if she could not easily decipher the method proposed by them.

While the senator from Abregado-Rae spoke to the Senate, Korre's head would remain tilted up so that she appeared to be politely listening, but her eyes were cast downward. They scanned over the document outlined on the screen of her datapad, and an electronic stylus was used as she quickly added notes along the margins of her copy. For every mention of healthcare, medical aid, or the virus, she drew a line over the sentence and scribbled in 'GHO' in small print. For every mention of refugee help, she did the exact same, but the letters 'ISCRA' were written instead. Outside of those two items, the proposed act had quite the large focus on education, culture, and the like. While certainly well-intended, it seemed incredibly unlikely that something like it would pass a vote with the members of the Free Worlds present.

'It is certainly a New Republic proposal.' Korre would continue to tap notes onto her datapad while Sapent spoke, writing through her peripheral vision whilst her head remained carefully poised. To the leaders sitting nearby, it might look a tad strange, but she would continue to do so until she had annotated the entire proposal. Once she was finished, the Prime Minister lowered the datapad into her lap and leaned back to listen to the tail end of his speech.

There was a lot Korre could've said about the proposal, but there was little that wasn't already covered by the time she ha the opportunity to speak. Thorne made several good points in his response, as did the others. Her blue eyes would shift over to Ro ( @Mockingjay ) for a moment, attempting to catch his eyes so she could raise a singular eyebrow at him. Did he know about this proposal? Did he know that one of his senators planned to allocate New Republic funds into this, and now, how did he feel about that sum of money being proposed to go directly to the GHO?

The ginger-haired woman sat quietly and politely for the remainder of the discussion. Only once the majority of the chatter had died down did she activate her microphone.

"Several excellent points have been made already so I will not add anymore. However, for future reference, if the Free Worlds' word of approval is to be included in a bill I encourage that we be contacted, informed, and that our word of approval is actually given. I believe this oversight of the already-existing GHO--and ISRA--might've been avoided with a bit of communication."

With that, Korre deactivated her microphone to allow the Speaker to take the floor.

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

A solid three taps of the Speaker's staff would silence the room as the lurmen woman activated her microphone once again.

"It appears that a majority of the Senate has called to dismiss the Galactic Outreach Act sponsored by Senator Sapent." The woman tapped a furry finger on her podium, and the next agenda item would be pinged to each pod in the room. "The next item on the agenda is the United Defense Force, sponsored by Grandmaster Voran of the Jedi Order."

With that, the Speaker gestured to the Jedi grandmaster ( @Valen Pelora ), signaling her to begin her defense.

 

[Alexandria Voran]

The Senate descended into chaos. Senators from a dozen different worlds, across three galactic powers, all voiced their concerns. Alex suddenly understood why her predecessors had resigned themselves to a backseat. How could she hope to cut through the noise? There was no reason answer. In her heart, she knew this. It would not make what came next any easier. Change was necessary and she could not be afraid. The Force had prepared her for this path. She would walk it. Alex stood to speak again.

“Thank you, Speaker.” Her voice raised artificially through the Force. “The Consortium and Free Worlds have shared the burden of humanitarian efforts throughout the galaxy but more dangerous foes plague us.” She raised a hand. “Our concern is not the Sith but rather the AMS infected, the Syndicate, and other dangerous elements. Not ever world is capable of defending themselves.” The Grandmaster paused for a moment.

“The Republic, Consortium, and Free Worlds are all capable of protecting themselves. The same cannot be said for planets out in the cold. We propose a United Defense Fleet to be deployed at the discretion of a galactic security council to protect those worlds incapable of defending themselves.” Her eyes swept across the room. She took a calming breath. “But it appears one galactic power is missing….” Was she going to do this? Change the path Alex. You can change the path.

“I must confess a second item I feel must be included in our proposal.” Her voice as perfectly calm. “The galaxy is tired of our war.” Alex looked at Korre, Emil, and President Thorne. “The Free Worlds want peace. The Consortium remains neutral. We want peace and I can only imagine the Republic wants the same.” There was no stopping now. “I would propose the Empress be extended an invitation to this galactic body so that we can explore how best to serve the needs of the entire galaxy whether that citizen reside in the Empire, Republic, Consortium, Free World or elsewhere. Our goal should be safety for all people and we cannot achieve that goal by pretending the Sith to not exist.” She stepped away from the lectern. It was done then.

 

[Elayne Isard]

Elayne had not expected the Jedi to play the card they did, and though it hurt her plans, she had to appreciate it for what it was. A bold move, but one she could not let pass.

"Master Jedi," she began once more, rising to her feet for the third time and requesting the floor from the Speaker, though this time with a look of grudging acknowledgment in her eyes, "that's quite some addendum. I do wonder, how do you expect us to treat with the Sith if they do accept your invitation? Will they agree to end all ongoing conflicts, return the worlds they have captured from Governments who are existing members of this body, sit peaceful at the same table as the Jedi?" She paused, letting her words linger for a moment as she let her eyes wander, before continuing, this time addressing the entire body instead of just the Jedi Master.

"If you remember the outrage in this body, justified though it might have been, when Chancellor Ro sent troops into Free World Territory to repel the Sith? What happens if the Sith join us, and continue their acts of aggression? What if we ask them to liberate planets they have forcefully conquered, which would be the right and prerogative of many here, and they refuse? Will we attempt to pass similar sanctions and limitations of power on them as were proposed against the Chancellor? What happens when the Sith refuse, what authority is this body left with if our own members refuse to follow our directives?" With that she would stop, turning her attention back to the Jedi, the words that followed for her and her alone.

"Bring the Sith the table if you want, but keep in mind they do not play the same game as you."

@Valen Pelora

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Ceris was rather surprised by how sharp the Senators were; she expected most of them to be like Jin. It was still difficult for her to fathom being in a room with many well-known figures. This was also the first time Ceris has seen a Jedi in person, and she was curious to hear the Grandmaster's proposal.

The idea of a united fleet was somewhat appealing, Ceris even hoped she could partake in it. Grand Admiral Brum also seemed a bit interested as well, leaning forward and resting his thumb and index finger on his chin. He was probably looking to redeem himself after many blamed him for what occurred at Denon. Although his interest was immediately lost with the Grandmaster's continuation.

The Grand Admiral, who was furious, immediately shouted "WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU SAY YOU BI--" Ceris quickly put her hands over the Grand Admiral's mouth to stop him from making a mockery out of himself. "Hey hey hey calm down sir" she said in a quiet tone to him. He was so angry that he couldn't even notice, and people in nearby pods could hear muffled yells which contained a multitude of vulgar words. Fleet Admiral Kasal assisted Ceris as well but the brutish man continued to try and cause a commotion while Senator Elayne talked. He started to flail his arms around and occasionally slammed his fist onto the frame of the pod. This led to Ceris putting her right arm around the man's neck and slowly starting to choke him out in order to forcefully get him to stand down. He was too furious to even realize that his blood was failing to flow to his head. Ceris maintained a firm grip as to not let him interrupt Senator Elayne.

Half-way through Senator Elayne's response, the Grand Admiral was finally knocked out cold Ceris looked up towards the other Admiral with concern, but he just simply gave a nod. "You're the fucking reason we look bad you loud mouth! I'm going to torture your entire family some day for this" Ceris thought. She could only hope everyone else chose to ignore the fool.

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

The next item on the Agenda was a United Defense Force that Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was also against. He'd proposed something similar in the most recent FWA Senate session, but a galactic defense force would almost certainly be hijacked by the centralized New Republic, which hadn't shied away from trampling on FWA turf in order to inflame the Sith.

Then came the addendum from Grandmaster Voran, and Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl gave voice to his outrage (which T-8R was wise enough to decline to translate) during the initial shock and reaction to the idea of giving the Sith a seat in the Galactic Senate. A second thought recognized the cunning behind the proposal, but a third thought banished any support he would have for such an addendum. The Sith were a blight to the galaxy, and if the Wookiee had his way, the only table Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl would sit with them at would be to accept their surrender; if the opportunity ever arose.

The Senator from Kashyyyk stood for the first time since the session had been called to order, and stabbed at the microphone. "The last time the Sith held a seat of power in the Galactic Senate it ended with the enslavement of me and my people" T-8R translated, tactfully omitting a few words that were unsuitable for a public forum. "Kashyyyk will not support this addendum."

 

[Emil Ro]

The Jedi were proposing peace with the Sith. No, not just that, they were purposing to let the Sith back into the halls of galactic governance. Had seven thousand years of history taught them nothing? Had recent history taught them nothing? Emil had planned to remain silent for most the session unless the leaders of the various governments were needed, but he couldn't remain silent now. Especially since Admiral Brum had blurted out exactly what the Chancellor was thinking before he was smothered back to unconsciousness.

"While I don't condone outbursts from the rafters," Emil said, side-eyeing Captain Odrosess and her unconscious victim before fixating a glare upon the Jedi Grand Master, "I have to ask, Master Jedi, as respectfully as I can: have you taken leave of your senses? Have you been missing from the last few Senate meetings? Not a single soul in this hall are pretending the Sith don't exist. Not a single soul doesn't want the fighting to stop, the deaths to stop. But what you're proposing is not peace, its capitulation." He stood now, his height unimpressive next to the Prime Minister and the President on either side of him. "Would you have us recognize every terrorist organization that bombs us until we're tired of the fighting? Do you expect us to sit here and play at diplomacy and unity while the Sith ignore our laws and wishes and continue to do as they please?"

"The Free Worlds' Alliance has been invaded more than once by the Sith. They have lost planets to the Sith. Lives to the Sith. For gods sake, a planet was glassed not months ago! And now you're asking them to accept the Sith at their dinner table and play nice? What you ask us is not just unfair, it's impossible. History has shown that the Sith care only about one thing: domination, at all costs. Your proposal might well end the fighting. There may no longer longer be battlefields bathed in blood for a time. But make no mistake, the Sith will move their war behind closed doors, and you will have tied our hands against retaliating against them."

"The New Republic does not recognize the Sith Empire as a "galactic power" or even a legitimate government," Emil finished. "They are terrorists and religious fanatics. Nothing more. I stand with our Wookiee friends, who have continually felt the weight of Sith slavery and oppression, and vote No on the addendum. And I encourage my fellow New Republic colleagues to do the same."

He killed the mic and sat down. Master Voran had to know how this matter would play with him. He had thought she and her Jedi were the Republic's best possible ally against the Sith. Now, in the face of her capitulation, he was reconsidering that fact. Perhaps Emryc Thorne was right. Perhaps, the Republic, and the rest of the galaxy, needed to consider ways to deal with the Sith that did not include the archaic Jedi Order.

 

[Hergalor]

Cassian Graves, the debonair charmer. Perhaps the most pleasant thing about Onderon. Those Zeltron pheromones….

Hergalor spent few moments shuffling through his desk to find a straw, responding to his colleague's request. He zoned out of the discussion of the first bill; a piece of legislation that seemed largely irrelevant in both scope and character to even warrant presentation before the Senatorial bodies. He produced it - a small, collapsible, metal straw - and passed it to the Onderonian Senator beside him. He tried to be as inconspicuous as possible - with the strange outburst that the New Republic's military delegation was having, it wasn't that hard.

The Jedi's topic was...disarming. He double-checked his agenda, to make sure he had actually heard them right. Before he could get any clarity, though, the New Republic's finest were already, characteristically, yelling across the senatorial floors. Hergalor used the time to attach his translator to his mouths and stand before the Senate. "I would advise our colleagues in the New Republic to remember they speak only for the Republic, not the Free Worlds Alliance, and certainly not the Galactic Senate." And not even them, if Brentaal's secession was any indication. "And the Free Worlds own Senate has discussed this issue within our own body. While the New Republic may not recognize the Sith, there are worlds who tire of the bloodshed, worlds who work towards diplomatic normalcy, worlds who would even secede to the Sith Empire." Core Worlders. Thought they ruled the Galaxy, that the rest of them were just their client states. It was madness to continue a war that everyone refused to fight. Even the New Republic's own strikes against the Sith seemed meager, tepid; and even that seemed mighty compared to the non-response of the Free Worlds Alliance. It was an interesting proposal, a bombshell; but what were the Jedi playing at? Surely, they had seen that the topic of their expulsion was on the agenda; was this some 'mind trick,' to bait the galaxy's senate into giving them some kind of new power or control?

"Before this conversation continues, I must ask for some clarification from the Jedi delegation. Are you withdrawing your agenda item, the proposal of the United Peacekeeping Fleet, to propose this? Or, is this meant to be an amendment of some kind? Surely, we cannot fit discussion of both in one bill." He wasn't quite convinced by the "last minute change" to the agenda item. It seemed quite unprofessional; it literally blindsided the Senate, forcing them to make a decision without the careful consideration of their worlds' interests. How could he know, on the spot, if the people of Taanab would want the Sith Empire in Senate? How could any of the worlds that weren't under the Core's thumb?

It was a violation of protocol that he could not accept. "Taanab moves to have this item - the Sith's presence in the Senate - dismissed without prejudice; or, at the very least, moved to the back of the agenda. We create these agendas in advance for a reason - it is quite untoward to ambush the bodies' present with items that we have not reviewed."

"However," He raised a long finger to accentuate the point. "Should the Jedi or any other member body present the topic properly, I am open to a thorough and good-faith negotiation." It was a play to buy time, without getting the bill dismissed outright. Those worlds that were sure they hated the Sith were, of course, ready to vote. Those that remained unsure, like his, needed more time to consider the issue. Perhaps that was the Jedi's goal; play the diplomat before Senate, but use this confusion as an opportunity to have diplomacy with the Sith permanently taken off the table. An interesting move.

And, really, if any of these people actually cared about Denon and Taris, those worlds would likely be liberated by now. All the showmanship from the Galaxy about the Free Worlds Alliance sticking to its single principle grew tiring; independence for each world - for better or for worse. Maybe it was a problem with the name - they were hardly an alliance. Maybe something like, the Free Worlds Club...or the Free Worlds Association. Keep the acronym, lose the need to defend each other in times of strife.

These sanctions and diplomatic blackouts made trading with the Sith so moiling. And the New Republic, truth be told. All these audits, legal loopholes, and different trading routes, among others, were expensive. A return to normalcy couldn't come quick enough, whether that meant the Sith in Senate or in a smoking heap on Korriban.

(OOC: edited tags/speech color!)

@lizziie @llamallove