Open Galactic Senate Onderon Congregation of Planets and Nations

The Storyteller

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The Speaker

Tap. Tap. Tap.

"Grandmaster Voran, addendums generally must be both small and related to the already existing proposal. If you wish to present this as a seperate proposal, it may be done so after the rest of the agenda items have been brought forth.

"Please explain more about your original point and indicate if you would like your other proposal to be added onto the list of agenda items."


Tap. Tap. Tap.

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Alexandria Voran

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Jedi Order
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Former Grandmaster

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Valen Pelora
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You knew it would not be easy. You knew this path would extract a toll. Eyes wide open, Alex. The Jedi had already taken the easier road…where it had it gotten them? Let the Republic and Free Worlds fight the Sith. Let the galaxy sort its own problems. Point at the Dark side and call it evil. Simple, and the Order did it for years. That was what they knew. That path had taken them where it always did…with blood on their hands. Emil was outraged. Alex expected his reaction. Unfortunately, the Republic declared war but not actively fighting the war. They tried to free Denon but retreated. The Free Worlds and Jedi stood alone on Ossus, Dantooine, and Felucia. Where was the Republic? She wanted Emil in the fight…only if they were truly in it. Her mind flicked to the Chancellor…her thoughts quickly touching his. “Trust me…please.” Two quick images of their meeting flashed in his mind. Had she not earned that? Some trust from the Chancellor?

“Senator Isard is correct, the Sith do not play a game and neither should we. We cannot continue to gamble trillions of lives on a hope we will win. Not when the Free Worlds and unaligned systems continue to absorb the brunt on that loss.”

It was then the Speaker Intervened. Alex had flubbed the procedural rules, but she had not been about to announce her intentions to the galaxy until they were ready. “I apologize Madam Speaker. We would request the proposal be shifted to the end of the agenda.” She took a small breath.

“To be clear, a United Defense force is not our thinly veiled attempt to pour galactic resources into the ongoing war with the Sith. We understand the position of the Consortium and Free Worlds. We respect their sovereignty. Rather, this would serve as a peace keeping force to assist worlds torn by internal strife, the AMS virus, and Five syndicates.” Alex paused for a moment, chewing on her words. “The ISCRA and GHO provide vast humanitarian aid…this would supplement those efforts with standing boots on the ground. A fleet dedicated to stabilizing planets ravaged by the AMS virus, civil war, or the Syndicates. Troops to protect the aid workers planetside. Officers dedicated to peacebuilding and peacemaking. A Defense Fleet not directed or subservient to anyone government but to this galactic body.” She took a step back.


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

 

Emryc Thorne

Faction Leader
Consortium
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ISC President

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Sreeya
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If Emryc was surprised at the addendum proposed by the Grandmaster, he certainly didn’t express it on his face. He remained silent, his expression entirely neutral as he let the woman finish and the initial knee jerk reactions came in. This was followed by some very blatant Force use as the Grandmaster touched Emil’s mind. Considering that piercing into the thoughts of others was very much his specialty he had to keep from grinning. Ever since the last session, he had worked on developing strict control when surprise Force use happened to keep his ears from twitching. Instead, the half Sephi idly fiddled with his partner’s chrono on his wrist.

An aide next to him received a few pings and asked for his attention. Emryc didn’t lean over, instead turning to the aide that whispered very quietly but still very audible for his ears. His expression remained deadpan as he looked forward again, listening to the breakdown of the proposal. After Voran finished, he was once more the first to speak, his familiar smooth baritone cutting across the floor. As usual, he remained seated.

“Grandmaster Voran,” He began as his frosty gaze fixed on her, “I must insist that you refrain from, as I’ve been informed, using the Force in here. Especially to influence the Chancellor’s mind when he does not agree with you,” It was no secret that Carrick was a Force user and could tell these things. And if he hadn’t sent that message over Emryc would have continued to play dumb. Furthermore, video footage replays would show the other Jedi in the room abruptly turning to face towards Voran with concern when she used the Force. It was generally not permitted in here. His face remained impassive, fully aware of the massive bomb he just detonated on her right then. That blast radius would rapidly expand throughout the entire senate chamber.

Emryc remained nonchalant about it, moving right along to addressing the proposal, “This sounds like an endeavor to raise a military force under the banner of the galactic senate. If you understand the position of our sovereign bodies of government, you will then understand why we don’t see the need to pump credits into amassing a fleet for peacekeeping efforts when they are desperately needed for our active wars. In ISC’s case, it’s the war against the Syndicates and for FWA and NR it’s the Sith. The ISC has little desire to see any of its fleet come under control of this body, just as I doubt the NR would be thrilled to have the ISC have a say on any of their forces and justifiably so,” Unlike some of the other imbeciles in here, Emryc harbored little heartburn over the other governments, but could see when their ire for something was actually warranted.

He paused for a moment and looked around, “ISCRA, for example, already has droid forces helping from a military standpoint and we have loaned portions of our fleet to that cause before. As for a cross collaborative effort, I suggest it be ad hoc and localized instead of amassing a central military force simply to sit around and act in the name of peace. The ISC is a much newer body of government than the Republic or Alliance, and we will not have a surplus of resources to devote to this anytime soon. Your proposal, though sentimental, puts a massive strain on bodies of government actively engaged in combat and sets them up to come up short in supply. Furthermore, we've seen time and time again that sending organic troops in to combat AMS just adds more numbers to the AMS army."


@Valen Pelora @Mockingjay @Nefieslab
 

Elayne Isard

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Senator, Coruscant

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Wit
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Elayne was outraged, fuming upon the revelation dropped by President Thorne. Using the Force in the Senate? On another member of the body? A Galactic leader at that? This was outrageous!

At least that's what she projected, what she let everyone see. On the inside she was jubilant, having a little party of one in her mind. She had never expected anything less from the Jedi, if she could she would, so what made them any less susceptible to these temptations? And by doing this the Grandmaster had played right into her hands.

"Honorable Speaker," she declared loudly as she rose to her feet, righteous outrage dripping from every ounce of her being, "this is a most unfortunate and terrifying development that we cannot let ignore. Jedi using their powers to try and influence a member of this body in broad daylight?" She glanced over at the Knight sitting a few pods over, he had sensed it, she had seen it on his face, and she could also sense how on edge he was with Elayne's own agenda item waiting in the wings. Good, you should be worried! "I propose an immediate shelving of this agenda item and the escalation of the item concerning Jedi membership in this body. How can we trust in the laws we pass when we can't be sure if those among are being influenced by one woman? How can we know that this isn't the first time and the Jedi haven't been pulling the strings during this and other sessions?" She turned to look at the Grandmaster, and took an unconscious step back, as if scared. "They stand among us, capable of poisoning our minds, taking out very lives with but the twitch of a finger, and steal our very independence from us."

She glanced around the room, locking eyes with a few other senators, letting her "fear" show on her face as she appealed to their baser instincts. Instincts of fear, of anger, of betrayal. And it was that betrayal that she latched onto now, they were the victims here, the Jedi had let them down. "I had come here with a proposal that was born out of respect for what the Jedi represent. They are not governors, or politicians, they are healers. They are teachers. They are protectors. Or I thought they were." She stopped, letting every bit of the betrayal she wanted everyone to feel show on her face, wondering if whoever played her role in the holodrama they made about all this would earn an Orcscar for this performance. "The Jedi were once destroyed by being forced into a role they were never meant to serve. Before today I feared the same might happen again if we forced them to play an active role in politics, but now I see that it is too late. It has already happened, they might already be broken." She turned to look at Alex one last time before turning her attention back to the Speaker, steeling herself as she spoke once more, with all the soft vulnerability that had been in her voice earlier gone. Replaced with steal.

"A religious body, with the power to influence others, kill anyone here, and turn us into puppets has no place among us. I table a motion for the immediate expulsion of the Jedi from the Galactic Senate."

@Valen Pelora @Sreeya @lizziie
 
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Phineas Hawthorne

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Independent
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Senator, Ord Mantell

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Charles
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Phineas wasn't sure what do- the Grandmaster was being accused of using the Force?? How could Thorne know? Phineas hadn't gotten a word into the whole meeting, simply just watching and learning about the other politicians as the took turns to speak. His heart raced as a million thoughts entered his mind but he needed to bridle them up and keep them in check before he made a fool of himself. His people needed at least something to protect them from the growing threat of Black Sun on Ord Mantell.

"Excuse me! Sorry but this moved a little too fast for my liking." Phineas stood and waved a short wave at the others before continuing. "I think we should hold on to the whole defense force thing for a tad bit longer- and by the way, Mister President, how'd you know she was using the Force?- I'll let you think on that for a while, I'm pretty curious, is all- I've always marveled at the abilities the Force grants." His eyes narrowed when addressed the President. Senator Hawthorne wasn't sure how Emryc came across that information, but Phineas did understand how the Force worked to a degree and understood enough to know that the President most likely had help on knowing of these events if he wasn't Force sensitive himself-which was a stretch, but that meant there was another Force user in the room working with Emryc.

Bad. News.

But Phineas had to continue, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Senator Hawthorne of Ord Mantell. I'd prefer we don't completely overlook the Jedi's statements about the whole galactic defense organization- as she pointed out that it doesn't have to be used for fighting the Sith. If I'm going to be frank, I have very little care for either Jedi or Sith as my planet has been ravaged by one of the notorious Five Crime Syndicates; Black Sun. With their help, our once flourishing planet for trade and business is now no more than a scum filled crucible for rapists, murderers, and thieves to increase their putrid skill sets, using the backs of the innocent to sharpen their blades." Whatever was to happen after Phineas finished speaking, he was sure there was going to be back lash, but he had to continue onward- that was politics, for you. Friendly daggers that'll stab you whenever they get the chance, as seen with Grandmaster Voran and President Throne.

"As a child, I grew up watching the most horrendous evil acts that I would never wish upon anyone- adult or child -to witness or have to experience. Not too long ago, President Thorne was kidnapped and held for ransom after being rescued soon after, but I cannot say that I'm surprised he lived through the experience. Many, many people don't last within the first twenty-four hours of being kidnapped but because of President Thorne's huge stage with even his own fan-club, I dare say, everyone was alert and watching out for the culprits who committed the crime, reporting in any suspicious suspects if it meant the people would have their sterling President back in action. However, children, especially those without a place to call home, have no such platform for others to watch or even notice. When they go missing, no one notices, and if they do they won't speak up about it because of the fact that they're probably already dead- or at least I can say that for Ord Mantell. When your loved goes missing, you don't pray that someone finds them and brings them home, you pray that whoever stole them doesn't find you. Poverty, crime, and tyrannical rule plagues my home and I've only seen affliction after affliction after affliction,"

"The good people who wish to leave the planet or to gain support from the ISCRA are too poor, too sick, or too depressed to think anyone can help with their situation as many consist of debt to Black Sun and it is not an easy task to disappear from an organization that has no care in the galaxy how many lines and laws they cross as long as they know they'll get paid for their illegal efforts. In fact, I've never seen much of the ISCRA on my system. My planet is lucky to have a spokesperson at all.
But now with all of that out of the way, I wish to speak about the Jedi's proposal. Because Ord Mantell has the latter problems I just described to you all, I believe that any support from the ISCRA or the GHO will only have a fickle and small mark to make on my home due to the increased rates of pirates and slavers in the system that would love nothing more than wait for transport ships to drop by for easy pickings. I think that with some sort of Anti-Syndicate Task Force, like the one Mon-Cala had announced not too long ago, we'd be able to make a difference in getting rid of Black Sun for good. But not only do I care for the sake of my planet, but for all others who have been inflicted with the similar life-styles I described earlier. A defense force primarily used for the sake of fighting crime in big-time crime planets like Ord Mantell could drastically change the attitudes of even the people living their. If they see an army hell bent on their salvation, the hope that has been lost for so long will rekindle and not only will you have the arms of to back your side, but the voices of the people chanting for freedom and liberty. Slavery is currently the galaxy's largest crime industry, thanks to the Five Syndicates no doubt, and it is in first place because it is so easy to overlook, as the Syndicates have shown us. It appears that our Mandalorians have realized the threat faster than we tried to 'put this agenda on the shelf'."

"But, ladies and gentlemen, I am far from over- Not only would this defense force be beneficial for the people's safety and security as well as a boost for moral, it would also create a much better environment for the ISCRA to start doing the good I've been told about for so long and haven't seen. But again, in order for planets like Ord Mantell to get back on their feet financially, the heads of the snakes that constrict them must be cut off. The first step in making more planets safe and structured, is by making sure that the tyrants lording over the people through brute strength and fear must be stopped. I want to see my people be able to rejoice in living on their home world instead of envying the dead sprawled in the gutters of our streets. As Alor Kotii Solus announced to us all not long ago, concerning slavery, we must take a stand and show these thugs that we actually care about the people we've promised to help as ambassadors of entire planets and people of the galaxy."

"What is the point of this entire meeting if we are only going to move on to subjects only concerning the Senate and not who the Senate represent? The Jedi do indeed have the power of the Force as do the Sith, but what I recognize is that there are no Sith representatives here. Grandmaster Alexandria Voran has obviously shown today that she cares for the well being of the galaxy by laying out an entire agenda for the sake of protection and defense. I don't see the Empress doing such things- in fact I don't see the Empress or any Sith at all! I honestly doubt that whatever the Jedi did to Chancilor Emil Ro was probably nothing more than to grab his attention. The Sith were the ones who took over the Galactic Senate so long ago and raised the Galactic Empire after the Clone Wars, not the Jedi. They were the ones who deceived an entire galaxy into giving them almost absolute control over the galaxy as well as killing off any loose ends to ensure their power. The Jedi may not have defended my planet, and neither have the Sith for that matter, but I have seen their good works on my fellow FWA systems and seen their disdain for crime. Let that sink in for a moment."

"Neither the Jedi, nor the Sith, have had any presence on my planet and sense Ord Mantell used to be a great trade system, I am willing to open the planet to all as far as trade goes. I do not care if you are apart of the Consortium, the fellow Free World's Alliance, the New Republic, the Jedi Order, or the Sith Empire. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as the saying goes. I want Ord Mantell to be the yang to the yin it is now- a planet of peace. A planet of prosperity. I want all planets who suffer from the Crime Syndicates and tyrannical warlords and rulers to be able to have the opportunity to have the same environment as well. If we simply overlook this idea entirely, regardless of whether or not a Force user informed some one of a Force user informing someone else, we are also overlooking the people in need screaming for retribution and representation."

"Thank you for your time...I'll shut up now."
 
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Korre Belasi

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Ambassador

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Korre sat back, and the Speaker announced the next item on the agenda. Something about a United Defense Force popped up on her pod screen, and blue eyes quickly scanned the proposal before flicking over to the Jedi grandmaster seated nearby. The Prime Minister did not even need to hear a word from Alexandria to know that the Free Worlds probably wouldn’t be in support of the idea. Something similar had already been discussed in their own Senate meeting and had made a certain amount of headway, so there was no use in repeating it in the Galactic Senate. Thus, what she expected was a much tamer discussion. Perhaps a bit of skepticism, or a pinch of suspicion. Korre had not expected a surprise addendum to the proposal.

‘She wants to do what?’ Her eyes widened as the Belascan native gawked at the Jedi grandmaster. Though the Free Worlds had entertained diplomatic talks with the Sith, never would Korre have imagined that Alexandria would opt to invite the Sith to the Senate. Especially after their own meeting, in which she had been adamant that the Sith would do nothing but wage war.

Unsurprisingly, Korre’s surprise was not alone. Chatter erupted among the pods, and one by one, various voices piped up to chastise both the addendum, the violation of the Senate agenda order, et cetera. A certain amount of her attention was even drawn to what appeared to be a woman choking out a man, but she made the decision to let someone else address that issue. Korre was too shocked to say anything herself, and before a clear opinion formed into words, the Speaker dismissed the addendum to the end of the list. Alexandria apologized and moved on to defend her original proposal. With a slow blink and a shake of her head, Korre tried to focus on the defense of the act.

‘This isn’t going to pass…’ As the Morellian woman explained her proposal, Korre found herself still seated in the same opinion she had formed before she had even heard the explanation. It might appeal to the New Republic, maybe. The ISC already had something similar, to her knowledge. But to the Free Worlds? Someone was bound to throw a fit over it, for some reason or another. The ginger woman turned her head to see if she could catch Emil’s or Emryc’s reaction to the proposal, and in the process she spotted an aid approach the ISC president. Though curious, she turned her head away so he would not think she was attempting to eavesdrop. Alexandria wasn’t quite finished anyways.

Korre would not suffer in her curiosity for long, for as soon as Alexandria finished, the towering man beside her activated his microphone and chastised Alexandria for using the Force to influence the Chancellor’s mind. Korre turned her head to briefly glance at the Jedi, a mixture of emotions running around in her mind as she placated her face to a more neutral expression. The President then went on to criticize her proposal, but Korre was more concerned with recalling the previous meeting between her and the Jedi leader. If something to that degree would’ve been attempted with her, would she know? She was incredibly conflicted.

She was so conflicted in fact, that while Elayne’s call to oust the Jedi came off as incredibly emotional, Korre did not find herself entirely disagreeing with her. Perhaps the outsting was a bit extreme, but the use of the Force was entirely inappropriate. Even if it was something as harmless as, say-- ‘Can the Jedi speak in the minds of others?’ --telepathy or something, it was...unethical, to say the least.

And then, there was more. Phineas, the man she had spoken to before the Senate meeting, began to speak. He began by asking how the President knew about the use of the Force. Korre’s eyes flicked down to Carrick down in the ISC section, and she recalled the aid which approached Emyrc. That solved that mystery in her mind. If it were simply a question posed in ignorance, she would’ve ignored it. But there was accusation in those narrowed eyes, and Korre was not a fan. There were enough pointing fingers in the Senate room already. They did not need more. She waited until he was done speaking, then quickly activated her microphone to nip this right in the bud.

“Senator Hawthorne. First of all, Governor Carrick is known to be Force-sensitive. One could then infer that he recognized it and sent word to President Thorne, which would explain why he was approached by an aid. If you were unaware, now you know.

“Second; your planet’s struggle is not the responsibility of the ISCRA. This should’ve been an issue brought up in our Senate, and not the Galactic senate. Might I remind you, and everyone else here, that the purpose of the Senate is to maintain galactic peace and security, to discuss issues which affect every governing body present, and to deliver humanitarian aid.”


Sigh. Was this her fate? Doomed to chastise her senators in front of the entire Galactic Senate?

“Finally, senator, if you think that it is appropriate to bring up a man’s kidnapping--especially one present in this room--in order to prove a point, I think it would be best if you spent the rest of this Senate session reflecting on what is and isn’t acceptable to.”

The Prime Minister then turned to face the Jedi grandmaster.

“Grandmaster Voran. While I’m sure your proposal was made with good intentions, there is nothing stopping the Jedi from volunteering their time and services to the GHO or the ISCRA, should they accept it. I do not believe that rallying an army under the name of the Galactic Senate is wise either. That is a sort of centralized power that the Free Words wish to avoid.”

tags: @Charles @Valen Pelora @Sreeya
 

Galek Ordalos

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Consortium
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VP of ISC

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Altaris
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Galek leaned back within the plush seating of his pod, listening quietly as the agenda item was brought to the Senate floor. If he was surprised by the sudden addendum, or the fact that someone was getting triangle-choked in the background, or even the sudden usage of the Force, the Induparan didn't allow it to manifest on the surface. Instead, he simply rested his chin on his palm, hazel eyes flicking across the chamber.

His attention, unfortunately, was drawn to the Senator of Ord Mantell, listening quietly as the man spoke. Galek couldn't help the look of utter bewilderment that flashed across his features - a far cry from the polite, largely dispassionate expression he typically sported. The Induparan practically could not believe what he was hearing, briefly glancing towards his aide, who proceeded to shrug her shoulders.

When the Senator finally – thankfully – finished speaking, Galek quickly rose from his seat - unwilling to remain silent any longer. He straightened his tunic before taking a step forward, activating his mic to project his voice across the entire chamber. “Madam Speaker,” He spoke, his singsong voice tinged with the slightest hints of irritation. “If I may address some of the statements being made by my distinguished colleague from Ord Mantell.”

“First and foremost, allow me to remind the Senator from Ord Mantell – and anyone else who somehow wasn’t aware of the basic rules of this body – that active usage of the Force is strictly forbidden during Senate Sessions. Whatever the reason, whatever the intention. It will not be tolerated.”
His hazel gaze briefly fixated harshly upon Grandmaster Voren before flicking back to Phineas. He wasn’t going to tolerate – not for a moment – any justification for what just happened. “Secondly, you claim to be curious about how President Thorne was aware that it was Grandmaster Voren who so callously violated these rules. In that case, allow me to educate you upon what is already painfully obvious to the rest of those assembled here.”

Galek extended his hand out towards where Carrick was seated, gesturing to the ISC Secretary of Defense. “In case you were not aware, it is a very public, very well known fact that the ISC Secretary of Defense is Force Sensitive. It is clear that this usage of the Force was sensed by our distinguished Secretary who proceeded to notify the President. And considering he raised this issue immediately afterwards, I am quite sure that is what President Thorne's aide made a point to relayed to him.” Galek paused for a moment, allowing his words to hang in the air. While they were directed at Phineas, they would serve as a explanation for anyone else in the chamber with similar questions.

“If you ask President Thorne, or Secretary Carrick - or anyone else here with a modicum of common sense - they will give you the exact same answer.” He said curtly. “I do hope that quells your curiosity on the matter, Senator."

“Additionally, I am utterly appalled by your statements regarding the tragic kidnapping of President Thorne. In the same breath that you claim to care about the tragedies suffered by your own constituents, you proceed to lament the fact that President Thorne survived. Are you suggesting, Senator Hawthorne, that the president should have been killed during this experience? Or that it is somehow a negative turn of events that he managed to escape on his own, after the Jedi, Rangers, and others proceeded to completely botch rescue efforts?”
There was visible anger etched into the Induparan’s face, hands rising up to grip onto the sides of his podium. “Everyone here has seen the footage of the horrific, near-death injuries that President Thorne suffered during his kidnapping. How dare you so flippantly make reference to this traumatic experience - while the man is sitting in this very room - or make the asinine assertion that his survival was somehow a guarantee.”

“Not only is it behavior entirely unbefitting a member of this distinguished body - or for that matter the FWA - but it speaks to your complete lack of basic human decency."
His words were practically dripping with venom. "It is disgusting."

Galek paused for a moment, once more allowing his words to hang in the air before he opted to continue. “I also take personal issue with your complete misrepresentation about what is it that ISCRA does, Senator Hawthorne. The ISCRA is a refugee resettlement agency – working to resettle quite literally billions of civilians from across the galaxy, fleeing war-torn and AMS overrun worlds, and reestablish them across ISC space with job opportunities and housing. Despite what you clearly believe, it does not exist to compensate for the failures of your own planet’s government.”

"You claim that Ord Mantell is, to quote your own words, a "scum filled crucible for rapists, murderers, and thieves to increase their putrid skill sets, using the backs of the innocent to sharpen their blades."
Galek spoke, throwing the Senator's words right back at him. "It sounds to me, Senator Hawthorne, that you are not doing your job – and the thing that Ord Mantell is truly lacking is any notion of competent leadership. Instead of bolstering the Rangers or local planetary forces to help uproot the Syndicate presence on your world, you attempt to pin the blame on the ISCRA or GHO, who have neither the jurisdiction nor the responsibility to address the plight of Ord Mantell."

He shook his head. “I will be sure to have my aide send you an ISCRA pamphlet – suitable for a man of your intellect – when this session is over. This way, you can properly educate yourself before speaking, and hopefully avoid spewing complete inaccuracies before this body in the future.”

Galek finally looked away from the Senator of Ord Mantell.

“In closing,” Galek then flicked his attention to Grandmaster Voren – hazel eyes narrowing in her direction. "Grandmaster Voren. While I recognize the idealistic, good intentions of this proposal, I simply cannot support a measure that would put unnecessary strain upon Indupar and the ISC as a whole, when we are already engaged in open conflict with the Syndicates. Nor do I have a desire to relinquish control of our military assets to this body." He shook his head.

"Indupar moves to dismiss the motion."
 
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Hergalor

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Senator, Tanaab

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As the speaker briefly restored order, Hergalor removed his translator and resumed sipping on his tea. He expected a now orderly proceeding of events - a proposal from the Jedi, a normal vote, a new item. And it started that way - a peacekeeping force held only accountable to the Galactic Senate was a nice, theoretical idea. A sensible idea to come from the Jedi, most of all; it was a role that they could excel in.

Unfortunately, it was a gross overreach of government, in his mind. How long before the Senate-led peackeepers were barging down at his door for violating some unfounded senatorial bill? Even if it weren't trampling on his Mother Jungle-given rights, he virulently opposed the spending of Taanabian credits on any proposal from the Galactic Senate. Before he could fix his translator back on, it turned out the Jedi were actively using the Force during the session. Certainly, a troubling move; more than worthy of a censure. Quickly following that outburst, Elayne Isard had seized the moment, again, to push her anti-Jedi bill.

It wasn't so much that he liked the Jedi, more that he worried for the precedent such a hasty expulsion could set. Certainly, if the Jedi wished to continue their participation, they would need some checks and balances from the Senate. But they did run at least one or two worlds, and that fact should grant them some space on the Senate. Their influence certainly outstripped their manpower, but if the Senate started excluding bodies based on the ideological components of their governments, they could set the grounds to permanently exclude the Sith, or any number of the smaller worlds ruled by superstitious theocracies, tyrannical dictatorships, or esoteric societies that lurked in Galactic space. A similar argument could be made to exclude the Corporate Sector, that their political power and influence stretch far beyond their territory and deep into sovereign world's interests. And Hergalor liked the Corporate Sector.

Again, before he could speak, he spit out his drink as Senator Hawthorne, the politically green Senator of Ord Mantell gave an impassioned speech. Did he just insinuate the President should have died after his public kidnapping, torture, and assault? He glanced in desperation towards the Speaker, hoping for a return to normalcy soon. Fearing it would not come, he rose to his feet and affixed his bulky translator once more. Or worse, that the damage from the FWA to the ISC had already been done. "I concur with Prime Minister Belasi and Governor Ordalos's words. The People of Taanab were disgusted by the attack on President Thorne, and I call for an official censure for Senator Hawthorne's breach of protocol against the one of the founders of the Galactic Senate." One didn't need to be a member of his fan club to realize that blatantly insulting the integrity of the ISC's sitting president was a dubious move. Not to mention, the Senate was the lion's den; any poorly-worded remarks would get you killed. And the last thing the FWA needed today was another loose-cannon Senator who made their japes seem like the opinion of his entire faction. Hergalor made a mental note to tell his aide Gonoval to send another Taanabian fruit basket over to the ISC once this was all done. Another annoyance.

"Point of information, Speaker, where are we now? Should we call for recess and investigate the extent of the Jedi's use of the Force in Senate?"

He waved his hand, dismissing the thought as readily as it appeared. Governor Galek had made, procedurally, the right choice by moving to dismiss. He would follow suit. "Grandmaster, this is a proposal that would not make it to the floor of the FWA's own Senate, and the other joined bodies already have their own fleets. Perhaps you could establish stronger relations with the existing Galactic networks of the Sector Rangers, Galactic Health Organization, and ISC Refugee Organization to volunteer your talents and temples there." He shrugged his shoulders. It wasn't the worst idea, the peacekeeping fleet, but he'd like to keep it dead in the water.

"Taanab seconds Indupar's motion to dismiss. Please, if we could keep the next item orderly..."

Hergalor returned to his seat. He glanced once again at Ord Mantell's seat. Senator Hawthorne...

He looked once more to his aide. A new thought popped to his head. Had to m
ake sure to send a fruit basket to whoever their contact was today in the smuggling ring on Ord Mantell. Don't want anyone getting the wrong impression about the FWA...


@Charles @Sreeya @lizziie @Altaris @Wit @Valen Pelora
 

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl

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SlagathorTheUnknown
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Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl growled in the back of his throat as President Thorne made his accusation; it was a shrewd move, as most members of the Senate- Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl included- had no way to verify the ISC President's bold claim. It wasn't long before others smelled blood in the water and began calling for the Jedi Order's expulsion from the Senate's body.

The freshman Senator listened as Governor Carrick spoke and confirmed that he was Force-sensitive, giving some plausibility to the claim. But Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl, remembering the Jedi's assistance in defending his homeworld, stood to lend his support to the Grandmaster once a lengthy speech from Senator Hawthorne- and the responses to said speech- were done.

"Kashyyyk stands against your proposal to immediately move to agenda item #5" T-8R translated, as Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl first addressed Senator Isard. "You claim that the Jedi may have been subtly influencing the Senate in previous sessions, before this very moment? Why, then, was your bold and baseless claim not made until the day an agenda item was to be voted on to expulse them from our ranks? Surely our resident Force-detector would've said something." Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl gestured to the pod where he knew Carrick to sit.

"As for the accusation itself" the Wookiee said, half turning to face the ISC's section. "While it is beyond my ability to deny that Secretary Carrick is Force Sensitive, President Thorne's claim that the Force was used to specifically influence Chancellor Ro is unfounded and unverifiable, and should be treated as such." How Carrick or Thorne had come to that conclusion was a mystery; the Grandmaster had been addressing the entirety of the Senate just before Emryc had called her out; which made the specificity of the accusation all the more confusing. Even though he didn't have a strong grasp of how the Force worked, he couldn't fathom that a part-time Force user like Carrick could peer into a Grandmaster's use of the Force as easy as one would read a datapad. Even if such a thing was possible, this would quickly devolve into a he said/she said situation.

"With that in mind, I suggest that we remind Grandmaster Voran that the rules of the Senate forbid the use of the Force- in any capacity- and return to the item presented on the agenda; the proposed Galactic defense fleet." The less time he had to spend listening to these debates, the better.

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl stroked his chin as he considered the proposal. It was not unlike a similar proposal he had spoken for at the recent FWA senate meeting, but the inclusion of the ISC and the New Republic- more specifically, the aggressive Chancellor Emil Ro- made the Wookiee agree with Hergalor's assessment: too much concentrated power threatened more independent planets like the ones that made up the majority of the Free World's Alliance.

"Kashyyyk also votes to dismiss the motion; there are organizations in place to address the AMS virus, as well as the Five Syndicates." He'd already stuck his neck out for the Jedi, and wasn't about to do so again here.


((OOC note: I'm very busy so edits won't happen in a timely manner, if they are requested. I'm learning as I go with this character, so thank you for your patience!))

@Alexandria Voran @Sreeya @Fine Dining Set
 

The Storyteller

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The Speaker

Tap. Tap. Tap.

"Silence, please." The middle-aged lurmen woman waited for the chambers to hush so that she would not have to strain her voice. The woman then turned to face the Jedi grandmaster with a stern look on her face. "Grandmaster Voran; did you or did you not enter Chancellor Ro's mind? Yes or no only please."

If the answer was in the affirmative, it would be troubling indeed. She kept her staff at ready; depending on the Jedi's answer, she might need to quickly silence the room so she would have time to respond.

@Valen Pelora
 

Cassian Graves

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Consul, Onderon

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llamallove
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The Galactic Senate, an assemblage of some of the galaxy’s most influential; intelligent; and respected people, had already derailed into utter and complete chaos. This had to be a new record.

Every new revelation and shocking twist of events was like a poorly directed holodrama, except this was very much reality, and you couldn’t change the channel.

Unfortunately.

The New Republic had not been spared from embarrassment, and neither was the Free Worlds Alliance. At least the Prime Minister had covered their hides and disavowed any accusations put forward by the Senator of Ord Mantell before the whole assembly could turn against the FWA.

Senator Hergalor had been kind enough to offer Cassian a spare straw, and the Zeltron sat playing with it as he listened to the political rhetoric. The Senator of Tanaab had grown in his estimation that day, and not just because he had saved the Zeltron’s pearly white from staining.

Somehow a New Republic Grand Admiral getting choked out by one of his aids was not the most astounding occurrence of the day, although it very well may have been a first. No one made mention of it, and Cassian certainly didn’t care to.

I just wish someone would snuff me out… he thought to himself with a listless sigh.

Anyone would do. His eyes fell on the Senator from Kashyyyk. Well, maybe not the wookie. All that hair and matted fur…

Following the Senator of Kashyyk’s remarks, Cassian decided to make a few of his own since he had been brooding in silence for a while.

”The accusation allied against the Jedi Grandmaster is severe and incredibly alarming. We have welcomed the Grandmaster into our assembly, and this is how she repays our generosity? Are we all to be taken unawares by Jedi mind tricks?

“We have heard from everyone on this matter except for the voice that matters the most, Chancellor Ro himself. I am intrigued to hear how Grandmaster Voran might defend herself. It might be that there is a logical and sensible explanation for all of this, but at this juncture I would rather hear exactly what happened in the Chancellor’s own words.”

And we all know how much he loves the sound of his own voice.


@Fine Dining Set @Altaria @SlagathorTheUnknown @Valen Pelora @Mockingjay
 

Alexandria Voran

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Jedi Order
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Former Grandmaster

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Valen Pelora
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The Senate was descending into chaos. A problem partly of her own making. Exceptional self-restraint was all that kept her from sighing and rubbing her eyes. She had thought she came prepared to deal with the oddities of the Senate. She had done her homework but the body in practice was far different. The competing interests were not just between the larger government entities but their member worlds as well. Only President Thorne seemed to have any unity of purpose. The Free Worlds were an unwieldy beast and the Republic clearly suffered divisions. Undercurrents of individual purpose cut through it all. Alex took a deep breath. It was no longer a wonder why the Galactic Senate struggled to do good.

She returned to the lectern. She did not speak on the issues raised by Senator Hawthorne. He had been roundly chastised for his actions. Alana remained by her side. The young Jedi was well composed. The two of them all that represented the Order. She looked directly at the speaker, her mind a vice, her tone unwavering. “No.” Alex would not lie. Entering the mind of another was a different matter entirely. Placing herself in the mindscape was a distinct act from projecting her thoughts.

After what had happened with Asminys she swore to never force her way into another’s mind again. “If you will allow me to answer further?” Intruding on one’s mind was a gross violation of what she believed. She could only hope Emil would confirm he had not barged into his thoughts and influenced his decisions. Alex knew his position on the Sith, but he had to remember they were aligned in their purpose. He had to trust she had a reason for her words. Allies, even if they did not always agree.

@lizziie

 
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The Storyteller

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The Speaker

No? The Speaker looked at Alexandria ( @Valen Pelora ) for a few moments, then held a hand up for her to hold her thoughts. "One moment, please." The lurmen woman then turned to the New Republic Chancellor ( @Mockingjay ).

"Did Grandmaster Voran enter your mind? Yes or no."
 

Emil Ro

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Supreme Chancellor

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"Allow me to answer that question, if I may, Madame Speaker," Chancellor Ro spoke up, standing to take his place at the central podium.

In the chaos that had erupted in the few minutes since Alex had touched his mind, Emil had been to overwhelmed to speak. It wasn't just the number of people jumping up to condemn the Jedi, it was the sudden explosion of the Force around him. The sensation of a number of Force-sensitives trying to use their powers to determine the culprit. Untrained, no thanks to the very Jedi Master at the heart of this furor, Emil couldn't tell where the input was coming from, giving him sensory overload. But he did know one thing: the voice in his head.

"Master Voran was indeed in my head," he declared. "Her voice spoke to me clearly, asking me to trust her." Now from the chamber, he turned to the Jedi Master in question. "The Force is forbidden in this place, Master Jedi. You know that as well as I. If you had something to say to me, you should have done it like everyone else in this room—vocally, verbally, not invading the privacy of my mind. I am not one of your Jedi students—" As you so pointedly reminded me "—so don't presume you can project your thoughts into my head whenver the moment suits you."

There. He had said his piece. He returned his attention to the Senate chamber. Turmoil roiled through him like a storm. He had been staunchly in favor of the Jedi up until now. Had taken so many hits for them in the press. Some even believed Voran to be a lover of his, as a result. But this? Inexcusable. First, she proposed bringing the Sith into the Senate. Now, she thought his head was free real estate for her to project her own thoughts? And to ask him to trust her?

The galaxy can never know the truth of your gifts…they can never know I helped you. It would ruin anything we’ve built.

Those were the words she had spoken to him. She had forced him to hide his gifts. Refused to train him, to help him understand this power that he clearly could not control. So, how could he trust her now that she wanted to bring the very people he was at war with, the very people who had genocided a world, to the table to play nice with? No. He could not trust her. Not now. Maybe not ever.

"My fellow Senators," he continued, a lump clearly in his throat. He hated how weak it made him sound. Jin would roast him for that later. "Religion has no place in the halls of government. If the Sith cannot sit among us, then maybe the Jedi should not be able to either. We are not pawns in their centuries' old struggle. We have people to protect, and governments to run. Madame Speaker," he turned now to the Speaker. "I support the Senator from Coruscant, my esteemed colleague's, motion."
 

Alexandria Voran

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Jedi Order
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Emil was lost to her. Whatever darkness had creeped into his mind after Denon had clearly grown. She had offered to train him, but the Chancellor had never accepted her offer and she would not force him. Alex spoke before the room could further erupt into chaos.

“This body may not understand, but there is a distinct and critical difference between entering one’s mind and communicating through thoughts.” None of this would matter. She knew that. “To enter another being’s mind without their permission is a violation of that being. Projecting one’s thoughts is no different than speaking. It cannot and would not influence a mind.” Her voice grew soft for a moment. “I did not enter the Chancellor’s mind and I would never do so involuntarily.” Failure hung on her like a disease. Where was Max when she needed him? Dead. Like the others.

“We have only ever tried to do what is right for the people we serve. We will continue to do so, regardless of your decision.” The guards came to escort her from the Chamber. They could not vote on their own removal. She knew that much. “My error should not reflect on the Jedi as a whole. Punish me but not the Order.” The Grandmaster was taken from the Senate Hall.

 

Lon Tendree

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Consortium
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Governor, Cato Neimoidia

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Lon had sat in his seat and listened to the debates unfold as he often did. Despite the years he had spent in the Senate, he was hardly the most vocal member. He cast his votes, occasionally spoke his piece, and listened for his people.

As the Jedi Grandmaster suggested offering a seat to the Sith, there was still nothing more than a simple stoic sabaac face from the Senator.

It was actually a proposal he would have considered supporting, but not like this. It was hardly an amendment, it was a totally rewritten bill. Proper procedure existed for a reason.

Before he could stand to endorse the amendment but condemn the procedure, the topic shifted to the actions of the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. She had been actively using the Force to enter the Chancellor's mind, and then lied about it!?

He could already hear the rumblings of others turning to their aides or speaking with one another. The galaxy would have a field day on the Jedi for this, the exact thing the Sith had been known to accuse the Jedi of doing had just been confirmed!

The Grandmaster made an attempt to backstep from what she had said, covering up what she had done and ultimately tried to absolve the Jedi of guilt. She was led from the Senate floor, but that didn't stop Senator Tendree from speaking

She claims she would not enter the minds of others, but her words echo in someone's head without moving her lips. She flagrantly violate the rules which are laid down by this body, and when her actions were revealed, she attempts to rewrite the how and what. This cannot be allowed to stand. Cato Neimoidia stands with the Chancellor and the Senator from Coruscant. We move to have the Jedi removed from this body immediately in order to prevent further influence and manipulation from being exerted over the discussion of their permanent removal, he said.
 

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl

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SlagathorTheUnknown
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The Senate chamber erupted as Chancellor Emil Ro confirmed the allegations that were levied against Grandmaster Voran. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl, for once, was speechless with rage; a rarity for a Wookiee. But his anger was kindled not against her accusers, or against the Jedi, but with the New Republic. He'd seen firsthand when, under Palpatine's rule, the Jedi were branded as traitors and declared enemies of the Republic... events which had almost immediately led to the subjugation and enslavement of him and his people. Now he felt as if he was watching history repeat itself as the Grandmaster was escorted from the hall.
 

The Storyteller

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The Speaker

Well.

That was that then, wasn't it?

The Speaker went to activate her mic, but the Senate room exploded when Chancellor Do confirmed that Grandmaster Voran had indeed been in his head. She could see that Voran was trying to speak, but she could barely be heard above the angry roar of the senate.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The Speaker slammed her staff into the ground several times, but the room did not quiet. With a disgruntled look on her face, the Speaker pressed a button on the podium. Every mic across the room was muted, deafening the sound enough that another three taps of her staff could be heard.

"Silence." The lurmen woman's eyes narrowed as she looked across the chambers. "Using the Force is a violation of Senate rules and calls for suspension of the offending party. All Jedi please exit the chamber."

She turned back to the Senate.

"It seems that the current agenda item has the majority favor of being dismissed. We will continue in order to the next item. Senator Isard's proposal will be addressed in turn." Her voice was stern then, as if she dared anyone to bring it back up.

"Now, the next item on the agenda is a proposal by President Thorne concerning sweeping policies."

With that, the ISC president would be given the floor.

@Sreeya

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

Ceris Odrosess

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Altaria
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Fortunately for Ceris, there were other idiots in the Senate Chamber which were able to draw the attention away from the Grand Admiral being strangled. She spent the past few minutes trying to wake him up so he could contribute to the next agenda, but every so often she would get caught up with what was going on.

She always thought it was strange for Jedi to be in the Senate Chamber, because they could have just used their force powers whenever. That is, until she learned that there were already other force sensitives here, then it made a lot more sense. If anything, Ceris was most surprised that the Chancellor said that the Grandmaster did enter his mind. For centuries the Republic and the Jedi have worked together, and the relationship between the Chancellor and Grandmaster was always talked about in tabloids. The bridge between the two groups seems to have burnt.

Grand Admiral Brum jolted himself awake soon after the Grandmaster was taken, and without hesitation or concern he asked "What did I miss?" Ceris was a bit surprised that he didn't ask what happened to him, why he was asleep, or why he was choked out. "Well, a lot actually." She helped the Admiral up to his feet and made sure to keep her voice down "The United Defense Fleet seemed to be some sort of scheme, at least that's what many other Senators thought of it. Then some F.W.A. representative made a confusing speech but it isn't really that important to you. Lastly.." Ceris paused for a moment "The Jedi have just been escorted out. Apparently the Grandmaster tried to use her Jedi powers to control the Chancellor or something along those lines. Right now President Thorne is going to offer his agenda, but I think the expulsion of the Jedi will come after."

The Grand Admiral stood there with a stone cold face looking back at Ceris. It seemed he couldn't believe what she just said, he looked over to where the Jedi are normally seated. Although he was not particularly fond of the Jedi, this sudden sequence of events was hard to take in. Adjusting his collar he turned to Ceris and simply responded "I got it."
 

Emryc Thorne

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Consortium
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ISC President

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Emryc remained silent the entire time. He detonated that bomb on Alex and then politely moved onto the agenda topic. He banked on the rest of the Senate to descend like a pack of hounds, and they did just that. Not even Hawthorne’s abrasive remarks could deter from the absolute chaos that unfolded before him. Not only did the Grandmaster make a mistake, but she dug herself deeper into the hole by attempting to explain herself. Emil took the stand and spoke words that were music to Emryc's ears, sending the entire floor into an explosion of chatter and yelling.

The half Sephi reached over and drew out a cigarra. Though smoking wasn’t explicitly banned, it was something he usually avoided during session. These days Emryc only smoked on two occasions - when he was stressed and right after an especially nice fuck. And few things would satisfy him like the pounding he just gave the Jedi Order. Emryc tilted his head back slightly, exhaling a cloud of smoke above him and through his nostrils. Time slowed down for him as the chatter and finger pointing blurred all around him. He focused only on the languid curl of the smoke he exhaled, watching it dissipate as rapidly as the faith of the general public in the Jedi Order. For every step forward they took, they undid every bit of it in one fell swoop. He could hear the pain in the Chancellor’s voice, and he knew something had broken that wouldn’t be fixed anytime soon.

The ISC President kept a dignified calm, only smoking his cigarra halfway before putting it out. He remained his usual cool and detached, waiting till the Speaker addressed him. Silver gaze were as piercing as ever, no smug or victorious grin on his face despite being exceptionally pleased internally. His comlink began to buzz with countless messages - likely from a very giddy Renfry.

At last, the half Sephi finally rose to stand, walking over to the center podium. He readjusted the chrono on his wrist again before addressing the Senate, “My esteemed colleagues and fellow diplomats,” He began with that powerful baritone again, “The Galactic Senate was founded on the principles of collaboration and faith in one another to strive towards a better galaxy,” He paused for a moment as he looked around the room, “We have since strayed far from that. This Senate has stopped asking and discussing how we can help the galaxy and instead has postured to dictate and mandate under penalty of social ostracization and suspcion.”

Emryc’s eyes narrowed slightly, “The most recent example was the passing of the sanctions on trade into Sith space. While the fundamental reasoning behind it was sound, it was legislation more or less forced upon all governing bodies here without any room for internal discussion. If anyone opposed it, they were then deemed a friend to the Sith. What did that result in? It cost economical crashes in the Core, it cost countless jobs, it resulted in finger pointing and animosity. And lo and behold, the Sith war machine has hardly slowed down."

The President looked straight ahead, “The ISC and, more specifically as someone that has been here since the conception of this body, I, President Emryc Thorne propose that we abolish sanctions that are intended to sweep across all governing bodies. I believe that sanctions and trade laws should be passed within each government's individual body of senate, not imposed and enforced comprehensively by the Galactic Senate. This will allow this Senate to focus back on collaborating and working together voluntarily on efforts such as the GHO instead of presenting strict policies that may work for one governing body, but not another. That is all.”

Emryc paused there, but he remained standing for any questions or issues with his proposal.
 
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