Open Galactic Senate Naboo Galactic Senate: Emergency AMS Session

[Setarkos]

For some time, Setarkos had simply sat on the corner of the Senate building, leaning on one of the window ledges of the room, looking out over the tumbling waterfall that fell away beneath him. He was allowed into the building as one of the Representatives of one of the planets within the system of Naboo, his home, and whilst he was constantly amazed at his ability to somehow keep his job, Setarkos none-the-less enjoyed the challenge and stimulation it provided.

This session of the Senate had been called to address a crisis, one that Setarkos had watched with some interest since it had first begun; that of the 'AMS' illness. Today the Senate was required to make a choice - whether or not to support a joint task force to help bring a swift resolution to this issue.

Setarkos sat in silence, as he listened to the points being raised by his peers, and in many (if not most) cases, his betters. Emryc, a whispy looking fellow, who you almost certainly wouldn't take on as a house-sitter, began by calling for a military response force, something which solicited some considerable amount of supportive chuntering from the assembled. Soygun York was next to their feet, pouncing on the back of the supportive noises Emrycs followers had begun to make, calling for a 'multi-pronged' approach, effectively requesting a massive amount of centralised coordination, almost certainly to be funded by the already over-stretched core.

Finally, Setarkos was pleased to hear the voice Vyss Jakar, who offered a voice to the opposition of a military response. Setarkos did not look away from the window, instead, he listened to the Senator suggest that we should be 'doing more' without being challenged as to the realism of their proposals. Setarkos for one had not heard of a Laboratory that could be constructed within a single month, and still perform the onerous tasks expected of it.

Once again, Emryc was back on their feet in an instance - indeed, Setarkos was unsure if they had ever resumed their seat in the first place. The man seemed to rather hold court in this place, some of those gathered holding onto their every word; well considered as they were. And so the debate continued, back and forth, becoming more bogged down as it did so. The matter moved, as it often did in debates in the Senate, to the subject of 'who would control what?' and 'who would contribute what to what?' - effectively, the issue was getting lost in the discussion pertaining to its solution, and that in turn was getting lost further, in the power plays of those present.

And yet, as the discussion continued, the power of persuasion won out, and it was suggested that Emryc themselves 'commanded' the task force. Their qualifying factors? Experience.

Setarkos rolled his eyes.

'When your home is a-flame,' came the deep voice of Setarkos as he stood from the window sill and walked to the centre of the debating floor '...do you argue who best to fetch the water pail? No. For when calamity strikes, the first inclinations are of the heart, not of the mind. You do not see the house a-flame and, in that instant, consider who best to fetch the pail, or perhaps consider what new home could be built when the flames have settled. Should you not first seek to put out the fire?'

He shrugged.

'That is perhaps a simplification of the events facing us today, but possibly, one that is needed. Why should we focus on the material cost, the political cost, and more on resolving this calamity, when we should instead commit to doing whatever is needed to resolve it. We cannot rebuild a home if there are no builders to do it, and we cannot even call it a home if there is nobody to live there. Senators, are you not lost? Caring more about who commands and who provides, rather than what they would command in the first place?'

Setarkos paused as if thinking of what to say next.

'But, even when we get to the position of 'Commander', an odd term to use for such a task, we seem all too eager to make such a decision, one that carries with it considerable power, and therefore, considerable responsibility. We have already seen people ready to throw their support behind a leader, Emryc, with haste, and nobody seems to have asked why? What we are asking is for someone with the capability to command such a large endeavour, the knowledge to tackle the challenges that it faces, and the desire to surrender such a responsibility when the time is apt to do so. All of these questions and more have not been answered, and I would like to know some of the answers before I cast my vote. Emryc, do you want to lead this mission? If you do, why?'

 

[Queen Parnelli]

Emilia had decided to attend the meeting purely due to how significant the items on the agenda were. The Jedi had brought up the idea of a joint series of actions against AMS as a united front and she found that it was so very much like everything else she knew about the Jedi – admirable in spirit and at least somewhat lacking in substance. Though, she supposed, if she was to be charitable, it was the purpose of a united government to round out the ideas of others into something workable.

York, Drast, Emryc and more had all helped to turn the initial idea into something that was workable, though there was still much to be done. Usually the specifics would be hammered out by people below them, below this hallowed level of self-governance. Of course what they needed was a clear definition of the response and who would be responsible for using it. Any military force, even one that started small as this one would, was like a blaster pistol and only one person could fire a pistol, it could not be fired by committee.

And whatever damage was done would rest on the shoulders of the one who made the shot.

Caliban Drast seemed to be the front-runner for this mantle of responsibility, though she saw that not everyone was pleased. York looked positively miserable if the signs could be read properly – she made a mental note to see about spending some time with the man to sympathize. No one enjoyed watching a rival, former or otherwise, rise.

Then Setarkos spoke and the Queen of Naboo merely listened, her mask one of polite attention. It would not be Queenly to ask the questions she most wanted answered. Such as, how much spice the fool had taken for this to seem like either the time or the place for such philosophical ramblings. This was the Galactic Senate and this was a Galactic-Scale Crisis that needed to be countered as quickly as possible.

“Representative Setarkos – you are correct in one aspect; our home is aflame.” She declared as she stood not to address him alone but the rest of the Senate and, largely, the Galaxy as well, “What you deride as arguing for it’s own sake, is the logistics of putting out the fire on a scale you are not accustomed to; Galactic. The crisis touches almost every world, to some degree or another, in our Galaxy – to rush, in haste, to fight the fires as they appear is to rush in unprepared. What we debate here today is how to mobilize the weight and the might of most of a Galaxy. Merely showing up to fight the fire is not enough when the water comes from a different sector and the pail from days away by lightspeed.”

She gestured to Caliban.

“And why single out Representative Thorne when no one has voted for him to be the commander? When Senator Drast is currently the front-runner for the position of commander of the task force? Representatives and senators alike look at the history of service he had behind him and what we know of him to support him. People here believe that Caliban Drast would handle power with responsibility.” She smiled ever so slightly at Caliban, “And if he does not? He will be held to account. Anyone who commands will answer to the senate and, through us, the people of the Galaxy.”

Emilia gestured to Setarkos.

“Senators and representatives from across the chamber agree on measures that need to be taken. Even the Jedi stand by amendments made by people who have expressed distrust of them in the past. We stride forward as one to see to the crisis that plagues us all!”

She frowned.

“Except you. You, Setarkos, stand there and begin a campaign against someone you, personally, seem to have issues with. You would attempt to filibuster in our time of need? Play your fiddle as the Galaxy, our home, is aflame? You do yourself and our people great shame, sir! You would paint yourself as the 'Good Man' while all around you, innocent's suffer and hold your chin high as though in victory."

Instead of leaving the focus on Setarkos, she returned it to the point at hand.

"Tally another vote for Caliban Drast to be commander from myself." she declared firmly, "Let it be shown that not every representative of the Naboo system stands philosophizing when action is required."

@Nor'baal @Sreeya @Wit

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc nodded at Caliban’s assessment that the droid army would have to number in the billions. He said nothing until the man finished speaking, and he was even more pleased to see that no one had any real knee jerk reactions to his nomination. Silver eyes flicked over to York briefly, expecting the man to lash out. However, York looked back at him, the two men sharing a private understanding before York spoke again. Emryc wasn’t surprised by the answer and it made perfect sense considering the history there.

“No single facility has the capability,” Emryc agreed as he looked at Caliban, “However, Blackwell has a high number of facilities that can all collectively focus on prioritizing the creation of the droid forces. ISC is prepared to handle the logistics, we need only to allocate the funding for it.”

The session was briefly interrupted by the Naboo man who came across more as a philosopher than a politician. Emryc stared at him blankly, marveling at how the man managed to outshine a real life Jedi in useless pontification and even more bizarre implications. For a moment Emryc’s eyes flicked back over to Max as if to ask ‘is he one of yours?’, but he caught the equally baffled expression on the Jedi’s face. His gaze then shifted over to the Queen of Naboo who spoke up with some choice words.

Emryc decided that the odd man’s random questions weren’t worth responding to beyond that. He turned his focus back to Caliban.

“Senator Drast,” He said, “It appears you have won the honor of leading this task force. The next item we need to address is the adjusted amount for the stimulus bill. This bill will encompass costs for research, costs for the droid forces, costs for disposal and clean up. Due to the unknown nature of the scale and gravity of this crisis, we will need to start with a baseline number. Jedi Master Tionson has offered some numbers, but I believe we found it to fall short of that ballpark.”

Emryc stared directly at Caliban, “Do you have a proposed amount for this bill?”

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[Caliban Drast]

As the votes came in Caliban should have felt something, something else. Resigned, concerned, dreadful. He hated political games, and here he was about to get voted into a position that would only lead to him getting drawn into almost everyone's playground. This was far from what he wanted. But all he felt was determination. It was better that it was him, he could do what needed to be done without having to worry about those games. Yes, this was a good thing. That is till it came to bite him in the ass, which he was sure it would sooner or later. All he could do was make good use of the time he had.

As Thorne brought up the topic of numbers, Caliban was partially thankful. Straight to work, no fussing about with formalities. That he could handle. "I have been thinking on this for some time now, as I am sure we all have been. The ISC has passed a stimulus bill," he said with a look towards Thorne before turning towards one of the Free World representatives, "something I am sure the Free Worlds are preparing for. The Republic also passed a similar bill. But we must all shoulder the cost of this co-ordinated effort. A combined 50 trillion package would set us up in the right direction. The figure would be subject to amendment as the Task Force begins operating in earnest and the true scale of the task in front of us becomes clear. Of course I am open to suggestions, but I fear anything less would force us to start this fight with a handicap we cannot afford at this time."

He was sure there would be some objections, it wasn't a measly amount, even split between the three bodies represented here. But it was what it was, and if he was going to do this then he was going to do it right. Even if it made him unpopular among his peers here. Or more unpopular than he already was with some.

@Sreeya @Wit @Isen @Bauren @Forsythe Crowholde @The Good Doctor @The Captain @Raydo @darkrei9n @Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max stared at the man in the robes for a moment before glancing over at his assistant. Waving the younger Jedi over, he whispered into his ear a very concerned question. A question he didn't actually want a positive answer to - he wanted the answer to be as negative as JJ's review of the Jedi if not even more so.

"Please tell me he's not one of ours."

The Order was fractured in a lot of ways and differing views on the Force, the nature of life and politics were common. He couldn't even say that half the Council agreed with what he believed in, let alone the lengths he went to in the political forum but he knew enough of them to know it could be worse. Having this person as a vocal Jedi would be exactly that level of worse.

Isado shook his head.

"No Master Tionson - he's not a Jedi."

Oh that the Force.

As strange as it was to be happy that his Order didn't have more numbers, he was undeniably happy that the man wasn't one of his. The moment, and emotion, was solidified when Emryc just kind of gave him a Look. It was the kind of Look that literally everyone had been on the receiving end at some point in their life; that perfect mixture of confusion, disappointment and exasperation. Thankfully Max was able to truthfully shake his head when Emryc gave him said Look, able to honestly say that this was not one of his.

As for the numbers?

Max himself had little to offer in terms of credits and the senate as a whole knew it; the Jedi Order had enough to keep the lights on and enough to employ some minor defense forces but even then most of them were volunteers. When it came to opening the purse strings, he was here as an observer at best.

@Sreeya @Wit @Isen @Bauren @Forsythe Crowholde @The Good Doctor @The Captain @Raydo @Nommie @darkrei9n

 

[Soygun York]

York would rise and nod. "I agree with Senator Drast." It would pain York to say it, but he would maintain his professionalism so that others wouldn't be able to see it. "50 trillion credits is a great starting point to fighting this pandemic. I understand how billions of droids sounds on the outset, but remember that the Separatist droid army during the Clone Wars numbered in the quintillions." He would look at Drast and say, "That's with a 'Q' for those wondering..."

York would turn his attention back to the senate as a whole. "The threat cannot be understated, and while the 50 trillion credits is a starting point, it is likely not going to be the end. Nor will this first commission of billions of droids likely get the job done. But, we have to start somewhere, and I believe once the effectiveness of droids is confirmed, this body will feel more comfortable commissioning more."

The governor of Kattada would sigh and give a knowing look. "Now, the dirty business. It's one thing to say that we will pass 50 trillion credits worth of relief, stimulus, and means to fight AMS. But, how we pay for it must be addressed. It must be paid for equally, fairly, and that means an equal burden. I think we can all agree on that. But what is a fair burden? My planet of Kattada simply can't afford to pay with Corellia can in raw credits. Attahox can't afford to pay with Coruscant can. I propose that the funding formula be based on a percentage of each planet or system's GDP. In that way, what we pay in raw credits may not be the same, but the burden and impact to our economies will be the fair and equal. If we can agree to that, I should hope that a yes vote would be unanimous."

York would sit. Of course, this meant that the New Republic would be hit the hardest if one looked at it from a raw credits perspective, but there was no way that the smaller planets on the outer rim with economies a fraction of that of the core worlds could pay credit for credit and not completely obliterate their economies.

Of course, it almost meant that the New Republic and FWA would be pouring money into relief that primarily would be affecting those same outer rim worlds, and by extension, the ISC.

@Nefieslab @Wit @Sreeya @Forsythe Crowholde @Bauren @The Good Doctor @The Captain @Raydo @Nommie @darkrei9n

 

[Tyris Thanewulf]

Was this man, Setarkos, a politician or a bad philosopher that tried to sound smart? If he tried to obtain anything he certainly came across as an annoyance than someone who has any solutions in mind to share with others who are present. The man had the last bit all wrong anyways. It wasn't who wanted to lead but who everyone else should command the task force. No one really seems to be paying this poet any attention anyways. Nor will Tyris. Well almost everyone ignored Setarkos due to the Queen of Naboo briefly directing her attention to the man with what could be classed as brutally blunt.

It seemed that the vote was drawn to a close with Drast getting the votes to lead. His focus bounced from the Queen to Emryc followed by Caliban. The talk being focused now on a stimulus bill. 50 trillion credits is a lot but necessary to begin operations to get some head against what they are up against.

But unlike the core worlds and other planets within the borders of the FWA planets in the outer rim aren't as economically strong or rich. How will they go about paying into the stimulus equally without one or the other feeling they have shouldered most of the financial burden? Or one making the other repay for the lost credits in the end? Looking to Governor York as he finished addressing the room. His suggestion does make sense and should work nicely if everyone agrees to it. Switching his mic on, "I agree with Governor York. I vote yes on his proposal." Switching it back off he took a seat.

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