Open ISC Session: Agenda Item: AMS

[Emryc Thorne]

OOC: This is open to any Senators that are within ISC or would like to lean ISC. Furthermore, ALL ISC meetings are streamed live to the public.​

Emryc was the recently elected President of the Independent Systems Consortium. The structure of the government body was already in place, and he was a shoe in for assuming the position of President. Elections were held to vote in delegates and representatives for sectors. It was a messy process, and it wasn’t as crisp as he would have liked even now, but he had faith in his executive council. They worried about the groups of planets and their diplomats so he didn’t have to, and he would review the high level items that came to him.

The half Sephi had called for the first ISC meeting to cover a very pressing issue. Thyferra was the planet where he had the biggest sway, and he set it up to serve as a diplomatic HQ. It was close to FWA, which allowed for easier relations with other governing bodies. He had called the council as he took the seat at the head of the table. One by one, Holo projections flicked on for the distant members that dialed in from the Outer Rim, those closer to the FWA borders attending in person.

Emryc was casually leaning in his seat texting back and forth with his boyfriend while waiting for others to arrive, his face as stoic as ever. Every now and then silver eyes glanced up as people filed in, and he gave them a cursory nod. He had met with these individuals many times in person. Keen ears picked up on idle chit chat until he finally checked his chrono, putting the datapad away.

“Welcome everyone to our very first official session together,” Emryc said as he stood, gazing at each and every one of those in attendance, “I am once again humbled by your generosity and support in electing me as President and I hope me calling this meeting is a testament of how quickly I wish to execute on our plans.”

There were general murmurs of agreement before Emryc pressed a button to project a Holo image for everyone to see. It displayed snapshots of the news report that went out about the AMS virus.

“I have worked with several of you to help curb the AMS problem in your sectors,” He glanced over at the Bothan diplomat that represented the entire sector around Bothawui and surrounding planets, “Especially in your area. This is a galactic wide problem and our worlds are the most threatened. The item that I consider of utmost importance to address at once is to form a task force to begin working on a cure. That could mean either forming a team drawing from the best minds from our planets or leaning on a reputable third party company. In either case we will need to allocate funding. However, there are other points to consider so I want to take a multi faceted approach.”

Emryc looked at all of them for a moment, “I’m proposing for an emergency stimulus bill of 50 trillion credits to fund this effort so planets within our borders can begin their AMS fighting initiatives. Part of this will go towards funding Blackwell droids which have proven successful in combating the infected and minimizing organics exposure. Other portions of the funding will go towards establishing quarantine and relief centers. We will also need funding for disposing of the infected once they are killed and a clean up operation.”

The half Sephi scrolled through the Holo projections that displayed his models for how the disposal and cleaning facilities would work, “Should this be approved, I will present this proposal at the Galactic Senate for additional funding so we can extend this comprehensive effort out throughout the galaxy. FWA no doubt could use a model for combating and curing AMS.”

He finally paused to look at them, “Let us deliberate on this now.”

 

[Lucas Rinn]

Lucas sat in his office on Gyndine, shipyards overhead. He had agreed to join this Independent Systems Consortium. He would have loved for his planet to be self-sufficient but there was no way to keep their heads above water while competing against the full weight of the FWA. They needed to band together.

He took a sip of whiskey. Regardless of how necessary they were, he hated these sorts of meetings. He crossed his legs, letting out one more sigh before hitting the button, his halo image joining those of others.

The Governor listened as Emryc spoke, not disagreeing with anything the man had to say. The AMS Virus was a serious threat and while his world had not been directly impacted yet, they definitely felt the effects of an economic slowdown. It was only a matter of time before the virus came to Gyndine, and Lucas had every intention of being as prepared as possible.

"We should prioritize our own cure," he spoke up when the floor was opened up. "We all know that if the Alliance is allowed to discover a cure. All they care about is wealth, they would gladly watch our people die as they raise prices higher and higher. No, we need to be out in front of this. What initiatives are being taken to ensure that are able to eradicate this virus?" he finished with the question.

 

[Soygun York]

The news from Kattada had not even hit the galactic news yet. The Holonet hadn't been informed, so this was a bit of surprise. The Kattada Parliament passed a legal resignation instrument from both the F.W.A. and the New Republic in favor of joining the ISC. All the "whereases" included particular grievances against the FWA and Sector Rangers. Most of them were directed toward the treatment of their representative, Soygun York. Apparently, the tropical paradise planet wasn't pleased with not being afforded representation while some of the most important votes in the FWA's history were being taken, nor were they keen on the Sector Rangers stepping all over their investigation into York's father. In short, officials on the planet felt that not only were they were being disenfranchised, but also grandstanded by the senate's investigation of Jorgan York- a case the Kattada officials were already undertaking.

As the controversial figure walked up the steps to the building right through the press corps with a sly grin, they were too shocked and befuddled to even ask him questions. They all thought they were mistaken about his identity. They had no frame of reference for why York would be there.

Inside the new chambers on the planet of Thyferra, York couldn't help but think just how pertinent it was to have this discussion about a health crisis on Thyferra, home to the Vratix and the production and study of bacta. At his station, York simply sat back in his chair, looking interested. York was no dummy. This was a good political move by Thorne, and York had straddled the fence with the leader of this Consortium with his public comments. York would say he was brilliant, but dangerous. He was extremely talented and smart, but an unknown wildcard. To be fair, that was 100% accurate, but now York had to get off the fence and pick a yard to play in. The FWA and now the NR were so far up his arse with Rangers and investigations, and the leadership apparently hated his guts, York decided the grass was greener with Thorne and the ISC. Game recognized game, and York knew the man was hustling, but he also knew he was damn good at it.

So was York.

When Thorne opened the floor to discussion, York would stand and turn on his comms so the others could hear him and his words could be translated for those who don't speak Basic. Not that York particularly cared if you couldn't understand Basic. It's freaking Basic, the galactic standard for crying out loud.

"Thank you, President Thorne. Senator Soygun York of Kattada." Some in the chambers were unaware of the recent addition to the body and a low murmur arose and then slowly dissipated. "I heartily agree with the proposal. Kattada stands with our brethren planets who have been most impacted by this terrible disease. I would like to offer an amendment that companies from those planets whose lives and economies have been most impacted by AMS get weighted preference in the bidding formula for all open bids from these funds outlined in this proposal." York continued looking across the room to the other senators, making eye contact with as many as he could. "This will help direct more of this stimulus to the planets where it is needed the most, allowing the hardest hit planets to speed up their recovery and provide more capital for combatting this dreaded disease at a more local level. Thank you for your consideration, and I yield."

York hit the button to turn him off and open the floor back up to the others and took his seat. York had to give the impression of the caring and kindness and compassion to fight whatever negative messages the Rangers, FWA, and NR were going to throw out there. This seemed like a good amendment to start building that image.

 

[Tyris Thanewulf]

Sitting silently as he listened to Emryc speak. There was nothing that the president said that Tyris would disagree with. However that doesn't mean Tyris wasn't thinking of proposals he could put forward. He had only been recently obtained his position. It felt like a lot was riding on his shoulders with the threat of the AMS Virus. Due to public disappointment and distrust of the F.W.A and R.A the citizens of Bestine had voted to leave in favor of the ISC. He looked to the other senators as they took their turns to speak.

Now with York finishing up. It is his turn.

Standing as he turned the comms on, Tyris will look out at everyone, taking a moment to politely nod at Presisent Thorne as he began to speak, " Senator Tyris Thanewulf of Bestine. First I would like to thank President Thorne for calling this meeting so we can discuss this pressing matter. I believe we can all say we care for the well being of the citizens than the Alliance does." He went silent for a moment, "I full heartedly agree with the proposal put before us. I also agree with Senator York's proposal. We must reach a cure before the Alliance does as well as finding ways to aid our brethren. We all know how slow the RA and FWA will be too slow at getting aid out to those most affected and it is not tolerable. Our people need help now." Looking around the room at everyone Tyris continued, " So. I will put forward two proposals. First stimulus money is to be given to each planet to build better hospitals or to improve existing hospitals to improve care of the victims of the AMS. Second that all the facilities used to find a cure are put under a strict lockdown. Only listed personnel and government officials of the Independent Systems Consortium granted access to prevent the F.W.A or R.A from stealing research materials and the cure when we acquire it. With that I open the floor for whoever else wishes to speak." Tyris then turned his comm off and took a seat.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc heard others speak one by one, and it was clear almost everyone agreed with the action plan to curb the AMS problem. A few had some additional discussion points and the half Sephi was happy to entertain them. He heard each of them out, his gaze lingering longer on the Kattada Senator. The man had spoken openly against Emryc before, but he couldn’t blame someone for being a politician and playing the game. He was a player himself, after all.

He waited till there was silence on the floor again before he spoke, addressing York first, “I agree with that approach. We would simply need to be cautious to ensure that the remaining planets also have funds available for their initiatives,” It was a solid amendment to the proposal. Perhaps York would prove to be an asset to ISC.

Emryc next turned to regard Rinn and Thanewulf, “I understand the concerns. Rest assured that this proposal aims to prioritize planets within our borders. Every bit of the funding I seek would go towards our planets. Anything that comes from the Galactic Senate discussions would be a surplus that we may allocate elsewhere. As for initiatives - we can only draw from existing intel from Hutt labs which is limited at best. We would need to first start gathering data on the virus itself before we can think of a cure. Perhaps if we were to obtain samples of the virus, we may be able to do more."

He turned then to look at Thanewulf specifically who had some strong words about the FWA, “What, Governor, is your plan to combat the inevitable perception that would claim that the ISC blocks sharing AMS research outcomes with other governments? That ISC would actively deprive suffering planets simply to spite the FWA?” There was no emotion one way or another in his tone, his face as stoic as always.

@Raydo @Isen @Nommie

 

[Tyris Thanewulf]

Well he certainly put himself in the spotlight didn't he? No matter. It was bound to happen at some point. Taking a stand the governor switched on his comms. Perhaos his proposal was too vague. Tyris didn't mean to not share information with other governments. He simply meant to prevent the information from being stolen.

Looking to the president the man calmly began to speak, " Please allow me to elaborate. I apologize for being too vague on my proposal.. I do not mean to not share information to other governments at all. I simply mean to prevent the information from being given without the other party showing that they can protect research information they are given or stolen by FWA agents in their desperation to get a cure. We all know about their track record to date. They cannot be completely trusted with safe guarding what information we give then. What if we hand the FWA the information we have and some third party steals it with the intent to weaponize the virus? Or if they steal the cure to short cut their way to weaponize it?" The man took a brief pause to look at the others as he caught his breath, " Perhaps to prevent information from being stolen we give the information to trusted governments with proven security track records." Tyris said as he looked back to Emryc, " If anyone here feels this proposal will be too troublesome feel free to turn it down. He will state then turn his comm off to open the floor back up for the others. Taking a seat Tyris figured he shouldn't get too relaxed incase he has to speak again.

 

[Soygun York]

York would request to speak again, and rose. "I think the senator from Bestine does bring up an interesting point. I don't trust the FWA for very obvious and personal reasons, and I do think that our research needs to be handled carefully and securely." York would shrug and pretend to feign some sort of resignation. "But under these circumstances, I do feel like we need to work together for a cure. AMS does not affect only the planets represented by this body, but also those represented by the New Republic and yes, the FWA. And the fact of the matter is, until this dreaded disease is defeated everywhere, it is a threat to everyone, everywhere."

He tapped on his podium in thought and then looked up at the President. "Perhaps what we need is a central research hub where the best researchers from all parties come together, work together, and together, as a galaxy, as a unified galaxy, defeat this horrible plague." He would point to the ground to indicate here. "Right here, right here in Thyferra is where that research should be held. Bring them here, right here. That way, the ISC can continually monitor the progress and there is no planet with a greater history of medical research than Thyferra."

York would look around the room. "We should immediately begin construction on the greatest, most state of the art medical research facility in the galaxy right here. No planet in the galaxy has the better credentials to pull this off than Thyferra. Bring in construction workers from all over the ISC footprint. Stagger their shifts so we can work on its construction around the clock. We can build it, staff it, and be working with our galactic neighbors on a cure before the end of the month. We continue to work independently on a cure until that time, but when we can come together, work together, we can and would beat this disease together."

York would hope the other governors would recognize what this also entailed- the financial impact for Thyferra would be substantial and if they hired construction workers from other ISC planets, it would give them a boost as well. That's not to mention, he would assume the ISC would be smart enough to buy all of their materials and technology from ISC worlds. And, if they built the most galactically renowned medical research in the world, that's one more feather in the cap of the ISC. And really, how could the NR and FWA say no to such an offer?

"I have to believe that the New Republic, the FWA, and the Jedi want to end this pandemic as much as we do, and this, in my opinion, may present us our best chance. And, I also believe it would largely satisfy the valid security concerns of Governor Thanewulf. Mr. President, I yield."

@Sreeya @Nommie @Raydo

 

[Lucas Rinn]

His father had always warned him to be wary of the person who spoke the most in the room. When asked to comment the newly turned Senator broke out into a speech. It was annoying, but not as annoying as the contents of said speech.

"The Alliance has sat by for months while more and more worlds fall to this virus. Why should we let their lumbering bureaucracy slow our efforts for a cure? If they would like to contribute funds, I am sure we could work out a deal that would see their people taken care of after we ensure the safety of our own people. " he said

He raised an eyebrow "I would expect one in your position would harbor a least some small amount of healthy trepidation about working with the Alliance soon after your own departure." he finished. He would not watch this newly formed coalition become the puppets of the Alliance.

Lucas turned off his mic and sat back as he took a drink from his caf.

 

[Soygun York]

Since York was directly addressed, he felt he could answer the fine Governor's questions. And he would be just as polite and kind as Rinn was to him. "Since we are outlining expectations, Governor Rinn, I think a reasonable expectation would be that you actually listen to the proposals instead of relishing gazing into your own reflection of caf."

York would lift a brow to him and let that comment linger for a bit. "For if you had listened, you would hear that every shortcoming you think is present in my proposal was addressed in my proposal. Why let their bureaucracy slow our efforts? I said, and I quote..." He looked back for the typed word for word transcription a droid was providing him. "'We continue to work independently on a cure until that time.'" York looked up from reading the transcription. "Must be good caf to have missed that. You said I should harbor some distrust of the FWA? I said that I did. And that's why I offered for the joint research initiative to be held here on Thyferra. Maybe you need to start drinking that caf instead of staring into it, because you need to wake up and pay attention."

York didn't even say he yielded back. He simply hit the button and sat down.

 

[Lucas Rinn]

Obviosuly strike a note with a representative from Kattada, he sat for a moment, taking another sip from his cup before setting it back down. "Oh, I heard you quite clear enough," he said, pausing before continuing.

"You say you distrust your former Alliance to only urge this body to invite them into our efforts in your next breath. It is this sort of duplicitous speech that makes the FWA crawl like a slug to do anything. We have no time for it or your droning speeches here." he continued. "You then propose a building project that will be slow and extremely costly when the medical facilities already exist of Thyferra."

"Perhaps instead of moving to stroke our ego by building some sort of pointless crowning jewel, we network our existing research facilities together with temporary direct oversight of this body. It will allow us to mobilize quicker, cheaper, and without the need of having to devote time and energy monitoring scientists from multiple factions. It is better for our scientists and better for our people."

 

[Soygun York]

York would rise and make eye contact with many of the representatives from planets who were currently under siege by the AMS virus, including the senator from Bothuwai. He shook his head and leaned forward, continuing to make eye contact with them as he spoke. "Let me give all of you, all of you who represent planets that are being hit the hardest by this virus, my assurance. I know you don't care where the help comes from. You don't care if the help is coming from Christophsis and Tatooine or Coruscant and Corellia. Rest assured, I will work tirelessly to get help for you wherever I can get it. I will not allow pride to get in the way of the help you need."

He didn't look at Rinn this time at all. He simply sat down and turned off his microphone.

 

[Lucas Rinn]

A slow clap emerged a few seconds after York finished speaking. "Is this what you are after?" he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Very Well, Senator York. Your warm words have surely inspired us all."

He paused, letting the words hang in the air for a moment. "Now that that we all have taken a moment to think over how truly blessed we are to be in Saint York's presence, its time we looked at the facts. Working together for the good of all the Galaxy sounds great on paper, and would be great for the galaxy if the Alliance gave A. Single. Damn. About. You." he said addressing each of the representatives. "But the cold, hard fact is, they don't." he said.

"This body was formed because the Alliance has refused to cooperate with our worlds individually in the past time and time again and to hope to do so now in any capacity is a childish fantasy. Now, I say we move on and discuss how the worlds under the ISC banner can best use our resources to help Bothuwai and ensure that no other ISC worlds fall prey to this virus," he said.

He had spoken his peace. He knew working with the FWA was a mistake. A mistake that would cost ISC lives. He only hoped the others present remembered why they had joined the coalition in the first place.

 

[Soygun York]

All eyes immediately turned to York for a rebuttal. York calmly pulled out a small wooden box form his suit pocket and placed it on the table in front of him. He opened it rather slowly, took a cigar from it and put an unlit cigar between his lips. The chambers remained deathly silent as they watched the representative from Kattada. The only sounds that could be heard were the creaking of York opening the box and the creaking and clunk of him closing it. York knew everyone was watching him which was precisely why he was taking his time.

York sat back in his chair and calmly placed one leg over the other as he turned his eyes to Gov. Rinn. It became quite obvious that he was not going to take to the podium. Still, the awkward silence waiting on York to respond continued as nobody was sure if they should jump in and continue the discussion.

Never taking his eyes off Rinn, York started to thumb buttons on his datapad. It was a short message, and soon every member in the chamber got that message at the same time. The sound of all the datapads vibrating or beeping started to echo through the chamber. And then, a chorus of laughs from those in the room.

The message read: It would appear that people do in fact give. a. single. damn. about me, Governor Rinn. Maybe even two or three.

York would cop a grin toward Rinn with a wink and then turn to President Thorne and simply shake his head slightly, indicating he would not be saying anything. He was fine to let things sit.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

“Enough,” Emryc said curtly before Rinn got his latest volley out and before York sent out his datapad message. The half Sephi’s voice boomed over the room, a clear shift from his otherwise relaxed demeanor. Frosty gaze met others around him, though he didn’t look at either offender at first.

“I will not have our time wasted with petty attacks amongst ourselves. We are conducting our affairs with the same level of disarray we accuse of the Free Worlds,”He finally looked over to York, “I agree with your proposal of having Thyferra serve as the central hub for research. And I also agree with Governor Rinn’s concerns about building something entirely new. I believe we can leverage existing facilities. We can do a cost and profit analysis to identify how much the gear shift may impact the bacta industry. However, considering that many investors would support this cause, I see no reason for concern.”

Emryc finally turned to look at Thanewulf, “Would this address your security concerns? If so, then I suggest we move forward with this amended approach to a counter AMS stimulus.”

It was clear he was a man of action and had little desire to engage in or entertain further petty squabbling.

@Isen @Nommie @Raydo

 

[Tyris Thanewulf]

York took the time to speak up. Seemingly understanding where Tyris's concerns are. Then the civil talk turned to squabbling. Well it is a part of politics but it is not getting anything done. Just being an annoyance. The new governor did glance over to everyone as they spoke up though to show that he is listening.

That was until the President silenced everyone. Thorne clearly had enough of the bickering.


Thanewulf stood up, quickly switching his comm on, "Yes, President Thorne. This does address my security concerns. We may move forward." He will respond. Switching his comm off the man took a seat as he mentally noted that there is a lot more to the position he was elected for than he thought. Clearly there is a lot to learn. He will have to learn quick if he is to hold onto his post.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc nodded at Thanwulf’s words. He looked over at the others in the hall, silence hanging for a while. Emryc didn’t like having to step in, but he also wasn’t the type to do it unless absolutely necessary. All of this was broadcasted and it was clear that everyone had a chance to weigh in with their opinions.

Silver eyes gazed over all the others assembled before he spoke again, “Unless there are further discussion points, I will consider motion passed,” He said simply. He allowed for a pause in case anyone else had any objections.

If no objections were raised, the bill would pass through and be put into effect at once.

@Raydo @Nommie @Isen