Ask Kolto Action

[Raz Chak]

​

One great thing about being in politics: Raz still got to travel the galaxy with almost none of the risk of being shot at. And Manaan was one world he didn't mind visiting in the least. Being the only surface settlement, Ahto City received a great deal of support from the Selkath government, and it showed. This was their welcome mat for the rest of the galaxy, and the natives went out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. Beautiful architecture, perfectly clean streets, clear pools of water and exotic imported plants. Not to mention surprisingly clear weather for a world covered in oceans. Whatever the explanation for that was Raz had no idea.

And he really didn't care. The Caridan was here to do his own job. Politics. He and his allies had a plan to breathe some new life into the New Republic, and the first stage of that plan began here, today. They had managed to secure a meeting with Senator Tortus Graa, and it was agreed that a fellow veteran would be most suited to convince him to get onboard with their plans. Raz had read the man's service record on his trip to the planet, as well as his history in office. He had served even longer than Raz had in the military, and given his blood gladly for his people. Just the type of man Raz could respect. He was certain they would get along famously.

After departing his shuttle Raz made his way to the senator's office, accompanied by some aides and a small security detail. Unfortunately he was no longer spry enough to outrun them, so they would have to come along. After making his presence known to the Selkath senator's secretary he elected to wait for Graa's arrival outside, enjoying the sunlight and the crisp ocean breeze. He breathed deeply of the air, an ambitious smile on his face.

@Rhogar

 

[Tortus Graa]

The Free Worlds Alliance had been in decline, long before the standard credit had taken a hit. And with Thyferra jumping to the ISC after what reports associated it to, a pool party, that would make Manaan all the more important to the F.W.A. Or at least in theory, it should have. So now, Senator Graa was at a crossroads: Continue on his current path and hope that the F.W.A manages to recover... or jump ship and bring Manaan to the Republic, who had slowly begun to build up steam.

Weeks of self-turmoil had turned into hope as members of the New Republic reached out to Graa and sent over the credentials of the member sent to talk with him. A fellow serviceman. Though Graa didn't need to read the file to know the ledger. He recognized the name and knew well the exploits. So when the day of the meeting came, he was very much excited to talk to a fellow veteran.

"Senator, the representative from the Republic, Senator Chak is here."

"Perfect, I will meet him in the courtyard then." The old Selkath would say as he used his cane to push himself to his feet, the old war wound still acting up. He could have gotten some fancy cybernetic, especially with their ties to Blackwell, but he insisted on keeping it cheap, functional. Leaning heavily on the cane, Graa would exit his office.

There was something familiar about Chak as the other Senator came into view. He had that escapist look in his eye, like he wanted to get away from his security and frankly, Graa couldn't blame him. He felt the same way. So as he stepped into view, still leaning on his cane, he would close the distance to Chak and offer his hand. "Senator Chak, an immense honor it is, to have one so decorated here." he would lean close, his voice lower. "I know how to ditch the stiffs." he'd add with a light laugh.

@Reyn

 

[Raz Chak]

Thankfully the wait wasn't long at all, Senator Graa came out to greet him almost immediately after he had announced his arrival. That boded well. Raz was used to many politicians being 'fashionably late' in order to try and appear in a stronger position, making others wait on their arrival. He was glad the Selkath was willing to cut right through the posturing. As he approached Raz put his one good hand through a loop on the end of his cane and raised it to shake with Graa. Despite his age and injuries, he still had a powerful grip.

"The honor is mine Senator Graa," Raz replied with a friendly smile. "I hear you're no bore yourself. Your service record is quite colorful." He turned his head to listen as the Selkath spoke more quietly, and gave a good, hearty laugh in return. "You and I are going to be great friends I'm sure of it." He replied with a chuckle before signaling to one of his aides. The young man would come forward promptly and offer a dark bottle of wine for the alien to see. "Chandrilan Red, 99." Raz explained. "A gift from Senator Rayne, who laments that she couldn't be here today." The aide would hand the bottle to one of Graa's people after the senator had the opportunity to inspect it if he wished.

"The woman knows her wine, that's for damn sure." Raz said with a chuckle. He briefly inspected his fellow veteran before speaking up again. "How's the leg treating you?" He asked sympathetically. Both men, despite the difference in species, shared certain obvious similarities. Both hobbled and wounded by both age and service. Raz's own left arm was gone beneath the elbow, and he too walked with a cane, a result of his long period as a POW. There was understanding in his words, no judgement.

@Rhogar

 

[Tortus Graa]

The Selkath would return the firm squeeze as both men were blessed by the patented 'old man' strength. "I'm sure some things have been embellished. You know how the aides like to blow a story out of proportion." Senator Graa said with a faint laugh. When the aforementioned wine was brought forward, Tortus would reach out for it. "Indeed she does.. Good year on this one. Think we were both in uniform for this." he'd say with a laugh. "I must admit, I had hoped to meet her so when she dropped off the meeting, I feared the Republic had lost interest in Manaan. But I see, there's nothing to fear."

"As for the leg, I'm sure you know that phantom feeling, Senator Chak. But it goes up and down with the change of the seasons. I refused to get one of those fancy doohickeys put in, so I just set the nub in and strap it on." he offered a shrug. "It emboldens me to see that you do not shirk your own injury. Far too many are scared to show the prices they have paid for liberty. " He would add as he nodded to the arm.

He didn't touch the limp or the use of the cane, not for fear of upsetting Chak, but for the sake of not sparking darker thoughts. He would turn with the help of his cane, the movement slow, his other hand still holding the bottle. "Try to keep up Senator." he said jokingly. There would be no advanced speed, not from this old timer. "We are going to take a right along that wall, then a sharp right. I'll make the door disappear and we can watch some Huttball and talk shop." he said lowly. "Even break into this wine."

@Reyn

 

[Raz Chak]

"Nothing to fear at all," Raz assured his fellow senator quickly. "Sutton and I are of the same mind. She may not be a servicewoman, but she still serves the Republic, body and soul. She's someone you can put your faith in." As Senator Graa spoke about his leg and the inconveniences that came with the injury, Raz's face turned more serious, nodding along.

"Damn right I don't." He responded with pride to the Selkath pointing out his injury. "People see the wound and they feel sorry, but every day I look in the mirror my convictions are reaffirmed. People need to see what it costs for them and their families to live in safety. They need to see the ugly side of things. That's what spurs real men and women to stand up and help defend it."

He walked at a leisurely pace alongside Graa, listening to what he had to say next. A mischievous grin curled the corners of his mouth. Looking over his shoulder he spoke to his aides and security. "Give us a bit of room boys." He said casually. As requested the entourage backed off a bit, allowing the two senators to gain a slight lead on them, but still remained vigilant. Raz looked back to Graa and smirked, giving a very subtle nod in signal.

@Rhogar

 

[Tortus Graa]

"Don't need to wear the uniform to understand the sacrifice. It'll be good to eventually see how she handles herself. She's running circles around those young guns in the ISC.. Though Secretary York is well spoken enough to honey some words to distract from a point." He'd say in a laugh.

"Part of me want to replace our army with droids, reduce the loss of life. It's why I have quite the relationship with Cona and Colla, however, as you know nobody fights like a soldier trying to defend their home. Back against the wall, everything to lose." he mused as both men essentially hobbled along.

Graa would just look back and give his solitary guard a nod, making him fall in step with Senator Chak's retinue. He would return the grin to the Caridan Senator and as they turned the corner, they would both make another sharp and sudden right, hidden from view, and Graa would put his palm on a nearby panel closing the hidden door they passed through. "That will give them all quite the heart attack." he'd say with a laugh.

Inside the interior wall, was a small alcove with an exterior and interior section. Though the exterior part was shielded from the sun, it still received the beautiful ocean breeze. It was adorned with a grill, a bar, a long sofa and a holo terminal. The interior section was a bit more decorated but lacked the grill. "Inside or out, Senator?"

@Reyn

 

[Raz Chak]

Raz nodded along with Graa's observations as they walked. The ISC. Another thorn in the Republic's side that was becoming more bothersome by the day, but they were far from the Caridan's primary concern. As his host spoke on the subject of automatizing the military he hummed thoughtfully. "Well synthesis has always been my stance on the matter." The human offered his own opinion. "Everyone wants one or the other. I say, why not both? Add droids as an auxiliary force, both to bolster numbers and cover for the weaknesses of organic soldiers. I see no reason why any military should put all their eggs in one basket."

Just as they made their move to ditch their unwanted followers, suddenly picking up the pace as much as they could when they turned the corner, Raz caught sight of the head of his security detail. The young man spotted exactly what they were doing, and scowled as he immediately started dashing forward to try and close the distance. "God dammit he's doing it again!" He called to the other guards. "Senator please-" But in the next instant both he and Graa had disappeared from sight. As they entered into the Selkath's safe room Raz could hear the man cursing outside, drawing another laugh from the old senator.

"I'll say." Raz responded to Graa's joke with an immature chuckle. He took a few steps further into the chamber, admiring the cozy little retreat. As the Selkath asked him which he preferred Raz looked back at the man with a smile. "Well far be it from me not to appreciate the local atmosphere." He said as he made his way towards the exterior. "Outside it is. You have anything good to eat in here?"

@Rhogar

 

[Tortus Graa]

"Having both is always good." Graa would agree. "Droids lead the way, but you need something reliable. In fact, if Carida needs an in with some solid droids, I can set up a meeting between you and Blackwell." The Selkath would say. "Diversify. Though I plan on bringing in droids from other manufacturers as well."

The Caridan's security officer's cursing was joined by his own. The best part was, this was one of the the few areas his security chief didn't have access to. After all, he needed an escape from the constant eyes.

So Chak's laughter was joined by Graa's own and so the pair would make their way to the exterior portion. "Excellent choice. Today is supposed to be breezy with some cover. Another beautiful day. As for the good food, you can go with some local options or things that I have had imported here to suit a visiting dignitaries needs."

@Reyn

 

[Raz Chak]

"Well you know how the saying goes," Raz responded as Graa asked him whether he would like something local or imported to eat. "When on Coruscant, do as the Coruscanti do. Let me get a taste of that fine Selkath cuisine." He said with a friendly laugh. He had to admit some personal nervousness on that front. When it came to aliens who knew what was considered 'fine cuisine'. But he wanted to give a good impression, and he doubted Graa would give him anything too unpalatable.

As the Selkath senator brought up Blackwell Raz grumbled non-committedly and hobbled over to the edge of the exterior lounge. He leaned on the railing, facing the sea and letting the pleasant breeze wash over him. "Well Blackwell is the most popular choice no doubt," He mused before looking back at Graa. "But they're perhaps getting a little too popular for my liking. Is it really wise for everyone to be buying their droids from them?" He let the rhetorical question hand in the air as he looked out at the ocean again. "I think I'd prefer to branch out, see what else is available. There are a few companies that spring to mind that have a good track record for quality but... Some of them take issue with the Republic. Bad blood, and all that..." He glanced back at the Selkath. Perhaps he could help with that...

"But that's not why I'm here today." He said as he turned his back to the railing and leaned against it again. "I'm here to talk about something much closer to you Senator. How is the kolto industry faring these days?" The answer to that question was fairly obvious for anyone that had entry level knowledge of galactic trade. But Raz wanted to make a point, and the best way to do that was to jump right into the topic. There was nothing to be gained from mincing words with Graa.

@Rhogar