Ask [Mon Calamari] New Allegiances

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek had spent a tremendous amount of time on Mon Cala over the past few weeks. While the aquatic planet lies outside of the borders of the ISC and the Induparan’s usual sphere of operation, the recent terrorist attack by Zaa Fenn had prompted the arrival of ISCRA in full force - and Galek, breaking the tradition of organzing from a distance, to led the relief efforts from the ground.

In that time, significant progress had been made in the way of providing relief to the destitute people of Mon Cala. All across the planet’s underwater and island cities, makeshift hospitals and medical relief stations had been established - staffed with the best medical staff the ISC had to offer, in order to tend to those who suffered the worst of the chemical poisoning. Meanwhile, civilian transports had been utilized to transport thousands if not millions of refugees off of the poisoned ocean world - settling Mon Calamari and Quarren across water-rich worlds across the ISC.

The planet had a long, long way to go before it would fully recover from the damage it had suffered that day - but Galek was committed to see their task through to the end. A promise had been made that the ISC would stand with Mon Cala, after all. Of course, Galek’s strong commitment to Mon Cala in the wake of tragedy wasn’t entirely altruistic in its nature. The prince of Indupar was not blind, and he was well aware that upon leaving the FWA, the aquatic world was alone in the galaxy - and that was a condition that would not last.. It wouldn’t be long before planetary leaders began to push to find something to replace the failing Free Worlds, and everyone from the Sith Empire to the New Republic would be eager to bring Mon Cala and her valuable shipyards into their respective spheres of influence.

It was for precisely that reason that Galek had scheduled to meet with the King of Mon Cala himself.

Galek strode through spaceport of Dac City, gradually making his way towards the makeshift administrative building that had become the base of operations for the Mon Cala monarchy. The Induparan prince was dressed in the traditional styles of his homeworld - donned in a black sherwani with a cream-colored sherwani, alongside an assortment of rings on his fingers. His black hair was styled perfectly into place, and the air around him was scented with the prince’s expensive cologne.

He stepped into the spacious administrative building, taking a seat within a waiting room adjacent to the where he was scheduled to meet with the Quarren regnant. A buzz from a seated Secretary was sent to inform of the Induparan’s arrival. While he waited, Galek keeping his hands folded neatly in his lap - glancing down to check the chrono on his wrist.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[The Storyteller]

The King was dying. In spite of his own willpower, in spite of the best efforts of ISC medical practitioners, he would soon be nothing. His kingdom, too, would crumble into the sea. So much of it had already. It was clear, he now realized, that he had failed his world. Failed to do what was needed as King. And without a successor, without trust for any of his subordinates, he had failed the future generation, as well.

As he contemplated this in his bacta tank, he was alerted to the Governor of Indupar's entrance. As a fellow aristocrat, the Induparan prince could understand the unique weight that leaders bore upon their shoulders. As head of ISCRA, the Governor of Indupar had grown rapidly in stature on the planet, as ISCRA was one of the main political bodies uniting the disparate factions and corners of Mon Calamari.

After exiting and drying himself off, he buzzed the Induparan in to his chambers. It was a mournful day, perhaps, but also a day of joy. A new beginning for his planet. An end of an era.

"Governor Ordalos." He tone was weak and tired. "Do you want to do this quickly, or drag it out?"

@Altaris

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Minutes passed, and Galek sat patiently within the waiting room of the administrative building - idly scrolling through a datapad he pulled from his pocket. Even now, there were dozens of notifications and reports that streamed in from ISCRA outposts and operations across the planet. The worst of the crisis had passed, but the presence of the agency was likely to linger for months to come.

It was a tragic reality, and yet it was one that ultimately worked in Galek’s benefit. As the rest of the Galaxy withdrew, the ISC remained. ISCRA banners and emblems would become a common-known sight to millions of citizens of Mon Cala, and it only served to increase public opinion of the Consortium. Even if his meeting with the King today did not go as planned, those sentiments would linger beyond his reign. If the King did not wish to see his planet aligned with the Consortium, perhaps whoever succeeded him would.

Galek did not have to wait for very long before he was buzzed into the king’s chamber. The prince rose from his seat and smoothed out his attire, ensuring that he was at least presentable before striding confidently into the room.

The moment he laid eyes on the King, Galek couldn’t help the way a small frown tugged at the corners of his lips. It was clear the condition that the monarch was, both visually and because he had been fed reports from the ISC medical practitioners that had seen to the Quarren’s treatments. Political differences and ambitions aside, the Quarren was a selfless leader and someone who had dedicated himself tirelessly to his people.

To see him as he was brought a distinct sorrow to Galek’s chest.

The Induparan prince kept one hand against the small of his back and swept the other out in front of him, bowing low at the waist. Whatever condition the Quarren had deteriorated to, he was still a King and deserved all of the courtesies that his rank demanded. “Your Majesty.” He said smoothly before rising back to a stand. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”

He gave a small nod when the King spoke, clearly noting the weak and tired tone of his voice. “I wish to take up no more of your precious time than is necessary, Your Majesty.”

With that, Galek took a few steps forward - standing just opposite to the monarch. “I presume, then, you understand why I am here. And what I intend to ask you.” There was no need for Galek to spell it out, or to make a long and drawn out speech. The King would know exactly why the Induparan requested his audience and what he hoped to gain. He would know every effort the ISC had made to ingratiate themselves with the people of Mon Cala, and what the continued support and aid of the Consortium would mean for his people, long after his weakened body gave out.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[The Storyteller]

"Yes, I do. At the end of my life, I see it, now. I had thought that, to be King, I had to be greater than any others in the galaxy. I thought our independence, our pride, would keep our world safe." How mistaken he had been. He was brought back from death, only to witness the collapse of his peoples' hearts. Mon Calamari could never be left so vulnerable again. There must be another solution for how the world handled its internal problems. For better or for worse, that would involve the...outsiders of the Galaxy.

Still, the ISC had proven itself, if nothing else, the most eager to support Mon Cala after its tragedy. He had no doubt that the ISC envisioned something great for his world. A world like Mon Calamari, so well known and steeped in history, could become a cultural epicenter for the whole Consortium. Further, if the industries and lifeblood of the planet was restored, its fabled shipyards would add their strength to the three-fold fleet.

The King gestured for the Induparan to take a seat, as he joined him in sitting. It did not ease the pain, but exerting less effort was...good. It was all he could do. "Mon Calamari shall join the Independent Systems Consortium." There. It was said. No matter if he died immediately after this meeting, the future of the world was secure.

"My people have scattered across the galaxy to ISCRA refugee camps while the waters of their home remain tainted. You must bring them back home, return their city-ships here, if we are to recover." Only ISCRA could bring the errant Mon Calamari back to the world.

"No doubt, you have heard the Hutts' rumblings. I trust you, now, to handle these brigands." They had brokered a deal for the short-term benefit of Mon Calamari, but long term? Still a bad choice.

"And finally, I must make a request." He paused to consider how to phrase this request. "I know your government and the Jedi do not always see eye to eye. I have asked the Jedi to aid in the investigation and apprehension of the Zaa Fenn's. If nothing else, they are exceptional spiritualists and warriors. I ask that you bring them up to speed on the Syndicates war, and allow them to offer their skills in combat."

@Altaris

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek listened intently when the king spoke, hazel eyes fixated onto the terminally-ill monarch. In many ways, the Induparan could relate to the mistakes the king had made. For years, Indupar and its Crown World colonies had rejected both the FWA and Republic - confident in their belief that isolationism from the rest of the galaxy and its problems was the key to their safety and security.

Stagnation had been the only fruit borne of such policy, and it was not until Galek himself had risen to Governorship on the planet and opened the door to relations with the ISC that things had changed. And his planet had prospered ever since in ways it hadn’t for centuries.

The Induparan took a seat when gestured to do so. He didn’t miss the pained expression that briefly manifested on the king’s expression - the faintest hints of a frown tugging at Galek’s own lips. He knew that the monarch’s fate was sealed - there was no curing the damage that riddled his body. But perhaps something could be done to ease his pain, at the very least.

Galek kept his eyes firmly trained on the king, listening as the terminally-ill monarch spoke the words that the Induparan had hoped to hear. Just as easy as taking another breath, it was done. Mon Cala - with all of the resources, history and potential for revitalized industry - had committed itself to the Consortium.

“You have my word, Your Majesty - that the future of Mon Cala and all her people is safe and secure with the Consortium.” He gave a firm, resolute nod of his head. There was no jubilant celebration or bright smiles at the news of the planet’s shift in allegiances. Galek knew that this was a decision, ultimately, that had been the result of one of the worst tragedies in living memory.

For as much as the ISC gained with the entrance of Mon Cala, so too did it take on a responsibility to see the aquatic planet through its darkest hour. And that was a commitment that Galek intended to uphold to the best of his ability.

The future of the planet and Galek’s objective was achieved, and he turned his attention entirely to the last requests of the monarch. He couldn’t help but wonder

“Your people are safe and secure in the arms of ISCRA while the waters of Mon Cala are restored. You have my promise that as soon as it is safe to do so, the sons and daughter of Mon Cala will return home.” Galek drummed his fingers against his thigh, hands folded neatly in his lap. “As for the Hutts,” He said smoothly. “Fear not. If they happen to step out of line, they will be dealt with. Harshly.”

Galek maintained a neutral, placid expression the entire time - though there was an undeniable furrowing of his brows ever-so-slightly when the topic shifted to the Jedi. The ISC’s policies on the Order were infamous at this point, and that wasn’t something that was going to change any time soon.

The Induparan pursed his lips for a moment, pondering how to phrase what he was about to say. After a few seconds, he gave a small nod of his head. “In the wake of the tragedies that have occured here, nearly every government in the Galaxy has taken up against the Zaa Fenn Crime Family. The ISC, Republic, FWA, Jedi - even the Sith Empire - have all worked to eliminate their influence, root and stem, wherever it may exist. Already, the ISC is coordinating with the Republic and FWA in this effort.” He gave a small shrug. “I see no reason why the same cannot be done with the Jedi.”

“But,” He said, leaning back slightly in his seat.

“The Consortium has maintained a policy of distancing itself from the Jedi. We have no desire to have temples built on our member worlds, or so associate with their Order.” He drummed his fingers. “We will not align ourselves with the Jedi, and sacrifice the fragile peace with the Empire that we have maintained.”

“Mon Cala, as a member world, will be expected to uphold this policy.” His words were smooth and polite, and yet there was a definitive tone to them. While the worlds of the FWA were allowed to effectively engage in their own foreign policy as they pleased, Mon Cala would not have that freedom as a member of the Consortium.

Galek paused for a moment, pondering how to address the next topic. It was markedly not something he wished to even bring up as a point of conversation, but the Induparan knew it was necessary. “There is another matter I wish to discuss with you, Your Majesty - as you have now committed your planet to the ISC. Namely, your successor.”

He took in a breath. “I am sure that you, better than anyone, are aware of the tensions between rival political factions here on Mon Cala. And the instability that would arise in the event of your untimely passing if there is no one to immediately fill the void.” Both of them knew that the sooner or later, the king was succumb to his illnesses. And both of them knew that he had no direct descendent to assume the throne after him.

“It is imperative to ensure a smooth transition of power. Appointing an official governor of Mon Cala to sit on the ISC executive council would be the first and most meaningful step to do so.”

@Fine Dining Set

 

[The Storyteller]

The King listened as Governor Ordalos continued. He could certainly have protested more, for greater autonomy in legislation and foreign policy for his world as a member. Refusing the Jedi as matter of policy violated their neutrality. But now, word was that the Mandalorians began to move, the rumblings of a warrior movement with their targets set on their ancient Jedi enemies. Perhaps it would be best to avoid involving his people in greater conflicts. So, he nodded in acceptance at the Governor's demand.

"I believe the age of Kings is over for our great world. I would nominate my acting Prime Minister, Baloog Redus, to oversee the transition of power as ISC governor for the coming months. After the world is ready, we - my people - can elect a new governor. Give someone...outside of the aristocracy an opportunity to rule."

A severe wave of pain went down his spine. He had already exerted too much effort. "I apologize, Governor. My health..." He didn't want to state the obvious too many times. "I must return to my bacta tank. You can begin discussing the transition of power with Redus." He promptly rose from his seat, having issued his final command as Mon Cala's sole ruler. While the world would formally remain a monarchy until he passed, it was essential to have a clear line of succession. His Prime Minister would act as his representative to the people while the ISC consolidated its rule on the world.

And when the King died, the people would be ready for a new era of rule.

/Exit thread

@Altaris