Mr. Sarlo Goes to Coruscant

[Zamid Sarlo]

Walking on the crimson carpet into the Senate’s entrance was Zamid Sarlo, recently appointed senator of Duro. Dressed in a traditional light blue robe of his homeworld complete with a green cape, the elder looked straight ahead. He passed by other public officials and civil servants that were entering or leaving the Senate. Two lines of statues stood opposite of the path he now tread.

In a way the stone giants reminded the old Durosian of how small he is in the grand scheme of life.

Who would’ve thought the son of maintenance workers become a galactic senator? Certainly not me. Zamid smiled at the thought with mid amusement. The newly made senator kept a steady pace in spite of his age until going inside. It wasn’t long before he came upon the Senate’s common room. It was already half filled with officials of every sort and even a few uniformed officers of the Judicial force, conversing with one another. The air was clean and interior crisp, no doubt to make the occupants feel comfortable.

​

In some ways it reminded him of being in the Duros Assembly building but the Republic’s Senate was more grand in comparison. Zamid refused to be charmed by the settings however, being fully aware of the corruption that often plagued the government body. Careful to only display a blank expression so not to concede anything way to these strangers. Senator Sarlo found an empty table next to the left side wall and sat in one of the two chairs.

Once sited Zamid pulled out a handheld datapad from his robes and activated it. “My new office can wait for now. First things first, I need to review the latest news in the galaxy.”The representative of Duros muttered.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Dwight Antilles]

Striding through the common room with his hands in his suit pants pockets is Dwight Antilles, the recently appointed Senator of Alderaan. He was appointed to his post pretty recently, not long after the ascension of Queen Lucille Antilles to the Alderaanian throne. Dwight Antilles might be way too young and inexperienced (he barely had any applied experienced as a politician), but what got him in position was his connections to the Hutts, who Lucille is also in league with. The young Senator has at least proved resourceful and clever enough to keep the dirt out of public view, and should prove to serve rather well to be Queen Lucille's voice in the Senate. Nobody wants a rogue senator after all.

As he was striding, he would see a Duros alone at an empty table that was coming close into view, he would be pulling out a datapad at this moment. "Hmm, he looks kind of lonely" the young Anitilles muttered to himself. Antilles would then stand himself next to the empty seat with him holding a hand on it. "Heya there man. Mind for some company?" he would ask the Duros with a confident smile. Even if he does have dirty laundry behind closed doors, he can still be friendly and approachable; and there isn't wrong with making new friends.

@Minuteman75!

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Zamid was in the midst of scanning an article about a massive series of protests on Denon, when hearing a voice ask if he would like appreciate some company. Looking up from the datapad Zamid saw it was a young man in a elegant pressed suit. A bit different from the regal clothing the others in the room were wearing he observed. This fellow would to belong in an business firm than here. Then again appearances can be deceiving.

Considering that is his first day at this new position Sarlo decided it wouldn’t hurt to let the human join him. The sooner he developed connections in the Senate the better. With a polite smile and nod Zamid replied.“Don’t mind at all young sir.”When his new acquaintance did sit down, the Duros decided that introductions were in order.

”My name is Zamid Sarlo of Duro. Now may I have the pleasure of your name?”While the Durosian still believed there is corruption within the Senate but until learning more about this stranger he’ll reserved personal judgment.

 

[Dwight Antilles]

"Alright sweet!" the young Antilles said as he was similing, he would then turn the chair around and then sit in backwards, facing his Duros counterpart from across the table. His posture would have both his hands clasping, resting on the top of th chair, with his back slightly learning forward. "Nice to meet you Mr. Sarlo." he would extend his right hand for a handshake across the table. That's what you are supposed to do right? He would nod his head once with his eyes-wide eyed and his smile full of energy. "Oh I'm Dwight Antilles. Senator. Now representing the Kingdom of Alderaan." his facial expression would shift from an friendly, energetic smile, to a stern serious expression as he would slowly nod his head again. "Was just posted here very recently." as Dwight Antilles would look around the common room. "Yeah..." he would turn to face the Duros in front of him. "You been here more than a couple times right? What's it like being apart of all this?" He wondered aloud. Well, the Duros does look pretty old, and going off of looks he was guessing that he's been serving Duro in the Senate for quite awhile, and was just asking to make conversation with his new friend.

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

The human’s handing of his own chair was noted by Sarlo. He did not disapprove, in the fact old Duros found it rather endearing. When offered a handshake Zamid clasped with his left hand and firmly shooked it. When they let go, Zamid listen to the human’s introduction, and he nodded in kind understanding while thinking. So one of the Antilles huh? Figures that Alderaan would send someone from a noble family to assume the post.

He had always great admiration for the Alderaanian Kingdom for its culture and firm moral stance until...recently. Rumors had spread across the other core worlds that the new queen had won her crown through illegal means, due to the support of secret backers. Of course Sarlo’s years as a lawyer had trained him to test the truth of hearsay until proven right or wrong by evidence. Dwight for now just seemed to be an earnest young man, trying to fit into a new role.

Zamid let out a deep chuckl when asked how long he had served in the senate. He understood the misunderstanding given his age. “I mean no offense Senator Antilles, but this is my first time in the Senate too and on the planet in fact.“Waving off the next question the blue skinned elder explained.“Gedel Veti, he is Duro’s new chief of state and an old friend of mine. I was offered this position by him to make sure our world’s interests will align with the Republic’s.”

Grinning in good natured amusement Sarlo commented.“Guess we’re both juniors in rank at least.”

 

[Dwight Antilles]

"Nice, you have a good handshake game going on there" he said smiling and chuckling with energy typical of that of an outgoing young adult as the guy's handshake was firm, firmer than Antilles' own. And as for the Duros replies to his reply, looks like he isn't a veteran in the senate, oops. Dwight smiled innocently as he was corrected by the Duros "Ah I see, oh well." he would nod his head. He did listen to the rest of what the Duros said. "I guess so. Heh" he would chuckle and scratch his head with his right hand. "Yeah, thats pretty much the deal with me. New Queen being elected and all that, so here I am" he would shrug his shoulders, in response to the Duro being picked to make sure Duro's interests align with the Republic. Well, Antilles was picked because he represents Lucilles interests. "New Queen, new government, new senator and all that". He follow up with as he would nod his head again as his expression is more serious. "Well, guess we both will be looking forward to our first Senate session together. Really looking forward to it" cue some awkward, innocent-sounding chuckling. Hopefully the sessions aren't as boring as they are said to be.

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Nodding in agreement Sarlo commented.“I would hate being disappointed. Personally I didn’t sign up to leave my home and do nothing all day, every day. If had that been the case I could had chosen early retirement instead of this route.”That wasn’t a joke, and Zamid would’ve sooner resign than be useless.


He suspected there will be plenty of boring sessions ahead in the coming days and yet the Duros wanted to believed such frustration can serve a purpose. Then a new thought occurred to him and the wrinkle faced statesman grinned once more.“There is always an opportunity to liven things up Antillles.”As if to demonstrate his point, Zamid turned the datapad and showed it’s contents on the screen. It would read to Dwight as this;

Galactic News Today
Unrest on Denon

Another week of mass demonstrations has occurred in key sections of Denon. The cause behind the upheaval is the result of the brutal murder of the popular activist Yi Sho. The subject was the daughter of immigrants who rose up from poverty to enter planetary policies. She would go on to establishing the most effective coalition of opposition in years against the Denon’s ruling Navist party. Nearly three weeks earlier Yi Sho went missing while traveling to a rally.

Within hours her body found in a ditch with repeated stab wounds and her belongings taken in what authorities appear to be labeling as a robbery gone bad.

Sho’s supporters refuse to accept the report and instead accuse the government of kidnapping and murdering their revered leader. ‘Yi had been constantly threatened with death for months now and the regime did noting. Her blood is on their hands.’Said an emotional Jin Sho, the victim’s brother during an interview. His outrage is shared by millions and it gotten worse as the authorities still refuse to hand over Sho’s body for burial. Upon questioning about the murder at a banquet in his honor, Prime Minster Ian Braden known for his highly controversial statements answered with a dismissive hand.

‘It is of no relevance to me.’ In retaliation the opposition coalition declared a campaign for justice for their fallen leader. Ever since the planet has been rocked with heated protests in most levels of society from college campuses to shops. Despite a crackdown by the Navist government that lead to the arrest of thousands, has only further enraged demonstrators to chant this battle cry ever since. ‘Justice for Sho! Freedom for Denon!’
​

“So Antilles what’s your take in regards to Denon’s situation?” Sarlo asked with arms crossed over the chest.

 

[Dwight Antilles]

An opportunity to liven things up eh? Dwight was interested, but what the Duros had in mind wasn't excatly what Dwight had in mind by that. When the older Duros turned over the datapad to Antilles, he scooted his chair over closer towards the table and extended his arms out for the datapad so that he could bring it closer to him. After he would do so, he would then start reading it. Unrest on Denon, he looked with skepticism as he would read onwards. Not long after reading in his expression would change from a to a frown. An activist who started from nothing, had a bright future ahead of them, tried to be the change she wanted in the world, was 'mysteriously' murdered and robbed. While their Prime Minster couldn't careless, or maybe even be the man behind it. Even if Dwight's expression would read sadness, behind it he really doesn't care himself. Of course, he isn't going to let his new friend in the Senate know about his apathy for the tragic situation. "That's... awful. I had no idea the situation was that bad on the planet. Someone has to do something about it" the young Antilles said in solemn tone, as would look at the Duros Senator with troubled expression. He would turn the datapad back over to the Duros.

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Having lived as long as he had, Zamid learned a great deal by reading people. His young new associate showed what many would see as the apportiate reaction to the article and Zamid nodded. Yet the Duros official still was not so sure. It will take time to figure whether or out Antilles is genuine or not he concluded. Sighing the blue humanoid explained.

“I wish if were that simple my young colleague. There is a complex factor involved. The Navist government came into power, following the war with the Exiles and did much to rebuild their planet. They were granted emergency powers to restore order and now hide behind the mantle ever since. Furthermore the regime constantly used the sacfirces that their people endured during the infamous siege of Denon as a shield.

So whenever the Republic brings up these issues they simply remind us of it.”

Shrugging his shoulders Zamid paused before he continued.“It doesn’t help that many outside Denon could care less what’s happens as long as they’re not affected. Fortunately in the course of my research on this crisis, I came across some particular item that should concern them. Among the protestors detained were offiworld students like Corellia, Brentaal, and...Alderaan.

They were lead by this girl.”

Sarlo then clicked a button on his datapad thr showed the screen again, this time of a young woman about to sent to prison.

“The woman goes by an alias Dara Vel in the article but actually is Seri of House Teraan, a prominent family that supported your Queen’s ascension. The reason why I know of Seri is because my daughter back home is a great admirer of her as a swoop race champion. She had been imprisoned three rotations ago and there been no word heard from her ever since.”

Tapping his index finger on the datapad Sarlo commented.“This should be enough for us to confront Denon’s senator, Hel Rosen in private if we can find him here. So are you in or not?”

 

[Dwight Antilles]

"Of course.... there is always a catch..." he shrugged and rolled his eyes in annoyance, there always seems to be a Catch 22 to things. Even if the solution is obvious, typical politics getting in the way and all that. Nothing is ever easy as it sounds. The Junior Senator of Alderaan then listened closely to that the Duros was saying, his widened with interest as the guy mentioned there were off-world protestors from multiple planets, but also from Alderaan. Oh. And then Dwight moved his seat closer, turning it sideways to where he can get a closer look at the datapad as it showed a picture of the woman. So, Seri of House Teraan? And they supported Lucille in the election? That's interesting. When asked of if he is in, that grabbed his attention, looking at the Duros. Not even a week into his position and Dwight is finding himself into some real serious shit. He can't say no, because he might be losing out on a potential friend. And if this works, it could be the start of Dwight gaining some traction in the Senate right off the bat. "Sure, I'm in. Are you sure that will be enough?" he wondered as he smiled nervously. Because if it's not, he doesn't want to be laughed out of Rosen's chambers or anything right off the bat because they didn't have enough.

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

To answer the question Zamid winked confidently.”Let’s just say I have an ace in my cards in case Rosen dosen’t see reason.”The senator knew he was asking a great deal from someone he just met, but from his point of view it can’t helped. They were public officials after all and this is supposed to be one of their duties.

Getting up from the chair, the Duros gestured for Dwight to come along. Spotting a protocol droid nearby Zamid walked over and asked it for directions to Senator Rosen’s office. The droid gave him the information, pointing to a nearby hallway on the right. The duo went through, and it took them to reach their destination in an of a few minutes. To the side stood a door and Sarlo knocked on it with one hand and was answered by a gruff voice.

“Who is it?”

“Senators, Sarlo and Antilles. We here to dicuss a certain matter with you Mr Rosen.”

“Make it an appointment with my secretary. I got a hectic schedule.”

In other words go the kriff away. Zamid translated quietly, but he refused to take no for an answer.”We have something to offer for Denon and for yourself.”Briefly there was silence at the other end when Hel Rosen with a voice filled with new interest replied.

“In that case come on in.”

The door slid open, Zamid and with Dwight in tow walked inside. Revealed was a sizable office filled with decorative statues and art pieces, depicting Denon and it’s culture. In the center was a massive metal desk and sat an elderly man in a white suit with sharp eyes and expression. Pointing at the chairs in front of the desk for them to take and once his guests were seated Rosen finally asked.

“What can I do for you both gentlemen?”

 

[Dwight Antilles]

"Right" the young Senator nodded as the Duro Senator said he had an ace in the hole , alright that sounds good. Once the two Senator's get through the office door, Dwight's eyes were gazing at the office, seeing the decorations, this Senator Rosen guy has some style his of his own he guesses. Once the guy pointed towards the chairs, Dwight sat down, like normal people do this time. Once he was firmly seated and everyone was siutation, he would reply to the Rosen. "Hey there. Junior Senator Antillies" he would flash a smile" and offer a handshake. That's what they are supposed to right. And as for what they can do, he would pass it on to his partner, the Duros was the brains behind this and fully understands everything that's suppose to go down, Dwight doesn't want to say the wrong things or anything. Dwight would be looking towards his partner, waiting for him to speak so this show can get on the road.

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

“Thank you for seeing us Senator Rosen.” The Duros representative said politely despite his true feelings.

Clearing his throat Zamid answered while producing the datapad from earlier and delivering it over to Rosen.”Before we can constitute the offer there is a certain issue we need to discuss. It involves Deon’s recent troubles. Arresting citizens without due process is a grievous offense to the constitution.”The Denon senator rolled his eyes at the accusation and the lead news article on the datapad.

“With all due respect Senator Sarlo this is an internal affair. I understand you’re both new at your posts so to spare us all from a pointless headache just let me remind you a little something...Our Republic has a non-intervention policy.”

Zamid nodded in acknowledgment.”True, but I wasn’t talking about Denon nationals. On the contrary I’m referring to the twenty one college students from outworld whom are being held in your government’s custody.”

“Those students were involved in an seditious organization who are spreading chaos over the death of one agitator. We can’t afford to make exceptions during this crisis.”Rosen answered, clearly unmoved. Zamid gestured for their host to scroll down to the next article, revealing the Alderaanian student’s face in an photo. When he did, the blue colored official explained.

“While she goes by an alias that there is Seri Teraan. Heir apparent to her noble house who happen to be supporters of the newly elected Queen Lucillle Antilles.”

For the first time in their meeting, Hel Rosen froze in shock. He looked toward Dwight and asked.“Is this true?”

 

[Dwight Antilles]

Junior Senator Antilles then nodded his head affirming what his counterpart from Duro said with a solemn expression as he had his eyes looking downwards. "Yes sir, it's true" he said. Well, with what the datapad showed him it's true. With that, would then look over to Senator Sarlo, looking at reaction he has after gauging Rosen's as well. Dwight just learned this stuff like minutes ago, he isn't sure on where else to go with this at moment, he will defer to Sarlo on this as he isn't sure on what to say next. It looked that before this revelation brought up that the guy couldn't have cared less about point of discussion, but when an Alderaan nobility gets mentioned, he panicked. Of course, that he cares for any of the plight involved in this, it was still interesting to see. Now to see where this leads.

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Maybe it is Sarlo’s first day at the senate but he was vastly experienced in dealing with situations like this case. Time spent as a attorney prosecutor can pay off in more ways than one. The Duros calmly looked on while Rosen struggle to find an answer to this dilemma presented before him.”Your world has recently signed a trade agreement with Alderaan, an extremely lucrative one according to the news, not to mention Corellia as well. It would be a shame if those investments, millions of credits went down the drain, Senator Rosen.”

Rosen glared at Zamid as if he wanted to strangle the blue humanoid but was restrainted from doing so. Not intimidated Senator Sarlo stared back, refusing to look away. Becoming frustrated Rosen hissed through his teeth. “How do I know you juniors are not buffing?”

Taking back the datapad Zamid, typing with his fingers then showed Seri Teraan to both Rosen and Antilles again. This time, the young woman was smiling brightly on top speeder bike with a trophy in hand.

“That is Lady Teraan, winning the Alderaanian golden cup last year. My daughter is a huge fan keeps taps on her career, that why I know it is the same person. Shall I search up more photos?”Zamid asked with hallow politeness, causing Rosen to let out an audible sigh. Looking back at his ‘not-favored guests’ he then demanded.

“What do you want from me exactly? I don’t have the authority to release every protester even if I wanted to.” Shaking his head no Zamid replied.

”Not asking for that. Only those twenty one offworld students and feel free to deplore them off your planet. You can make that happen Rosen with just a hologram message to your dear old brother in law, Denon’s Prime Minster. You could prevent him a great deal of embarrassment when he goes meeting with Queen Lucille on Alderaan to finalize that trade deal next week.”Pausing for effect, Zamid then focused on Dwight.

“In your opinion Senator Antilles how grateful would her majesty be if a daughter of the prominent Teraan House was released and unharmed? As I recalled from research the Teraans are among the Queen’s most devoted loyal supporters, especially during that recent election.”

Zamid’s statement wasn’t just meant for Rosen. If Antilles wanted to earn a little more favor with his royal cousin back home this could be one of those opportunities to do so.