Private Judicial Hearing

[Fyremage]

​

@Prudence @DancingFox @Outlander @Liam @Officiant @Krajin @Vosrik

Within the simple, though stately walls of one of the numerous conference rooms of the Republic Senate, the Chancellor of the Republic sat in his slightly upraised chair, setup in the middle of one of the four tables setup in a square. Guards stood stoically in each corner, with more positioned at the front. Although normally the Chancellor's bodyguard would be accompanying him, considering the sensitive nature of this meeting Gregory thought it best he wait out of site, but in a room adjacent to this with a monitor showing the proceedings so as to appease his overtly cautious nature. (@Shalken) Microphones were placed at each place for the other members of this hearing. Although they were well within comfortable earshot of one another, it was for the benefit of several cameras placed throughout the room. This was a private hearing, closed to the general public due to the judicial nature of the meeting in and of itself. The Chancellor of the Galactic Republic cast his eyes over the small group that was assembled, clearing his throat and sipping his water before beginning:

"Before this hearing commences, I would like to announce that this judicial hearing is being recorded for the Senate Archives. Please speak directly into the microphones placed in front of you when it is your turn to do so, and please speak clearly."

Sweeping his gaze over them all, he then began with the commencement of the hearing. "Thank you all for attending. You have been called into this private Judicial hearing so as to hear the case the Honorable Senator Laurent Anderson of Coruscant will be making regarding the recent attempt on his life. This hearing is closed to the general public, and according to standard procedure for all judicial hearings, you are all required to keep any facts, details, pieces of evidence and any information thereof regarding these proceedings confidential pending an official indictment against the suspect our honorable Senator Anderson shall present. The purpose of this meeting is to ascertain the validity of the Senator's suspicions as to who conducted this attempt on the man's life. If this panel recognizes the validity of the Senator's suspicions regarding who is responsible for this, an investigation will be called, and pending further incrimination, an indictment will be filed to be processed by the membership and safety committee, followed ultimately by a Grand Trial."

"If this panel does not recognize the validity of who the Senator suspects is guilty of this heinous act, an investigation will still be levied regarding this case so as to find out who exactly did it, and an indictment will be followed according to the same procedures if and when a suspect is found that fits within the scope of reasonable suspicion." Although the Chancellor did not show it on his features, the monotony of what he just read almost bored even him, a man who basically served his entire life as an attorney. Even still, it was important information. After looking up to see if there were any questions, the Chancellor moved on.

"This hearing shall be setup accordingly: I, Chancellor Gregory Rhone of Chandrila shall act as chairman of this hearing and moderator."

"We have four voting Senators in attendance today. The chair would like to introduce the honorable Senators from Celanon, Falleen, Corellia, and Thyferra, presiding on our voting panel." Normally this type of hearing would be the field of expertise for the membership and safety committee, but in their absence the Chancellor selected this group from a variety of committees instead.

"Also present as character witnesses to bring balance to the evidence presented are Supreme Commander Micah Aldemar, of the Grand Army of the Republic, and General Vosrik Tanari of the Jedi Order."

This hearing will proceed as follows:

"The Honorable Senator Laurent Anderson shall make his opening remarks and case as to who and why he suspects his guilty of the crime committed against him, and present his evidence accordingly. In turn, myself and my fellow Senators of the panel will ask relevant questions of either Senator Anderson or the two character witnesses present so as to place the evidence in context, and form our own opinions based on the facts. In the event General Tanari or Commander Aldemar wish to speak up, please ask for leave to do so from the Chair."

"Once the panel concludes in cross examining Senator Anderson and the two witnesses, closing remarks will be made by Senator Anderson, then in turn myself, after which the four senators sitting on the panel will cast their votes. Breaching this protocol will result in a point of order being declared. Further breaches will result in expulsion from this hearing. Are there any questions? If not, the chair will recognize Senator Laurent Anderson to make his opening statement."

After his quite long winded monologue, Gregory paused so as to field any questions prior to them all moving on into the next step of the proceedings.

((Questions can be made out of posting order. But if there are no questions on your part, please like this post. Once all are accounted for, posting order shall begin with @Prudence, making his opening remarks.))

 

[Laurent Anderson]

Laurent had limped into the hearing room, struggling to get into his chair without putting pressure on his destroyed leg. His eyes shot across the table and immediately identified the Jedi in the room. Fear flashed through him like a crippling hand of ice squeezing at his heart. Any Force sensitives in the room would clearly identify how he felt, and understand that it was completely genuine. He spent most of Gregory's long winded monologue nervously cutting his eyes at the Jedi, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. He recognized his colleagues that they had called in, and appreciated them coming out, but he couldn't help but feeling the terror. Remembering the helplessness that had overtaken him when Reem Va had attempted to murder him. He shook his head quickly and looked up,

"Thank you Chancellor Rhone." Laurent said, speaking up. His voice was a little uncertain at first, though as he spoke he found his footing and began to speak more confidently. "Several weeks an unsuccessful attempt was made on my life by.. by a member of the Jedi Order. Jedi Reem Va... He approached me, uninvited in my home on Coruscant, and began to speak to me about a plot the Jedi Council was carrying out against enemies of the Order..." he paused there, gripping the arms of his chair as his eyes became a bit distant, remembering how it had all happened. "As a long time skeptic of the Jedi Order it only makes sense now... I should have called for help earlier... I shouldn't have let him in.... that animal... " He shook his head quickly, looking back up and glancing to Gregory, before looking at the other senators, "He told me about the plot the order was carrying out to kill enemies of the Order... and that I was one of them. And then he attacked... he shot me, and I barely managed to jump in time and it crippled my leg." he patted his ruined leg before continuing. "I tried to get away as fast as I could... I even fired at him with this..." Laurent reached a shaky hand into his jacket and withdrew a blaster with the power back clearly removed, and a device locking the trigger so that it couldn't be fired. "He batted the bolts away like they weren't even troublesome.. but CorSec was fast enough. He got in what I guess he thought was the killing slash on my chest...." Laurent reached his shaking hands to the top three buttons on his shirt and undid them, pulling the top of his white button up apart to show a long, charred scar running across his chest. "It damaged my lungs, ribs, and other organs... I was barely saved in time. He wasn't able to finish off the kill as a young CorSec officer shielded me with his own body and shield and Jedi Va had to escape..." Laurent shook his head "I knew they were unstable... and I watched the reports on Tython... but the way he moved was like a cold calculated killer..."

Laurent blinked a few times to regain his composure and then glanced around the room, "I understand the reluctance to face the facts of who really attacked me... or that everyone in a brown robe isn't Jedi... but I have this..." Laurent slipped a datachip into the slot in front of him on the table, and a hologram flickered into place in the middle of the table, showing the scene which showed Prudii's attacker wearing such good prosthetics and makeup that they couldn't be seen through in person, and certainly couldn't be over a holo image.

Laurent gripped his arm rests once again before looking back up, "My interaction with the Jedi has left me scarred... I am here now to try to save the Republic which I love from similar scars."

 

[Outlander]

Senator Khoen cleared her throat before leaning forward, making sure the small microphone could easily pick up her voice. This situation seemed... wrong. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it didn't add up. Maybe it was just intuition after long years as a detective and a judge.

"Senator Laurent. It seems obvious that you where attacked by someone in your apartment. However," She paused, looking back up at the now frozen hologram. "I'm not convinced it was a Jedi behind the attack."

Her short preface over, the aging woman straightened her white jacket and leaned back to look at the Senator directly. "Now, I have several questions for both you and our Jedi witnesses."

"Firstly, Senator, have you moved in the past any motion or any planned motion affecting the Republic's standing with the Jedi Order?"

She couldn't recall one, but she didn't know the Senator very well, and it could be one had been in the works.

"Next, do you have any clue as to why the Jedi did not kill you earlier? I have seen the tape, and it appears the perpetrator had ample time to do so."

"Finally, and this one is directed towards our Jedi in the room, do you recognize the man that appears in the video? If so, please recount any relevant knowledge to this committee."

She leaned down, writing a quick set of notes on her pad before quickly adding, "I may have further questions depending on the answers I'm given."

 

[Krajin]

Micah had set himself up at the end of the table nearest a larger holo-projector he had tied into the systems. of the room so he could review any large recordings or other evidence in better detail than the tiny little thing that was on the table. He'd stayed in his customary body armour with the armour weave cloak concealing the majority of it. In this case he'd changed out the usual dark tan cloak for a blue one with gold trim to sort of match into the idea of it being a formal outfit. He had a small recording sensor on his belt to record what went on just in case, he liked records and having a private little thing helped just in case. He leaned against the table, having chosen not to take a seat but rather stand and listen. Even as Gregory went on a long, long, long drone of a speech that began to devour at the Farghul's very soul and make him turn dark just for a moment of excitement. Then the injured senator hobbled in and made his statement, presenting the evidence which Micah quickly through a few quick taps on a panel, he got a copy over his end to project into the larger projector where it began to play out.

He employed his analytical mind to following how the scene played out before him. This particular set up allowed him to view how it went, pausing as he examined the holo, the robed individual, his stances and movements. This is all wrong, why would they tell you the plan and the idea and then try and kill you? Its.. it plays out like a bad villain in a Bothan-Spy Holovid. Get in close.. draw your lightsaber and make the strike. Bisect them inside, walk out and be done. Not shoot a hidden blaster and then make a strike like that. Its... inefficient. He then began to walk through the motion of the swing, standing where the Jedi was and following with it as if he was gripping the weapon. Pausing here and there with the holo, breaking it down step by step in his mind. Allowing the rest to talk as they did. If they wished to ask him questions he was open to it. But analysing the only evidence they had of the attack was his current work.

 

[DancingFox]

The Senator from Celanon was clad in the long green coat that denoted his status as a Merchant of Celanon City, though, unlike most, his was spun of the finest silk, and glittered with golden threadwork. Among the symbols that the intricate weaving formed were those of a city of spires, a many rayed sun rising behind it, the symbol of the H'Skirr Guildclan. On most days he would be leaning back, relaxing in luxurious indolence so as to best display the many jewels that adorned his body on nearly every contemporary surface. Today though, his hands were clasped on the table before him, the jewels not best positioned to catch the light, and therefore nearly as dark as the expression on his kynoid features. Even his head was uncovered, though he still wore the black eyeshadow, contrasting against golden fur, that emphasized his blue eyes. Those eyes were chips of ice now as they drilled into Laurent.

"These are serious accusations you bring before us today..." The Senator let out a low growling cough and then leaned in close to the microphone, recalling that he needed to be picked up by the device. "Many know that I am no friend of the Jedi. I make no secret of this, and as such, I know full well that if the esteemed General," here he nodded towards Vosrik, "decided to stand up and kill us all, there is not much we could do to stop him. In fact, I do not think he would have to stand. With that in mind, it calls into question several aspects of this video you've shown us."

The Senator gestures towards the recording. "Please rewind to the eleventh minute and slow it down while I speak." His request complied to, he begins talking in his speaking voice, an oddly feminine lilt in his voice, not particularly at odds with his slim physique. "Here is when the attack begins. Those who use the Force are no fools, they cannot be to master such techniques, yes? Yet the man chooses a blaster to the leg when he had a thousand other options. Perhaps choking with the force, which would also remove the good Senator's ability to yell for aid, perhaps shoot him in the chest, or even leaving those explosives in his office before he left and detonating them remotely later. Yet, from what I can tell, this seems the best possible way someone would choose if he intended to be messy, attract notice, and be seen. He leaped out of the Senator's window, with an explosion of all things so that every eye would be upon him. Are these the acts of an assassin? Are these the acts of someone who truly wishes to kill a man and escape to tell the tale? This Senator thinks not."

His fingers gesture towards the holo-recording once more, and his voice hardens, gaining a cold edge. "This is wrong. This is not how you kill a man."

"In addition, I have several questions, some which pertain to those that Senator Khoen already brought up."

"Can the Jedi in the room verify that we are in fact hearing Jedi Va's voice? Can they also verify that it is his lightsaber that is being used?"

"In addition, can they ascertain Jedi Va's current location?"

"May they enlighten us as to why a member of the Jedi Order would refer to the Senator as a heretic?"

"Why do we not have immediate access to your medical files, in regards to these wounds? Please make them available to us."

"In conclusion, this act seems carefully planned to draw the utmost attention possible to itself, with the most amount of evidence available, in order to overwhelm us with the 'facts' of this situation." Harath relaxed back in his chair after his analytical display, confident that his logic was sound. It was odd that one so mired in wealth should think in such a way, but one's mind is not always a slave to the culture it was born to, and he was no fool to lose himself in the brightness of baubles while the future of a war potentially sat in front of him. This act, if proven to be truly committed by a Jedi, could turn the Senate against the Order, destroying an alliance that might very well be crucial to winning this war.

 

[Fyremage]

"The Chair would like to bring this hearing to order please." Gregory's voice was calm and collected. There were not any real outbursts, as the Senators spoke in turn. But at the same token, the Chancellor didn't wish to overwhelm Senator Laurent with questions without answers being provided.

"The Chair recognizes Jedi Master Vosrik Tanari to answer the questions asked of him, and cast light on the incrimination of Jedi Reem Va." (@Vosrik)

Before any further questions could be asked, the Chancellor wished to hear what the Jedi had to say on the matter.

 

[Vosrik]

Taking the last few moments before Laurent arrived, Vosrik focused deeply on the Force and let it calm him and collect his mind. Hearing about the attack raised several questions, and would likely severely undermine the relationship between the Jedi and the Republic. Now was the worst of times for the two to be at odds. The Jedi Master was comforted by the connection through the Force that he shared with his brother Shalken, although the bodyguard was in an adjacent room. At this proximity, even emotions and feelings began to filter through, enough that Vosrik felt even more at peace through the Knight's stalwart and confident nature.

At last, the door opened and in strode - or rather limped - Laurent himself. The General's peaceful meditation with the force was rather violently interrupted by the amount of raw fear coursing off of the Senator. Vosrik gave him a look of kindness and optimism that the Jedi always carried with him, but inwardly he pitied Laurent. It was strange to Vosrik how someone could live and go about their daily business with such a profound fear for someone, or something. After the initial remarks were made and the Chancellor allowed him to speak, Vosrik cleared his throat and began,

"Thank you all for your opening remarks and questions, I'll do my best to answer them to my knowledge. Now, I'd like to say a few brief words on what happened on Tython. A while ago, our late Jedi Lord directed a merciless bombing on the Sith Temple, killing and wounding thousands. This caused a select few of the Jedi among us to turn to the Dark Side and openly attack the Tython Temple in retaliation. Contrary to what might be popular belief, we do not have a civil war on our hands, merely a few who rejected the Jedi Code and managed to destroy the Temple. Many Jedi, including women and children, died that day."

Having finished his short introduction, the Jedi Master then faced Senator Khoen and continued, "You ask if I recognize the Jedi in this holovid? In short, I do. The figure appears to be Jedi Knight Reem Va, who has been an upstanding member of the Order for many, many years. However, and this is also partly answering your question Senator Harath," he nodded towards the other Senator. "This certainly does look like Reem Va, but absolutely does not sound like the Knight in the least. A completely different voice. Not only this, but Knight Reem Va, after competing in a tournament we held, retired to exclusively training Younglings and Padawans in our Temple on Tython. He never left Tython and dedicated his life to this wonderful task, even to the point where I really don't think he really cared at all about current politics. During the attack on the Temple, Reem bravely helped saved what Younglings and Padawans survived and brought them safely out of danger to another of our Temples, where he resides now. There wasn't an opportunity for him to make this awful attack, and I don't think he had the motive to either."

Vosrik paused for a moment, scratching his chin thoughtfully before answering Senator Harath's questions more thoroughly. "Also, that crossguard lightsaber the apparent Reem Va is holding definitely isn't his. Although the colours are similar, the hilt of Knight Va's blade is distinctly unique. Secondly, calling Senator Laurent here a "heretic" is a very...incorrect thing for a Jedi to call someone, even if the person in question doesn't like the Jedi Order. Quite simply, there is nothing for an individual to be a heretic of, unless perhaps one vehemently denied the existence of the Force. Even still, we don't go about calling them heretics. This even further points to someone who has little to no knowledge of how our Order works or what we stand for - something the real Reem Va would be more aware of than even some Jedi."

Addressing Laurent directly, the General finished, "Sir, on behalf of the Jedi Knights, what happened to you was despicable and horrific. I want to see whoever did this caught and tried for their actions as much as you do, but I believe there is reasonable doubt and a solid alibi that this was not the real Reem Va. We will do whatever we can to make this right and bring the assailant to justice."

With the questions asked of him answered, Vosrik fell silent and awaited the others to respond. Although he had a reasonable guess as to who was responsible (motives are an easy thing to follow), the General didn't feel it was his place to be pointing fingers.

 

[Laurent Anderson]

Senator Khoen cleared her throat before leaning forward, making sure the small microphone could easily pick up her voice. This situation seemed... wrong. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it didn't add up. Maybe it was just intuition after long years as a detective and a judge.

"Senator Laurent. It seems obvious that you where attacked by someone in your apartment. However," She paused, looking back up at the now frozen hologram. "I'm not convinced it was a Jedi behind the attack."

Her short preface over, the aging woman straightened her white jacket and leaned back to look at the Senator directly. "Now, I have several questions for both you and our Jedi witnesses."

"Firstly, Senator, have you moved in the past any motion or any planned motion affecting the Republic's standing with the Jedi Order?"

She couldn't recall one, but she didn't know the Senator very well, and it could be one had been in the works.

"Next, do you have any clue as to why the Jedi did not kill you earlier? I have seen the tape, and it appears the perpetrator had ample time to do so."

"Finally, and this one is directed towards our Jedi in the room, do you recognize the man that appears in the video? If so, please recount any relevant knowledge to this committee."

She leaned down, writing a quick set of notes on her pad before quickly adding, "I may have further questions depending on the answers I'm given."

Laurent pinched the bridge of his nose as the questions began pouring in. How could they question this so much? The fact that they thought the attacker had let him live was simply insulting. He had fought for his life, and it had barely been spared. When the Chancellor stepped in and stopped their bombardment of questions, Laurent looked up and began to reply,

"I will reply to your questions in the order they were presented to me," he said, glancing around the room. He allowed his gaze to wander to Senator Khoen as he said,

"Senator Khoen, I have spoken out many times about the danger of the Order, but I will remind you Senator that until late, the Jedi and Republic were not necessarily allies. Several months ago, even, we sent a delegation to the Order telling them to stay out of the fight. Senator Antilles presented it to the Senate, but it was before your time as a Senator. On Coruscant I took measures to ensure we were safe from the Jedi, and I have advocated many times such measures here in the Republic. It has only been recently that we've tried to cuddle up to the Order.

By kill me earlier, do you mean why did he not come in last Wednesday and murder me while I was eating my breakfast? Or do you mean why did he let me live as he spoke to me? If it is the first question, I suspect that he was dealing with the situation on Tython and getting his plan together. If it is the later, I would note that it is likely for two different reasons. Reem Va would seem to be exhibiting classic psychopathic / sociopathic tendencies, and an egotistical monologue fits well into that. He took a moment to savor his kill. This is further supported by Jedi Vosrik in that Jedi Va had little care for the rest of the Galaxy, and society. In addition to this, he was likely attempting to lull me into a false sense of security, to ease my concern and paranoia. It is well known that I carry a blaster with me."

The Senator from Celanon was clad in the long green coat that denoted his status as a Merchant of Celanon City, though, unlike most, his was spun of the finest silk, and glittered with golden threadwork. Among the symbols that the intricate weaving formed were those of a city of spires, a many rayed sun rising behind it, the symbol of the H'Skirr Guildclan. On most days he would be leaning back, relaxing in luxurious indolence so as to best display the many jewels that adorned his body on nearly every contemporary surface. Today though, his hands were clasped on the table before him, the jewels not best positioned to catch the light, and therefore nearly as dark as the expression on his kynoid features. Even his head was uncovered, though he still wore the black eyeshadow, contrasting against golden fur, that emphasized his blue eyes. Those eyes were chips of ice now as they drilled into Laurent.

"These are serious accusations you bring before us today..." The Senator let out a low growling cough and then leaned in close to the microphone, recalling that he needed to be picked up by the device. "Many know that I am no friend of the Jedi. I make no secret of this, and as such, I know full well that if the esteemed General," here he nodded towards Vosrik, "decided to stand up and kill us all, there is not much we could do to stop him. In fact, I do not think he would have to stand. With that in mind, it calls into question several aspects of this video you've shown us."

The Senator gestures towards the recording. "Please rewind to the eleventh minute and slow it down while I speak." His request complied to, he begins talking in his speaking voice, an oddly feminine lilt in his voice, not particularly at odds with his slim physique. "Here is when the attack begins. Those who use the Force are no fools, they cannot be to master such techniques, yes? Yet the man chooses a blaster to the leg when he had a thousand other options. Perhaps choking with the force, which would also remove the good Senator's ability to yell for aid, perhaps shoot him in the chest, or even leaving those explosives in his office before he left and detonating them remotely later. Yet, from what I can tell, this seems the best possible way someone would choose if he intended to be messy, attract notice, and be seen. He leaped out of the Senator's window, with an explosion of all things so that every eye would be upon him. Are these the acts of an assassin? Are these the acts of someone who truly wishes to kill a man and escape to tell the tale? This Senator thinks not."

His fingers gesture towards the holo-recording once more, and his voice hardens, gaining a cold edge. "This is wrong. This is not how you kill a man."

"In addition, I have several questions, some which pertain to those that Senator Khoen already brought up."

"Can the Jedi in the room verify that we are in fact hearing Jedi Va's voice? Can they also verify that it is his lightsaber that is being used?"

"In addition, can they ascertain Jedi Va's current location?"

"May they enlighten us as to why a member of the Jedi Order would refer to the Senator as a heretic?"

"Why do we not have immediate access to your medical files, in regards to these wounds? Please make them available to us."

"In conclusion, this act seems carefully planned to draw the utmost attention possible to itself, with the most amount of evidence available, in order to overwhelm us with the 'facts' of this situation." Harath relaxed back in his chair after his analytical display, confident that his logic was sound. It was odd that one so mired in wealth should think in such a way, but one's mind is not always a slave to the culture it was born to, and he was no fool to lose himself in the brightness of baubles while the future of a war potentially sat in front of him. This act, if proven to be truly committed by a Jedi, could turn the Senate against the Order, destroying an alliance that might very well be crucial to winning this war.

He then turned to Senator H'skirr and smiled warmly at the man,

"Senator H'skirr, I must point out a critical flaw in your logic. The use of a Force Choke is quite simply only used by practitioners of the Dark Side. I am quite studied on the Order, its history, as well as the Sith. I enjoyed studying the arts and various cultures of the Galaxy during my time in university, and still engage on it when I can. I am actually quite studied about the Feeorin, and know that their species, culturally, are quick to anger and selfish beings, and I believe that Reem Va was no exception. Senator H'skirr I have dealt with grade A sociopaths during my law career, and these individuals are exceptionally skilled at presenting a persona, but when you get them in private they are monsters. That is the behavior Reem Va was exhibiting.

Just because Jedi Va was not good at being an Assassin, Senator, does not make him any less the Assassin. I doubt that Jedi Va was planning on having that kind of exit, seeing as even I was surprised that CorSec was able to reply as fast as they did. "

Laurent looked particularly angered when he answered the next question, "You do not have immediate access to my medical files because, frankly, they are none of your business. Do you think that I would be faking the injuries I sustained? Medical records are personal and private information, and it is quite an over reach of you to demand that I turn them over to you. It is also egregiously offensive that you imply I am exaggerating or faking these injuries. Do you need to touch the hole in my leg, or the gash through my chest, Senator? "

He tapped at his datapad and a medical file materialized in the holo projector, and became available at each of the stations. "This is a report of all the injuries I sustained. As you can see, it took over twenty hours in surgery, and I flat lined four times. Do you think that this was the work of someone trying to keep me alive? An assassin that just knew a team of surgeons could revive me four times?"

Taking the last few moments before Laurent arrived, Vosrik focused deeply on the Force and let it calm him and collect his mind. Hearing about the attack raised several questions, and would likely severely undermine the relationship between the Jedi and the Republic. Now was the worst of times for the two to be at odds. The Jedi Master was comforted by the connection through the Force that he shared with his brother Shalken, although the bodyguard was in an adjacent room. At this proximity, even emotions and feelings began to filter through, enough that Vosrik felt even more at peace through the Knight's stalwart and confident nature.

At last, the door opened and in strode - or rather limped - Laurent himself. The General's peaceful meditation with the force was rather violently interrupted by the amount of raw fear coursing off of the Senator. Vosrik gave him a look of kindness and optimism that the Jedi always carried with him, but inwardly he pitied Laurent. It was strange to Vosrik how someone could live and go about their daily business with such a profound fear for someone, or something. After the initial remarks were made and the Chancellor allowed him to speak, Vosrik cleared his throat and began,

"Thank you all for your opening remarks and questions, I'll do my best to answer them to my knowledge. Now, I'd like to say a few brief words on what happened on Tython. A while ago, our late Jedi Lord directed a merciless bombing on the Sith Temple, killing and wounding thousands. This caused a select few of the Jedi among us to turn to the Dark Side and openly attack the Tython Temple in retaliation. Contrary to what might be popular belief, we do not have a civil war on our hands, merely a few who rejected the Jedi Code and managed to destroy the Temple. Many Jedi, including women and children, died that day."

Having finished his short introduction, the Jedi Master then faced Senator Khoen and continued, "You ask if I recognize the Jedi in this holovid? In short, I do. The figure appears to be Jedi Knight Reem Va, who has been an upstanding member of the Order for many, many years. However, and this is also partly answering your question Senator Harath," he nodded towards the other Senator. "This certainly does look like Reem Va, but absolutely does not sound like the Knight in the least. A completely different voice. Not only this, but Knight Reem Va, after competing in a tournament we held, retired to exclusively training Younglings and Padawans in our Temple on Tython. He never left Tython and dedicated his life to this wonderful task, even to the point where I really don't think he really cared at all about current politics. During the attack on the Temple, Reem bravely helped saved what Younglings and Padawans survived and brought them safely out of danger to another of our Temples, where he resides now. There wasn't an opportunity for him to make this awful attack, and I don't think he had the motive to either."

Vosrik paused for a moment, scratching his chin thoughtfully before answering Senator Harath's questions more thoroughly. "Also, that crossguard lightsaber the apparent Reem Va is holding definitely isn't his. Although the colours are similar, the hilt of Knight Va's blade is distinctly unique. Secondly, calling Senator Laurent here a "heretic" is a very...incorrect thing for a Jedi to call someone, even if the person in question doesn't like the Jedi Order. Quite simply, there is nothing for an individual to be a heretic of, unless perhaps one vehemently denied the existence of the Force. Even still, we don't go about calling them heretics. This even further points to someone who has little to no knowledge of how our Order works or what we stand for - something the real Reem Va would be more aware of than even some Jedi."

Addressing Laurent directly, the General finished, "Sir, on behalf of the Jedi Knights, what happened to you was despicable and horrific. I want to see whoever did this caught and tried for their actions as much as you do, but I believe there is reasonable doubt and a solid alibi that this was not the real Reem Va. We will do whatever we can to make this right and bring the assailant to justice."

With the questions asked of him answered, Vosrik fell silent and awaited the others to respond. Although he had a reasonable guess as to who was responsible (motives are an easy thing to follow), the General didn't feel it was his place to be pointing fingers.

Laurent now turned his attention to the Jedi in the room, General Vosrik. He addressed the Jedi first by saying,

"Honestly I find it confusing on why a Jedi was brought in as a character witness. How can he objectively attest to the character of any Jedi? A senator that has spent extensive time around the Jedi would be more aptly suited, but as far as I know, the 'General' here is a member of Jedi Va's conspiracy, and frankly I am not comfortable with his presence in this room. In addition to that, how can we even be sure that he is accurately portraying the events on Tython? What incentive does he have to tell the truth, if the truth is that there was a civil war? Why would he willingly admit that the Order has lost control of its own member base when that could likely compromise trust in the Order at a point when we are talking about trusting them militarily.

Jedi Vosrik, this holocam was hidden in the wall, as not to be easily noticed, and no one besides my droid staff knew that it was present. It is not high quality in preserving voices, listen to my own voice in it, and listen to my actual voice. You can tell that my voice is drastically different in the holocam due to its position. And you help my case, Jedi Va retired to a position where he would be seen very little by the public, and thus not be recognized on the streets of Coruscant by sight. Additionally, why would he not instruct the younglings? He is quite literally indoctrinating the next generation into his plot.

Again, the holocam was far enough away from us all, and isn't a holodrama level quality. It works perfectly well at capturing words, and is quality enough to capture figures so that they can be identified, but I hardly believe from the grainy image shown here that you can discern the patterning on a lighstaber hilt. But even if you could, what difference does it make? Would it be impossible for Jedi Va to have multiple lightsabers, one, per say, for slaughtering senators with?

I quite honestly find it offensive that anyone would imply that someone let me live. I fought for my life as hard as I could, and all that stopped Jedi Va from slaughtering me was a young CSF agent who quite literally covered my body with his shield as a dozen other officers poured fire at him. They overwhelmed Jedi Va to the point where he had to run. But the real question is, why would anyone elaborately stage this attack just to let me live? No one knew that I had that holocam installed, it isn't even in the blueprints. Any attack they waged against me would simply be my word against that of the Order. The Guards at my own housing establishment didn't remember Jedi Va entering. Tell me, why would an assassin trying to frame the Jedi mind wipe the guards who had spotted him?

The simple answer is, this wasn't a pretend Jedi. This was Reem Va attempting to kill me, and failing by the pure chance speedy arrival of CSF."

 

[Outlander]

Senator Khoen nodded as the senator finished his speech. It was compelling evidence, she had to admit, but something still didn't sit right with her. She stared at the frozen picture of the Senator and his assailant, trying to piece out what was wrong with the picture. Unable to find what, she looked back up to address the Senator.

"Thank you, and Jedi General Vosrik, for your answers. As to additional questions, a few do need to be raised in light of the information presented."

She coughed lightly, glancing at the short series of notes she'd written during the answering. "Firstly, Senator, i'd like to remind you that any information requested should be readily supplied, as it may be critical to our decision here. The same goes to both of our character witnesses as well. That being said, i'd like to request any available personnel documents on the Jedi accused from the Jedi present."

"Next, i'd like to raise a question for the Jedi related to your explanation on 'Force choking', as well as the Force in general. From my admittedly limited knowledge of the Force, there is a light side and a dark side. Would it be possible for a sociopath to go undetected within the Jedi? Would that fall into dark side behavior and be detected at all within your order?"

"For you Senator, i'd like to ask if you had any prior contact with this Jedi before the attack in your apartment. The holotape shows that you have some knowledge of him, but knowing if you'd met him personally would be helpful."

"And one last question for the Jedi witnesses. Is it possible for a Jedi to have two lightsabers for different purposes?"

She lowered her notes and turned briefly to address the chancellor. "I'd also like to make a point of order for Chancellor Rhone. Could all witnesses present limit their answers to relevant facts as opposed to speculation or opinions? It could be seen by myself and the committee as an attempt to influence the outcome."

 

[Fyremage]

Spoiler: OOC

posting order has been lifted, but please be conscious of allowing all senstors to get involved. I will chime in if i feel someone specific needs to reply.

Nodding in agreement, Gregory replied: "Point of order received, Senator. Let the witnesses be made aware that this panel requires your answers to be brief and concise. No disrespect intended, of course." The Chancellor then redirected his attention to the Senator from Coruscant.

"While I hear what you are saying, Senator Anderson, It is wholly unreasonable to suggest that by the actions of one person, whom we are still debating is the Jedi you claim him to be, that the entirety of the Jedi Order stands condemned and cannot be represented in this hearing. General Vosrik was requested by me to attend this trial as a character witness, and this hearing will not stand to have wanton accusations levied against him. This is in accordance with due process, and I will not have our procedures undermined."

The Chancellor remained calm and stoic as he addressed the Senator, continuing further: "Furthermore, by your own admission, the panel recognizes that indeed, this footage is grainy, and not of good quality. Given the voices are distorted, what is to say that it is truly Reem Va's voice, as you assert?" The Chancellor paused, allowing his question to hang in the air. Upon further thought, he clarified: "To be clear, no one is saying that you planned this upon yourself, or that this is outwardly some scheme. I sincerely offer you my sympathies for what has happened to you. And I'm sure everyone in this room does as well. We want to help you determine who did this, but at the same time, I believe what the panel is conveying is they find it hard to believe this person is who he claims to be, based on the evidence presented."Gregory's tone was conciliatory, and genuine. He held no ill will toward Senator Laurent, but at the same time he wanted to be fair. "Although it is possible Jedi Knight Reem Va is responsible for this, do you not suppose it is equally possible that someone, knowing how public of an opponent you have been against the Jedi in the past, decided to act and perpetuate the idea? Granted, this is all supposition and I ask the members of the panel to please take it for what it is. But to redirect back to the evidence..."

He looked at the footage, at his paperwork, then back at Laurent: "...All that it proves is this: 1. There was a Feeorin within your apartment that claimed to be Jedi Knight Reem Va.

2. The voice is heavily distorted, due to the quality of the footage.

3. As this dossier pieced together shows about Reem Va, he is roughly 7'-10" in height. But based on this footage, the perpetrator had little difficulty entering through the door, the door frame being well shy of that height. In fact, if we compare your height with the perpetrators, it almost seems to be within realm of mid six feet, perhaps six feet five inches?"

Gregory removed the reading glasses perched on his nose, his mind slightly going back to his time as a lawyer. "So, unless the suspect was wearing stilts and hobbling about, which I feel this video, although of poor quality, could easily reflect, I think it's fair to question whether this person is who he claims to be. Given the fact the suspect had full range of motion and was fully capable of moving as fast as one would expect, It all seems to convenient, at least in my eyes."

Sitting back in his chair and arching his hands together, he concluded: Senator Det, do you have any comments?" @Liam

 

[Liam]

Hummux had remained silent for a majority of the hearing, allowing himself to fully absorb the information that was being presented to him. This situation was complex to say the least, and he did not want to rush in and make any unnecessary comments, so his voice had not yet been raised up until this moment, when he was called upon by the Chancellor. Once his name had been spoken, the Senator moved both his hands away from his lips, where they had been resting as he sat in contemplation. He gently cleared his throat and spoke first to Anderson. "Senator, allow me to first and foremost offer my condolences to you for the ordeal that you had to go through. The attempt on your life must have had an emotional impact on you that none of us could possibly come close to understanding, and I am sure that revisiting that event today must be extremely difficult for you, so I do wish to thank you for your cooperation with this hearing."

"The only question I really have is not directed towards a single person specifically, but rather towards anyone that can offer me an appropriate answer. Where is Reem Va currently? General Vosrik, you stated earlier that Va spends his days teaching younglings, and had in fact helped in the evacuation of the Jedi Temple on Tython. This means that he is available in some form, correct? I am interested in knowing what the Jedi has to say on these accusations that are being made against him, and if he has an alibi for where he might have been during the time of the attack."

With this, Hummux leaned back slightly in his chair, awaiting a response from anyone that would be able to assist him.