Ask Kashyyyk Roots Run Deep

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste appreciated his way of thinking strongly, because his idea was indeed quite clever. "Definitely...that totally makes sense. I would stay away from Xerxes right now, but NR space isn't to far away from Rattatak and if we, as the FWA, can negotiate terms with individual planets, why wouldn't we do so?" she replied with a smile. "And yes. I'm sure some would be willing to help. Since the NR focuses on the Core, they could be interested in resources from us while we could potentially benefit from faster trade routes through NR space after all. And also, yes. Xerxes won't stay forever, if we focus on building strong relationships with senators we could potentially look forward to a strong alliance" she then mused thoughtfully. What if the one that followed Xerxes would be different? An actual strong alliance between the NR and the FWA would be almost unstoppable, regarding all the planets under their shared sphere of influence...but after all this would indeed be something relevant in the extended future.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl nodded, thinking back to the Supreme Chancellor's election campaign. Xeres had branded himself as a man of the people, and while his claim to wide popularity was more tenuous than Emryc's, he'd been elected for a reason. However, if history was any indication, the man's popularity would steadily decline in office as the glow of campaign promises faded to the realities of bureaucracy.

"I think that the benefits of aligning with the New Republic potentially outweighs that of the ISC, although I agree that we should pursue both" he said. "The New Republic could be persuaded to influence the war in a way that the ISC won't, they have shown a willingness in the past to sell ships and arms to us. And although the Supreme Chancellor sets policy, they can advocate on our behalf. What are your thoughts?"

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Again, it seemed like they shared the same thoughts on that matter. "I agree. We shouldn't neglect either of them as they can both potentially be strong, influential allies that might help our case". The question, however, was who was easier to persuade. "We should definitely call a meeting in the near future. I feel like there are plenty of issues the FWA needs to discuss internally. And it's good to have everyone on board first. I'm sure we will find more representatives that share our opinions". It was also about time they all shared their thoughts on thr most important matters. "For my part, I'll start reaching out to neighboring, independent systems before focusing on the building of relationships with senators from other systems" she proclaimed with an optimistic smile. Of course she would also see that the ships were being built quickly and work on everything they had discussed between the two of them, as this was also a top priority. Overall, it seemed like there was plenty of work ahead anyway, but she was happy that they had found such a common ground.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

How long had it been since the FWA Senate last met? Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl had probably missed a meeting in the wake of Kashyyyk, but it wasn't like the Free World's Alliance met very often. Given the body's general disdain for higher government, such meetings were few and far between.

All the more important that they have their banthas in a row heading into it. There were a few items- such as the Sector Rangers and the potential formation of an Executive Council- that the Wookiee wanted to discuss, but he was certain to not be the only Senator bringing forth agenda items for the FWA to vote on.

Additionally, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was grateful that he'd managed to find an ally in Celeste Stythani, who seemed intent on helping end the war in a way that didn't include the FWA surrendering. Her diplomatic approach was something he'd not considered before, and at the very least Rattatak's production capabilities would aid immensely in the war effort. Such exciting possibilities often came with a target attached, however- important and influential planets had been lost from the FWA for various reasons, underscoring the grave danger the faction faced. Mon Cala, Lothal, and New Alderaan, each powerful planets in their own right, had been conquered or left, while his own Kashyyyk had burned for daring to defy the Sith.

"Even as we work and hope for a peaceful end to this war, I must ask you to invest in your defenses" Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl said, gravely. "Opposing the Sith in any manner puts your planet and people in their sights. Might I recommend installing some of the shield generators for your people, as well?" He had other ideas for defending Kashyyyk from the Sith, but he wasn't certain if Rattatak had also taken preemptive measures.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste was quite aware of the fact that Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl still had stronger beliefs when it came to the war industry and while her intentions were purely diplomatic, and perhaps even with a trace of pacifism, she could understand why he was worried and why he proclaimed not to let their military guard down like that. "I appreciate your concern and your advice strongly. I'll definitely reconsider the shield generator idea because protecting my planet is of course a priority as well apart from all the diplomacy and you're also right about other defensive measures. We can never be completely sure about what is to come and our member planets should be prepared in case our diplomatic approaches aren't fertile", she did agree with him, but she would not directly foster the war industry. The fleet she had started to built was also meant for defensive purposes, because she was well aware of the fact that the war could be brought to her doorstep, too. "As much as I want to hope we won't need them, we should all focus on preemptive measures indeed. That's maybe also something we should discuss in the next senate. Even though we are members of a government consisting of scattered, free worlds, we should also put a stronger focus on collaboration, when it comes to our defenses".

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

The more Celeste spoke, the more Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl became impressed with the Senator of Rattatak. He could see in her all the courage that had allowed her to tame the fierce warlords of her adopted planet, along with the tact and wisdom to ensure more lasting peace.

The Sith Empire's loss was truly the FWA's gain, especially if she was able to help them repeat such successes on a much larger scale. While there were some in the FWA- Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl included- who favored taking the fight to the Sith in order to liberate lost planets, Celeste's suggestion to better coordinate the defenses of the FWA as a whole was a more pressing need for the faction. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl nodded in agreement at her words. "A wise chieftain must never go looking for war, but must always be ready for it" he said. The FWA's joint fleet response to the Sith attack on Kashyyyk had been disorganized and scattered.

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl firmly believed that the FWA was taking important steps to ensure their survival; the lumbering, inconsistent trade alliance was beginning to come around to the idea of uniformly resisting the Sith. The presence of younger, up-and-coming Senators like Celeste and Victoria Winterblaze... and even Rrodossk, gave him hope that the future they inherited and built would not be like the past he himself had seen.

"I have been honored by your presence today, Senator" he said, realizing that everything on his personal agenda had been accomplished. Shield generators for Kashyyyk, mutual trade, a closer connection with a likely ally... "Is there any other business that you wish to discuss?"

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She really wondered whether he would agree with her on her definitely even more defensive, diplomatic approaches, but as he did in the end, her genuinely warm smile widened. His words were wise as always and she was just impressed that he was trying to be as open minded as possible even though he had literally seen centuries of war and political trouble and of course he had also witnessed the tragedy of Kashyyyk right in front of his eyes.

Whenever she thought about that or whenever she had caught a glimpse of a spot on Kashyyyk that was obviously and irrevocably destroyed a cold shiver ran down her spine...that was why she was truly moved by his words right now. "Wise words..." she replied with a smile, her voice soft before it seemed like he was about to wrap their conversation up, but this was indeed all fine with her because they had been talking for quite a while and it seemed like they had covered everything. "I've been truly honored by your invitation and I appreciate that you have given me so much of your time" she answered gratefully and with a respectful bow of the head. "I think I've covered everything I've wanted...".

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl saw no sense in wasting any of Celeste's time by dragging out the meeting further; as much as he'd enjoyed conversation with her, they were both busy people with many obligations. The aged Wookiee rose slowly, using the table and then his Wroshyr staff for support. "Thank you again for your time, Senator" he said, cordially. "If there is anything else you wish to discuss going forward, I encourage you to reach out. My office will be in touch regarding logistics for our new trade deal."

Although there was much still to be done that day, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl would accompany Celeste on the Catamaran ride back to where her ship. Not only did protocol demand it, but the Wookiee appreciated her optimistic attitude and her determined nature to see things through in a peaceful way. It was a welcome change from the vast majority of politicians that he'd interacted with in his career, and he found himself hoping that perhaps some of that would rub off on him going forward. He wasn't certain how much longer he had in this galaxy, but the FWA was not without its reasons for hope.

/ThrExit

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste felt literally great after their intense talks because they had agreed on so many things and most importantly, they had managed to establish a wonderful common ground which was definitely not natural considering their backgrounds. She nodded with a war smile, gracefully getting up and following him back towards the Catamaran. "Like I said. Thank you very much for your time, Senator. I'm looking forward to our next meeting and a meeting with the whole FWA. For our trade deals, I'm also looking forward to thr mutual benefits and I'm convinced we'll work out details that will satisfy the both of us". The elderly wookie accompanied her back to the spaceport where her ship was waiting and they soon said their goodbyes. She was truly looking forward to meeting him again as their conversation had been extremely pleasant and she was confident that further interactions would be just as pleasant.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

//End Thread