HoloNet News Senator Rayne Condemns ISC Vaccine Nationalism, Sets Out Prioritisation Proposal

[Sutton Rayne]

It seemed press conferences were all the rage these days. And Sutton Rayne was always ready to follow a trend.

Stood outside her senatorial office, with the New Republic skybird behind her, she smiled as the cameras turned on her.

"Fellow sentients of the Galaxy. We live in dark times. The AMS pandemic grows ever more deadly and it feels we are all in a desperate race against time. A light at the end of the tunnel exists, as we all know, in the coming vaccine from MorataCorp. However, it has come to my attention that representatives from the Independent Systems Consortium have been using access to the vaccine as leverage to strong-arm independent worlds into joining their organisation."

"MorataCorp received funding from the Galactic Senate in order to help accelerate testing and production of their vaccine candidate and it is a betrayal of the principles that the Senate was founded on for one member state to use it as a crass means of coercion. The ISC claims that it represents those whose voices have been lost. Well, it's about time they stepped up to that."

"I call on the ISC to publicly denounce Secretary Hipori's disgusting attempts at extortion and to publicly back the proposals for fair and equitable vaccine distribution that I will be submitting to the Galactic Senate." As she finished the sentence, the reporters devices all beeped, with the document in question arriving. A larger copy would be projected behind her.

"Under the Rayne proposal, vaccination would be prioritised for front-line healthcare and response professionals, inhabitants of worlds currently undergoing AMS quarantine measures and inhabitants of worlds directly in danger of AMS exposure. Whether these worlds be ISC, FWA, Republic or independent, now is not the time to pick and choose based on petty nationalism. Without careful management of the vaccine distribution, we face prolonging this pandemic for years and letting more and more lives end. Unless we get a handle on this as soon as we can, we run the risk of more transmissible variants, let alone the dreadful possibility of a vaccine-resistant strain. President Thorne himself stated that 'We will only succeed if we can set aside competition and differences.' Today, I ask the President to hold himself to his words and back these essential proposals, for the benefit of our whole Galaxy."

A reporter stepped forwards. "Senator Rayne, are you really asking for the ISC to denounce one of their executive council?"

"Yes. Secretary Hipori is the ISC's foreign representative, she is the ISC amongst other worlds and organisations. I understand that these methods may be expected in her former corporate career, but in the cruel harshness of a real and genuine pandemic, they are vastly disruptive to our collective efforts."

Another reporter stepped forwards, hand raised. "And if the ISC deny these allegations...?"

"Well, there's a very simple way for them to prove it. Back the Rayne vaccination proposals and prove to the Galaxy that they can practise what they preach."

"Senator, quickly, are you worried about the time it seems to be taking for MorataCorp to develop their vaccine?"

"Every single day this pandemic continues, I am worried. Vaccine development is a complex affair and MorataCorp has shown great promise. I am confident that they will produce an effective, safe vaccine for all. In the interests of transparency, though, I would call on MorataCorp to preemptively release details of funding for the vaccine, in the interests of transparency and safety. The last thing we want is for conspiracy theories or vaccine reluctance to build. Which is more important? Corporate secrets or the wellbeing and trust of a Galaxy?" Her hands opened up to the crowd. "There's no question in my mind. I'm afraid that's all we have time for today, thank you all."

 

[Julia Hipori]

Walking from her shuttle to her office, Julia was watching the statement on her datapad. She sighed, already seeing a bank of journalists on the approach, and she spun on her heels to face them.

"Secretary Hipori, allegations of...."

Julia raised her hand to cut across the man, and spoke clearly.

"I am quite aware of the latest, and confusing statement from Senator Rayne, and I'd like to take this chance to set the facts straight. The ISC sees medical security as part of our whole security package, not as something separate from it. This means that we are treating the vaccine rollout as a priority across all of our citizens. Therefore, when talks are underway for new planets to be welcomed into the ISC, I feel it prudent to mention this priority to people - so we can all be on the same page. After all, planets with differing medical priorities need to know in advance that vaccine prioritisation is part of our programme so they can make an informed choice about whether or not they join the ISC."

"I don't really understand what Senator Rayne is demanding from the ISC. We will vaccinate our people, that's not 'vaccine nationalism', it's called 'public service'. If the Republic is struggling to vaccinate its population at the same pace as the ISC, I will be more than happy to meet Senator Rayne, and offer the logistical support of the ISC to ensure Republic civilians enjoy the same healthcare security that civilians of the ISC do."

Julia turned away from the cameras and walked back toward her office, before turning back quickly, and saying.

"If Senator Rayne wants the ISC to condemn me for vaccinating our civilians as a matter of urgency, she may find her plea falls on deaf ears."

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc was currently on Vendaxa, preparing to visit the latest member of ISC. This had been made possible entirely due to Governor Hipori’s efforts. He was growing increasingly more impressed with his executive council, each member having strict command and finesse over their platforms. They were making great strides, and he was confident they would win more worlds in no time.

He was just stepping down the ramp of his ship when he was accosted by the media about a new Holonet address directed at him personally. Emryc Thorne was not a man that sat around behind a desk for hours - most of his Holonet addresses happened while he was on the move. The half Sephi was dressed in a gray suit, hair styled and gelled with specially made sunglasses propped on his nose and angled ears.

Emryc had already been shown the footage aboard the ship and had been prepared for this media attack. He glanced down at his chrono to ensure he wouldn’t be too late to meet with Governor Flauki as a reporter shoved a mic towards him.

“President Thorne! Do you have a response to these bold claims by Senator Rayne?”

“Of course,” He said calmly, “First I would like to commend Senator Rayne for actually bothering to speak on behalf of the New Republic. I was beginning to forget they existed from their long absence,” He said simply as he kept walking, media following him as he did so, “However, it is unfortunate that she appears to be grossly uneducated in the history of Galactic Senate and the efforts towards AMS thus far. It appears she has forgotten that an emergency session had been held to put together an AMS task force. It appears that she has forgotten that it was I, the President of the ISC, that fully backed and supported a New Republic Senator to lead that task force. It appears that she has forgotten that our role, as the ISC, in that endeavor was the production of infected fighting droids. It appears that she has forgotten what the New Republic has done with the responsibility of leading the AMS task force.”

He paused for a moment and he stared at the camera, “This may be a story spoiler, Senator Rayne, since you clearly haven’t read it yet, but the Republic ended up doing a grand total of nothing. For years now. And so the ISC has stepped up beyond the original scope we had agreed to and have funded the up and coming start up MorataCorp. Thanks to Doctor Morata’s efforts, we are now on our way to a vaccine. MorataCorp was never part of the task force’s plan. That was supposed to be funded long ago and driven by Caliban Drast back when he was tasked by the Galactic Senate with this responsibility. He had just as many opportunities to invest funding into multiple companies to begin vaccine research and distribution.”

Emryc stared at the camera for a long moment, “I will not denounce Julia Hipori for reassuring others that the ISC can actually back up its claims. Being able to vaccinate our worlds is a promise we can back up. The vaccine being available to everyone was supposed to be Caliban Drast’s responsibility and one in which he utterly and completely failed. So now the ISC is working to make up that deficit and going above and beyond anything that was expected of us as the newer, economically disadvantaged governing body at the time,” The half Sephi grinned then, “Lucky for you, Senator Rayne, that is no longer the case and we are fully prepared to spearhead the AMS efforts.”

He paused for a moment, “As for your proposal, it is one that is entirely unnecessary as the goal of MorataCorp’s vaccine is to ensure the vaccines get to everyone. If the New Republic can stop neglecting its duties and step up to help distribution, then you will have the goals of your proposal and be able to promise to your worlds just as strongly as we can that its citizens will be vaccinated. Your proposal was always the intent of the task force, but so far only ISC has delivered. If you want to actually help, then we will welcome the efforts. And if you would still pursue a proposal, it should be brought forth before the galactic senate because the decision should not rest just on me.”

“I hope this was informative and educational for you, Senator Rayne,” Emryc said as he reached for a cigarra, “And in the future I hope you will spend less time pontificating on matters you’ve done no homework on and making absurd claims about why the ISC didn’t barge in past FWA borders to fight a Sith battle on Republic territory...and more time actually executing on the things you preach about."

“President Thorne! What does that mean? Has Senator Rayne suggested that the ISC should bring forces into Republic worlds?!”

Emryc said nothing, quietly blowing out a cloud of smoke. A speeder arrived next to him, “I apologize. I have a meeting with Governor Flauki to attend,” He smiled at at the camera, "But I would like to give a warm welcome to Senator Rayne on finally coming to the big table," He turned and ducked out of sight then.

The media exploded into chatter and speculation about Senator Rayne.

@Nor'baal @Charndley

 

[Sutton Rayne]

Sutton was on her way out for lunch when mobbed by a crowd of reporters. Of course she'd heard the responses from the ISC. Statements from Hipori and Thorne, gosh, wasn't she lucky? She held out her hands to calm the mob down.

"Please, please, I can spare a few moments to answer questions, so long as they're asked in an orderly manner."

"Senator Rayne! Are you giving a confused statement to the Galaxy?" one reporter asked.

"I presume you mean the charming comments from Secretary Hipori. She seems to be the expert on confusion as she seems to lack any sort of understanding of what was said. I find it curious that she suggests the Republic is struggling to meet vaccine demand as, as far as I'm aware, MorataCorp has yet to deliver the vaccine? How can there be struggles to vaccinate the population without a vaccine? Unless the ISC is offering something else."

"Are you accusing the ISC of hiding vaccine stocks?"

"No no, I don't believe that of them. I just think it's a rushed, tired and mixed-up statement that's characteristic of Secretary Hipori, I'm afraid. If she believes that the people of Naboo and Thyferra need vaccination before the good people of Gamorr, Lannik and Kashyyyk, then I question her commitment to Galactic stability, as well as good sense. The vaccine is a gift of hope to the Galaxy, not a sleazy bargaining chip."

"Ms. Rayne, what do you say to President Thorne's reply to you?"

"I welcome the attention of the good President, as charming and endlessly loquacious as he so often is." Another smile, straight to the camera. "He is right that the Republic has faltered in it's duty to the Galaxy. He is right that not enough has been done on our part. That is why, as a fresh voice to the Senate, as someone who's background lies in ensuring the safety and freedom of sentients across the Galaxy, I put forward this proposal. The abdication of duty from Senator Drast is unforgivable, but the rot has come from up top. The Chancellor has let down not just our Republic, but our entire Galaxy. Where we should be leading, we are lagging behind in our duty. The Chancellor put out a statement earlier advising me to lead. These proposals show that I'm willing to do just that. I'm quite happy to do his work for him if he doesn't feel up to it anymore. I suspect he'll be spending what's left of his political career writing apologies."

"Does that mean you'll be cooperating with President Thorne?"

"Of course. I thank the President for his consideration of my proposal and confirm that I will be submitting it at the next meeting of the Senate. I would still ask President Thorne, however, to consider the proposals carefully and back them. This prioritisation schedule is what's right for the Galaxy. This is too important an issue to descend into petty bickering over borders and political alignment."

"President Thorne alleged that you asked ISC forces to intervene on a Republic world. Do you have a comment on that?"

Sutton smiled wider. "I'm afraid we have yet another misunderstanding from the ISC. They're getting to be rather common, aren't they? In a recent negotiation meeting, I merely commented that the Republic rangers were the ones to hold a Sith invasion back, rather than the ISC. Secretary Hipori then launched into a frankly embarrassing assertion that we were asking for an ISC invasion. I'm not sure how much Secretary Hipori knows about war, but when one repels an invasion, that would imply that one didn't need the help of another nation. There were later comments from a representative of the Jedi Order that she may have been confused with, though I would like to think my suits stand out better than monastic robes."

"I think President Thorne should be careful where he gets his reports from. If Secretary Hipori is struggling any further in understanding basic communication and comprehension, I can recommend several excellent elementary schools on Commenor that would only be too happy to assist."

"Are you going to-"

Sutton held up her hand. "I'm afraid that's the last of the time I have to give, friends. Just know that I will be approaching my colleagues and counterparts throughout the Galaxy for their input on the Rayne proposals, whether they be Republic, ISC, FWA or independent. I look forward to working with President Thorne and the ISC and I hope that this shows through my actions, the Republic is finally starting to make amends for it's neglect. A better Galaxy is possible, together."

With the chatter and calling of several reporters behind her, Sutton moved towards her transportation, hungry for her lunch meeting.

@Sreeya @Nor'baal

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Almost as soon as she stepped from her office, she was besieged by the flash of cams, a clamoring din crashing over her senses. Immediately, the bodyguards appointed to protect her surged forwards, keeping the media storm at a reasonable distance. Amber eyes looked over them all patiently.

"Doctor Morata! Doctor Morata! Is it true that the ISC has a priority of the vaccine over other governing bodies?"

She stared patiently back at the flushed face of the reporter, noting the hyena-hungry glee that filled their eyes. All of them expected a juicy story, and she would give them one. She had been apprised of the arguments the Commenor Senator had to give, and she came prepared. All the other political grandstanding and speeches were topics beyond her own reach, but she stood for a few moments, looking until the crowd began to calm, and all began to hold their breath, waiting for a word.

When they fell silent, she stood tall, the medical insignia displayed proudly on one arm. Her hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, deep circles stood under her eyes.

"I don't recall ever making such a statement in my life. My priority, and the priority of the people, is to give aid to those in need. As far as I am concerned, I was not approached by the FWA nor the Republic concerning the distribution of the vaccine. My priority is simply to distribute aid for those in need, regardless of alliance or status. There is a protocol set in place to avoid the chaos she has discussed." She paused again, drawing up to her full height.

"However, if she, or any other governing body wishes to discuss their concerns regarding the vaccine, they may ask freely. I welcome the Senator Rayne for discussion. I'm more than happy to cooperate with the Galactic Senate regarding the matters of the vaccine, its' progress, and concerns of distribution. Now, please excuse me."

She abruptly stalked off, leaving the reporters in dulled silence, before voices clamored to the fore again. Her time was at a premium, and with the added pressure in no due thanks to the Commenor senator, she had more work to do. A delicate balancing act would have to be performed.

It seemed it was time to discuss her findings with the powers that be.

She gave a quiet sigh, and stepped back into the calming quiet of her lab once more. There was so much work to be done, her temples were already throbbing.

@Sreeya @Charndley @Nor'baal

 

[Soygun York]

York made it a point to be seen these days. As the FWA and New Republic were floundering about trying to catch up to the ISC from a PR perspective, it made sense for ranking officials such as York to be seen and address the media to keep the heat on the FWA and New Republic while promoting the victories of the ISC. Now it seems that this Senator Rayne was trying to deflect some of that heat back on the ISC. He wondered if she was ready for prime time, because taking verbal shots like she had, she was squarely putting herself at battle with the ISC as a collective.

The media had York's schedule and they were asking questions every time he exited a building or stepped out of a meeting. He had been on a economic planning meeting for Tattooine in Bestine and was swarmed by media once he stepped out of the palace where talks were being held.

"Secretary York! Economics aside, what do you have to say about the accusations of Senator Rayne toward Secretary Hipori?"

York did a cold stop and looked at the reporter asking the question. A small grin upticked on just left side of his lips. Cameras and video were watching his every move. Every word he said would be taken and analyzed. He knew all of this. "Accusations. Yes, I heard them. Can you tell me, word for word, what she said? I'm sure you have her quote in your datapad," York said. He knew damn well every word she said. He could recite it. But, if the reporter quoted her, it could not be said that York took anything out of context- he would be given the context.

"Um, of course...She said, 'However, it has come to my attention that representatives from the Independent Systems Consortium have been using access to the vaccine as...'"

"...It was brought to her attention?" York said, interrupting the reporter. "What an interesting phrase, 'brought to my attention.' It almost sounds like hearsay, doesn't it? She didn't say she witnessed it. She doesn't provide any proof other than what could just as easily be a friend of a friend." York chuckled and shook his head. "This is intergalactic politics. We can't afford to play six degrees of separation from a source when people's lives and livelihoods are at stake. It's a pity that she has taken the low road of taking the attention of governing officials off the development and rollout of this vaccine in an effort to hurt the reputation of the ISC and a fine individual such as Secretary Hipori. No doubt, trying to elevate her own status as well. Quite honestly, it's distasteful."

Another reporter blurted out, "You think she's playing politics?"

"You do the math," York said calmly. "This accusation comes less than one standard day after the ISC announced a new currency is forthcoming, one that will be stronger than their standard credit. It comes less than three standard days from Vendaxa choosing to join the ISC over the New Republic when Secretary Hipori made a more convincing argument that Senator Rayne to their planetary leadership. It very clearly didn't happen in that meeting or she would have sounded the alarm immediately. Now that the ISC has shown signs of surpassing the New Republic in back to back days, the following morning we get an accusation that was quote, 'brought to her attention.' It doesn't take calculus to figure this one out." York started walking away, his intention met.

"You are accusing Senator Rayne of lying then, are you not Secretary York?" the reporter asked as the Secretary was trying to make his exit.

York came to a sudden halt before turning slowly to the reporter. "I'm saying you should judge a tree by its fruit, not the pretty leaves that can hide lack of fruit to harvest or rotten fruit that are not fit for consumption. Measure the fruit of the ISC to the fruit of the New Republic. Measure the fruit of Secretary Hipori to that of Senator Rayne. Accusations aren't necessary for the ISC. We have the results so that we don't need to stoop to such detestable measures."

The reporters started yelling out further questions, but York pushed his way behind his security and disappeared into his speeder.

@Sreeya @Charndley @Nor'baal

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

A few weeks in the Unknown Regions with Alyse Ti'Varnus seemed like another Jedi mission. They almost made Nykoria forget that her role was slowly changing to that of the Governor's advisor. But upon their return, things changed big time. Upon diving into the paperwork and catching up with the recent events herself, Alyse also required it from Kori. After all, one couldn't hope to be a good advisor if she were behind on galactic affairs.

And it seemed like those few weeks were enough for all hell to break loose on the HoloNet. Worlds changing allegiances, politicians going at each other's throats and exchanging dirt ans smug remarks... And amidst all of that, one topic remained: the AMS pandemic. The Governor of Bakura, with Kori's support, had taken precautions against the AMS; and so far, containment measures were holding up. But the upcoming vaccine was still on everyone's mind. Needless to say, everyone and their aide tried to capitalize on it.

There was that senator—somewhere from Corellia... no, wait, Commenor—who accused the Independent Systems Consortium of using the upcoming vaccine as leverage to strongarm independent worlds into the ISC. The vaccine that was allegedly funded by the entire galaxy through the Galactic Senate. The New Republic Senator didn't miss an opportunity to try and gain traction for her own proposals with the press.

The proposals had merit, given the history of the vaccine; and Kori was almost sold on the promises of Senator Sutton Rayne... Had she not looked like Kori's maths teacher back in the day, and had it not been for her snide remarks, which reminded the Zeltron all too much of her own meeting with Naeva Rue, the Prime Minister of the Free Worlds Alliance. As far as first impressions about politicians in general went, Kori's had been ruined by the Togruta's snark, not backed up by any useful action. Had she listened to Kori and the Jedi back then, Denon might've still been in the FWA; and furthermore, Max Tionson might not have had to sacrifice his life for the Prime Minister's incompetence.

Carried away by the memories of distant and not so distant past, Nykoria didn't pay too much attention to the following broadcasts, until she saw a familiar name again. There was Julia Hipori, the ISC representative accused by Senator Rayne. Kori was of two minds about that one: either Hipori was just a pretty face who entirely missed the point of what Senator Rayne accused her of; or she was a cunning corpo who dodged the question and set it up for President Thorne to take the conversation and public attention elsewhere.

Somehow, Senator Rayne once again seemed to spin the story to her advantage, going for the "rational" and the "champion of the people" angle, as well as dispelling the misinterpretation of her words... And she managed to throw a big juicy splash of mud at the Coruscant Senator and the New Republic Chancellor while doing so. Good for her... And her career. Somehow, that made Kori smile, reminding her of her wordplay with Alyse about Jedi and Sith.

Another broadcast followed, this time by a Secretary York. Kori vaguely remembered him as the Governor of Kattada. Something about an investigation into him, and the planet in the Core Worlds switching allegiances to the Consortium afterwards. Of all the politicians before, his speech seemed like it had the most "smoke and mirrors". Just his personal assesments, not back up by any facts. Kori was about to turn off the broadcast, when something caught her attention.

Vendaxa choosing to join ISC the day before. Followed by Rayne's accusation of Hipori using the supposedly-everyone's vaccine as a bargaining chip. The pieces fell together, making the Zeltron feel good about herself and her deductive ability. So much so that she even listened to more smoke an mirrors from York, until the discussion suddenly shifted to... "fruit measuring contest".

It perfectly summarized everything that was going on. The mere notion of it made Kori's chuckle; her cheeks flushed, as an absent-minded smirk spread across her lips; she remembered where she had seen some of the names before. Measure the fruit of Secretary Hipori to that of Senator Rayne. Hadn't that been done already? Better leave that stuff to Rich Magnum, York. At least he knows that the best political fruits grow on Bakura.

 

[Caliban Drast]

"Senator Drast," Caliban was hounded as he emerged from the Senate building, "what do you have to say about Senator Rayne's recent comments?"

Caliban continued walking, ignoring the journalist and making for his next appointment. But the reporter didn't stop, keeping pace with him, the questions flowing. "Surely you must have some insight into this matter, you were the leader of the task force that was put together to deal with this situation at the Galactic Senate's inception."

Caliban ignored her and continued walking, his attention on the pad handed to him by an aide. "What about the rummors about you recent absence, that you were infected by the virus and receiving special treatment at the hands of a Jedi?"

Again, Caliban ignored her and continued walking. He was used to such bizarre and nonsensical questions thrown his way. You simply ignored them till they grew tired and left. But while Strawberry Fields was young, inexperienced, and didn't have the contacts of some of her more worldly colleagues, she was ambitious to a fault. Even if that meant following leads that others might ignore, stories that no one else would touch with a six foot pole.

"What do you saw about the allegations that Sith attacks on what became the ISC was part of an elaborate plan to create a new government." Caliban almost smirked, that was new. The ISC were probably taking the Sith more seriously then the Republic or the Free Worlds ever had. Must have been a pretty stupid move on the part of the Sith to manipulate the inception of the ISC. "That Drast loyalists within the Sith were working to put you back on an Imperial Throne, and the AMS was just part of an elaborate ploy to destabilize the Galaxy to bring about the return of a Sith Empire? With a Drast at its head?" That got a reaction out of him. As far as conspiracy theories went Fields was scrapping the bottom of the barrel, but it hit a nerve for the young Senator. His name had always been a sore subject for him, ever since he had learnt its significance. And as stupid as Fields' story was, it caught him off guard.

"Is that why you haven't spoken on this matter? Do you want relations between the Republic and the ISC to sour?" Fields continued shouting questions after him as Caliban walked past a security checkpoint that she didn't have access to cross. She had seen the look on his face, being a Coruscant native she knew well why he would react like he did to her questions. But that didn't matter, to the eyes of the ignorant he had reacted as he did out of guilt. And she had her story.

Caliban Drast refuses to condemn the ISC, are the Sith behind the Senator's inaction?