Open Galactic Senate Talky Talky Time

[Reddick Vanguard]

Governor Vanguard let out an audible sigh as the room immediately began squabbling over matters that were to be stated later. Did the Chancellor think sex slavery was meager enough a topic to blatantly skip over? Maybe the whole politic stereotype of leaders sleeping with underaged consorts wasn't completely off- or perhaps it only applied to the Chanellor himself. How disrespectful and embarrassing.

"Sorry, Chancellor, but do you think that Killik mind control is anything less than slavery? It is still taking over one's free will. Humanoid Trafficking is the fastest growing crime industry, and it's because some of us don't deem it a necessary topic to speak about." Reddick raised an eyebrow as he glared at the Chancellor before dipping his head gratefully towards Aezz. It wasn't a mere rumor that the Wookiee disliked the ISC, but Reddick admired his respect and responsibility. "The ceasefire can be discussed later, as Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl stated. The Free Worlds has upheld their end on the ordeal anyway. Anything the Jedi and Sith have done concerns the Jedi and the Sith, and we haven't allowed for the Jedi to be represented in these meetings, so we cannot listen to one side of a story and neglect the other." Didn't the Republic outlaw the Jedi from their regions? Why did the Chancellor seem to care so much about a people he has chosen not to be responsible for? His bias for the Sith was growing more blatant in the Governer's eyes.

"Billions of lives every year are effected by the wicked prospect of slavery. Whether it be exotic dancers to unpaid labor, we need to crack down on those that dare prey upon the freedom of others and seize it as their own." Reddick's stern gaze shifted to the others present for the meeting. "The primary victims of humanoid-trafficking has become those between the ages of ten to eighteen years of age. Our children are going missing, but instead of putting up notices for missing persons, we see news of a millennia long struggle between two factions that have been at it before some of us have been alive. I am not saying that these ordeals are to be neglected, but while we focus on war, we loose focus on the other matters that effect all of us."

"I want to present the idea of creating an organization that's primary work is to stop the selling of sentient life. They would raise awareness, aletr people in a sector of a victim to briefly describe the last appearance of the victim, who they were with, and who the suspect might be. Then, this group would investigate the crime itself. Long have I waited to see a group of insurgents shut down an entire auction made for the soul purpose of selling other lives."

"Finally, I want to make it galactic law to make the selling of sentient life, slavery, indentured servitude, and the likes, illegal and punishable by death and/or life in prison. If you're too weak to condemn a rapist to death, then we will castrate them, removing the problem and sending message to the other evil doers that have gotten away with this atrocity for too long."

@Braden @SlagathorTheUnknown @Wit

 

[Alyrra Adasca]

Alyrra had expected a rousing session for her first. There were certainly many important items on the screen in front of her; but she had not expected things to kick off so suddenly—an assumption she would not make a second time. She had a mind to come to the Chancellor's defense, for though he had indeed spoken out of turn, the ceasefire was clearly the more pressing matter on the agenda. But seeing as the topic had already been changed, Lyra likewise shifted her tactics.

"Since this matter is pressing enough to argue over," Lyra said cheekily after unmuting her microphone. "I have a few concerns. Of course, the matter of slavery and abduction are of the utmost importance, no one would object to that. But I'm concerned, Governor Vanguard (@Charles), with the nature of your proposal. Would it not be better to leave these matters to local law enforcement rather than create an agency that is an extension of this body?" She tried not to glance around the room to see if she was making any sense. Already, she wished to be done and to fade back into the obscurity of the sides of the chamber. "More to the point, I don't believe it advisable that this body be responsible for executing the criminals of other sovereign nations. Again, to me, that sounds like a matter for local law enforcement, local courts, and individual governments — not the Galactic Senate."

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Fireworks indeed,

From his seat, Galek had to resist the growing urge to pinch the bridge of his nose - listening to the Chancellor, Senator of Kashyyyk and member from his own delegation begin to verbally spar from opposite ends of the Senate Floor. Nevermind the flagrant disregard for the actual procedures of the institution, the Vice President’s attention promptly flicked to Reddick with a mixture of confusion and bewilderment. He couldn’t help but wonder how a man spouting his ideals was ever elected to represent Tattooine - and only time would tell how long before he was assassinated by one of the crime lords that still held significant sway on his own planet.

Rather than allow things to derail further, or for Reddick to make any other questionable statements, Galek rose from his seat with a swish of fabric - flicking on his mic to address the Senate.

“First and foremost,” He began, biting down the tinge of irritation from manifesting in his sing-song voice. “Allow me to remind my colleague from Tattooine, and the other members of this body,” His hazel gaze briefly flicked to Alyrra before casting wide. “..That the Galactic Senate has no jurisdiction to force sweeping legislation or punitive laws upon its member governments. Whatever your belief on the matter, the prospect of banning slavery is a matter to be taken up by the individual legislations of the New Republic, Empire, Free Worlds Alliance and Consortium. There is, quite frankly, no purpose to the discussion being had in this room whatsoever.”

“I do believe the Speaker will corroborate my statement.”

“Secondly,” His gaze flicked back to Reddick. “In addition to Senator Adasca’s own points, I am curious to know how you would plan to fund the organization that you propose. Whether it is the salary of officers assigned to this taskforce, equipment, or simple administrative costs - anything of the scale you propose would cost a fortune in Crowns to maintain. Such once again, begs the question, why not simply leave this matter to local law enforcement - upon such planets where slavery is illegal?”

His gaze narrowed. “That is, however, a largely unimportant question - when compared to the dire nature of the Kilik threat.” He exhaled through his nostrils. “I believe I speak for the vast majority of this body when I say that matter - in light of the multitude of attacks on planets throughout Galactic Senate jurisfiction - ought to take precedent.”

@EveryoneIguess

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander nodded towards the Sith representative as she made the Imperial’s case when it came to the breakage of the ceasefire. Jasnah was a good orator and spoke well in their case, it did also help that it seemed at least in that moment that the Jedi and their Resistance counterparts were completely within the wrong. He wondered if there truly was any way for the Jedi or their friends to talk themselves out of this one.

Then the loudmouth Wookiee spoke up, Alexander wondered if he shouldn’t have had the senator's shuttle impounded under some makeshift law when he entered New Republic space, that would have made the entire Senate hearing a damn sight more easier to digest for the Chancellor. His eyes rolled as the creature roared and grunted into his microphone waiting a moment before the automated translator transmitted the idiot's comments. Before his pod could light up to allow him to respond to the walking carpet Governor Vanguard decided now was his time to take his fifteen minutes of political fame.

Alexander plumped himself back down on the seat as the man began his little speech, a slick grin appearing across his face as he mentioned mind control and Jedi. A small laugh escaped his mouth when he finished, luckily no microphone was on to pick up on the Chancellor’s little outburst, the darkness of the pod hiding it from all but the closest senate members.

He was curious however as to who would answer the man’s comments first, or if he would need to shut it down himself. To his surprise it was one of his own who spoke up first, Alyrra, a newcomer to the Republic Senate and the game of politics together. She shut the man down in a few words, but left room to expand if need be, then came the Vice President, another sly grin appeared on the Chancellor’s face as the Governor was shut down by the Deputy of his own Government. Alexander’s eyes flickered up to the pod which held the President, he sat quiet and alone in his pod, Alexander wondered if he would speak today or not.

With the Governor smacked around a bit by the others, Alexander thought it was time to step up the paddle. “The Honourable Senator of Kashyyyk,” Alexander could not be bothered to attempt to pronounce his name. “I would also remind you that the Speaker has the option to amend the agenda as he wishes. Just because our colleague here slid his piece of paper under the door first, does not mean it has to be read first. I, as I believe a few of my colleagues in this room can agree, that the Killik threat is a priority for us to discuss, is it not?”

With that he turned to the Governor, his motion pretty much all but dead and buried, but he had annoyed the Chancellor with his wording and intent, so he would add a few nails of his own. “My Honourable Governor of Tatooine,” He began, again making effort to lay on the proper titles for his colleagues; they might just call him Chancellor ignoring the formalities of his title and that of others within the room, but he would be proper at least in the formal parts of his debate. The spit and fire came after the titles.

“I would firstly like to remind the Governour, that the reason ‘we’ have not allowed the Jedi within these halls, is because they used the ‘villionaus’ mind control which you so vehemently condem as a form of slavery, against members of this very house, causing their removal and banishement from its walls. I would also remind you that your brethren within the Consortium voted unanimously to induct the Sith Empire into this house. Oh and it was actually a member of the Free World Alliance who also brought a motion to this house to call the Empire into question over their actions. So please do not assume that ‘we’ so choose to neglect one side over the other. ‘We’ are just following the rules that our Honourable Senator of Kashyyyk is so strongly in support of.”

“Finally with regards to your motion, as the Honourable Vice President of the Consortium has pointed out, ‘we’ do not have jurisdiction to enforce laws upon other nations that sit within this chamber.”

“Also, if I am not incorrect, I am sure you will point out if I am. Slavery is already banned within the lands of both the New Republic and Sith Empire, with both the Alliance and Consortium already making great strives within their own lands to outlaw this heinous crime. So what exactly are you proposing? That we now turn to police systems and worlds that do not fall within our jurisdiction, enforce our laws on unwilling systems, purposefully ignore customs, traditions and religions of other people to fit within our own remit of what we believe is right and wrong? I believe that is not your intention Senator Vanguard and that you only seek to better both your own world and the galaxy around you, but I hope you can understand how it could be seen to be tyrannical in nature, to push your views upon others unwillingly.”

“Oh, I would also add that Capital Punishment is against the rights and liberties of our Great Republic and I would sooner walk out this chamber than destroy my peoples liberties to fall in line with your sense of justice.” With that Alexander went to sit down. “I call a motion to remove this agenda from the meeting.”

 

[The Storyteller]

Pulla got the hint from the dissent within the Chamber and the dagger-like glares from the Chancellor that they should move on. The motion was called to the floor and removed as quickly.

The floor was then once again opened, the Motions by both the Sith Empire and Free World Alliance combined into one. Who was at fault for the ceasefire?

 

[Trina Kalist]

Up until now, she had only observed chaotic senate sessions on Holo. She was thrilled that the one she joined ended up unfolding just as dramatically. While she had her own reservations about the Republic Chancellor, she eyed the Kashyyyk Senator with unamusement as he roared and pitched a tantrum. Calling for the order of things was one thing, but he felt the need to make sweeping jabs at the entirety of the New Republic Senate. Trina rolled her eyes and briefly inspected her own perfectly manicured nails.

She hardly cared about the spectacle of the first agenda item. She thought back to what the Sith Governor had presented. Trina hadn’t realized that the Jedi and Resistance had repeat offenders. Her jaw tightened at the thought and she knew she had to dissect this carefully.

After the Speaker spoke again, she leaned forward to unmute herself.

“While no one can deny the brash actions of the Jedi,” Trina stated curtly, “What, exactly, was the Sith doing on Nixor? If memory serves, footage suggested that the Sith engaged in wanton violence and the killing of civilians on the planet," The Senator brought up her comlink and shared the footage in question, showing the entire thing that was blasted out to the galaxy,"Am I to understand that the Sith angle on this is that heinous crimes against innocents are to go unpunished just because it’s on a neutral planet? On a planet that perhaps may not have an established government or infrastructure yet? Is that what I’m hearing you suggest, Governor Atreides?”


@Wit

 

[Victoria]

It wasn't a senate session without legislative drama after all, Victoria herself would welcome a galactic prohibition on slavery but did ultimately agree that it would be best served through diligent work to bring each world into alignment rather than by a top-down forceful push. Despite the good nature of the proposal, she couldn't support it in its current form, perhaps there would be some merit to opening an office within the Sector Rangers to pursue similar goals, with the permission of the respective governments of course.

That being said, the Senate hurried along to discuss the sundering of the temporary anti-killik ceasefire that was agreed upon between the Jedi-Sith-FWA parties. As far as she could tell, the Sith and FWA had managed to uphold it fine with zero recorded incidents between them. The Jedi and Sith however had found their ceasefire looking like grandma's old kitchen colander, full of holes. It was a forgone conclusion that the Jedi and Sith would have to be left to their own devices, but what might happen between the Sith and FWA was somewhat unclear.

Victoria readied herself to speak, hoping to hone down to what she had brought up in the first place.

"Mr Speaker, representatives. I concur with the Senator from Anaxes, it is an unconscionable position to take that horrific actions inflicted against a neutral party, recorded by an audience no less, reeling against the very Killik attack that the Sith and Jedi sought the ceasefire for in the first place. I specifically speak of the events on Nixor, and do not agree with the interpretation put forth by Governor Atreides.

The evidence speaks for itself that a Sith went out of his way to terrorise a civilian population that had come under attack by Killiks. A Jedi, also responding to said Killik threat, put himself between the Sith and further atrocities - before the Sith decided to strike first.

If one recalls back to the emergency session, the Jedi Grandmaster called for a formal ceasefire between the warring parties. I do not recall any mention that the terms of the agreement would only apply to the respective parties territories, that is probably because it was never said. Governor Atreides would put to you that the act of standing in front of a civilian that a Sith would happily attack is somehow an act of aggression that shatters a ceasefire, where is the merit in that statement?

Is it not more likely that the Sith representative can see there is no defence for what occurred, but is hesitant to accept that a Sith broke the ceasefire first? Whether it was brought up or not previously is wholly irrelevant to its factual basis."

 

[Jasnah Atreides]

Having been caught a little unawares when the wookiee senator has suddenly begun voicing his chagrin about the very evident power play that the Chancellor had made by asking to shift the order in which proposals were put forward, Jasnah had spent the duration of the subsequent discussion with little to add. The motion was always going to fail, if not on its merits, then on the simple fact that the Senate itself had voted against such motions with far-reaching impact beyond the power of the Senate. So she found it even more amusing that the Senator from Kashyyyk would get his hair in a knot over something like this.

But she did not have to wait long, as the motion was quickly rejected, and the floor was returned to the matter of the cease-fire. Others chimed in, a representative from Anaxes, and then the Senator from Gannaria herself. Jasnah heard their concerns, and unmuted her mic once they were done. "Of course not," she replied, her voice calm, her tone balanced, "I am more than willing to admit that the actions of this solitary Sith were abhorrent and were not condoned by the Empire. But they were the actions of one man, no fleets, no armed forces, no Imperial elements to back him whatsoever. If the Empire's intent had been to break this cease-fire, then would they not have ensured their intentions were backed by more than one operative. Like the Jedi were, on Dantooine, on Mustafar, they arrived with a full strike force. Seemingly with every intent to break this cease-fire."

She knew it was a tricky path to tread, admitting that they were dealing with not a representative of the Sith Order, but rather someone who was a representative of his own motives. But what was her alternative, let them push the narrative that the Sith as a whole stood for such actions? Hide behind the defense of neutrality? No, she had to pick what was the best of bad options.

"The fact of the matter remains that this one incident remained more than enough for the Jedi to assume that there was no reason to uphold the cease-fire anymore. They attacked twice, in force, and with intent. The Empire accepts that the actions this Sith were in no way justifiable, but also questions why the Jedi response was to assume the worst and go on the offensive. They stand for redemption, for second chances. Yet in this matter were they not too quick to assume the worst, where was our second chance Senators?" She gave a glance to the Senator from Anaxes, her gaze questioning. "I assumed, as would anyone else, that the Jedi would have warranted us that courtesy, for as you said Senator, it was their own Grandmaster who proposed this cease-fire. We assumed they would allow us to offer the same assurances I am offering you. That the Empire still believed in the cease-fire, that this one man did not represent everyone in the Empire, and that we are still committed to working with you to face this crisis. Yet that was not what happened. The Jedi answered with violence. Even after the first attack we were willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, give them the very courtesy they refused us. Every family has its black sheep, we had ours, and we assure you we will bring him in for questioning and to deliver justice for his actions. But were we wrong to hope that it was just another such sheep that reared its face on Dantooine?"

She paused, a sad smile on her face, easily caught on the holocams that were broadcasting the session, giving her the stage to put on a display for the Galaxy to see. "And what did we get in return for that courtesy, another attack, this even more blatant that the last. So tell me Senator," she looked now at Victoria, who had put forward the proposal to put the blame on the Sith, "how would you sanction our optimism?"

@Sreeya @Xorism

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Your second chance? Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl thought, incensed. A low rumble- too deep to be picked up by his microphone, hummed in Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's chest. Your second chance?

"We've all seen what the Sith are capable of when given a second chance" he addressed the assembly, positively shaking with anger. "They were given a 'second chance' after glassing Firrerre, and what did they do with it? Bombard Kashyyyk and kill millions." He probably should let Victoria handle this, but his rage, easily stoked, was less easily abated. "At some point, representative, such behavior such as the killing of innocents on Nixor becomes a pattern, not isolated incidents worthy of a second chance. You claim that a such an event is not representative of the Sith Empire, but there is overwhelming evidence from operations that did include more than one Sith operative that proves otherwise."

Only a touch on his arm from one of his aides- the Miralukan, who either did not know better or did not fear being inside Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's reach when he was angry- kept things from spiraling further. With visible difficulty, the aged Wookiee composed himself and turned back to Jasnah. "You have submitted a proposal today to... 'Hold the Jedi and their Alliance accountable for their breach of the ceasefire' " he read from the agenda, before looking back at the Sith's pods; managing an attempt at looking apologetic. "The Jedi and the Resistance are not represented in this senate" he continued, "and I do hope that you are not insinuating that the FWA was somehow involved. We have honored the terms of the ceasefire." That, at least, he could trust; the FWA had maintained the peace.

He looked up at the Speaker, pointedly ignoring Xerxes' repeated efforts to crown himself as the one running the show (@Braden). "The Empire's proposal is simply not consistent with the Galactic Senate's jurisdiction." The senate had shut down talks between the NR and the FWA on the basis that it was outside of the senate's jurisdiction, despite both being members of the Galactic Senate, so to vote on something like this was even more outside of that realm. The Senate's expulsion of the Order had created a loophole he was happy to exploit. "There is no reason we should further debate the Sith's proposal since it deals with organizations outside of the Galactic Senate; their grievance is an issue that can be diplomatically and independently resolved by the Jedi, the Resistance, and the Sith. As such, the Empire's proposal ought to be dismissed." A tricky line to walk to not also imperil Victoria's proposal, but hers dealt with a member of the Senate; in a world of technicalities, that distinction might be enough.


@Xorism @Wit @others

 

[Jasnah Atreides]

"Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl," Jasnah spoke up once he had said his bit, her pronunciation of his name perfect, her tone respectful, her demeanor calm, "I apologize, but there are Jedi allies present here today. The Jedi have fought for you on numerous occasions, for all intents and purposes they are the military arm of the Free World Alliance."

She paused, taking a moment to take measure of the reactions of those present in the senate hall, and to gather her thoughts before she continued.

"Maybe it isn't a formal treaty, but there is a quid-pro-quo relationship there that is obvious to everyone in the Galaxy. The Jedi show up at your doorstep when you need them, when there is a fight to be had you openly welcome them to fight for you. You are allied with them, and despite your best attempts to distance yourself from them when it suits your needs, you cannot deny this anymore. Tell me Senator, is it not true that you have openly harbored Jedi on your world? Is it not true that you have had numerous meetings with the Jedi, including Jedi councilors?"

She paused once more, tone still calm, years of training keeping her cool as a cucumber.

"There is a responsibility Senator, a responsibility that you have evaded for far too long. The Jedi can no longer be your saviors while you show up here and try to wash your hands off them and evade responsibility on technicalities. You have a responsibility to ensure your allies, who quite often act on your behalf on worlds under FWA jurisdiction, do so in a manner compliant with the rules and regulations laid out by this body. The Empire, the New Republic, the Corporate Alliance, we all bear this responsibility. And as the Jedi acted on Imperial worlds, against Imperial citizens, this is very much within the jurisdiction of this body to discuss."

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Arcturus Alkaios]

While the tiefling (@llamallove) was staring daggers at the Governor of New Alderaan before the session started, as Arcturus was looking upon the people who have gathered other than himself, he was hardly too preoccupied to notice this. She looked less than happy. That looks to be an understatement. Is this about Ruusan? Arcturus would keep this in mind.

Into the session. Arcturus didn't care about the previous proposal which was shot that quickly. But onto the current one. It was amusing to watch the walking carpet squirm trying to defend his Jedi allies for them, because they can't speak for themselves.

"Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrr" Arcturus would at least give the courtesy to not butcher the wookie's name. "Are you trying to say that a matter that was discussed and agreed upon in a Galactic Senate session in response to a galactic wide emergency... is not relevant to the Galactic Senate?" The Governor questioned, as he felt the need to point this out. Aezz can't hide behind technicities like a shield. Arcturus knew that the wookie senator tried that card because there is nothing else he can do.

The Governor would pause and then speak again. "The fact of the matter is however, is that the Jedi as an organization violated the ceasefire, bringing forces to attack us and condoned by Jedi leadership. The Empire has not done the same to them at any point since the agreement, or even retaliated militarily against them yet for the attacks against us. The argument that the Jedi are not a member of the Senate has no leg to stand on. The Jedi are a party to the agreement made in this body just as much as the FWA and Sith Empire are. A Galactic Senate agreement is Galactic Senate jurisdiction without a doubt" Arcturus firmly stated, as of matter-of-factly. Terse and measured. Arcturus would then look upon the wookie with his yellow eyes. The Govenor would rest his argument for now.

@Wit @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Yominne Brigairid]

Already, the representatives had descended to bickering. A motion was shot down, just like Yominne thought it would be. She watched with mild amusement as a massive wookie defended the Jedi and another Sith representative defended the Sith. It was ironic, how no matter the discussion, they always came back to the Jedi versus the Sith. It had been like that for centuries, and wasn't likely to change any time soon.

Yominne took notes on her datapad. Even though Glee Anselm had not been directly involved in fighting the Killiks or the cease-fire, she stood up, her microphone unmuting as her pod was illuminated. "Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl, Champion Atreides, Governor Alkaios," she began, speaking clearly and pronouncing the wookie's name flawlessly, "The evidence is overwhelming: the Jedi violated the cease-fire agreement. We could argue about it all day, but it would merely wear all our nerves thin. For this to be a truly productive day, we need to discuss what must be done, to punish the Jedi and hold them accountable for their actions. Big words and fancy phrases are getting nothing done," she paused for a minute. "Hold a trial for them, here in this Senate, since the cease-fire order was passed by this very Senate. Actions speak louder than words," she finished, sitting back down in her pod.

While what she had was short and boring compared to the other representatives, she was satisfied that she said her piece. No one could like everyone, and they were fools if they thought bickering would do anything other than boost their own self-esteem.

@everyone

 

[Victoria]

It didn't take long for the Sith representatives to plead their cases out to the senate, the poor bespoke empire a victim of Jedi atrocity. The very same empire that had held no qualms inflicting millions of casualties where it saw fit in the name of the empress. It was disgusting how it could be so easily discarded by so many simply for the greater good of the empire's inclusion in the senate.

"The Imperial defence is that it was but one man, not a representative of the whole order, that laid waste to an innocent community, and therefore it absolves them of responsibility. Then in the very same breath accuse the Jedi order of malicious contempt for breaking the ceasefire because they brought more resources to the field.

It fails my memory where the assembled parties agreed that a ceasefire could only be broken by a certain number of individuals, who must have the backing of the entire order or else it fails to represent the faction.

If that were true, one could make the same argument that the slain councillor couldn't have broken the ceasefire because he acted alone without the backing of the Jedi Order inclusive. Show me where in the ceasefire this couldn't also be true based upon your interpretation?

We exist either in a situation where an individual's actions can be construed as a breach of the ceasefire, or not at all.

Although I suppose we should take extra care to assess your words, Miss Atreides. After all, you do have a history of failing to authenticate the validity of information properly."

The evidence apparent for all.

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte watched the proceedings unfold. The Senate truly was chaos. She had diplomatic attachés furiously working around her. Women skilled in this peculiar arena. Even with help, it was all very difficult to track. Perhaps predictably, the session devolved into a squabble about the Empire, the Jedi and the Free Worlds. That seemed to be the common theme with every session. The Jedi were no longer represented in the Galactic Senate and the Sith just recently permitted station. Yet, for years the two warring factions were the swirling center of the conversation. She clicked her tongue. This was more of the same. She only wondered how she could spin the arguing to her advantage.

Charlotte’s heart still beat in time with the Darkness. But the woman who held her leash no longer sat the throne. What loyalty did she owe the Empire? What if Andruil returned and found Charlotte’s loyalties lacking. A shiver raced up her spine at the though. She felt nothing for the Free Worlds. A means to an end, filled with blabbering mouth breathers she mostly detested. The Queen Mother cared truly for only one thing in all the galaxy. Herself. What could she say to spin further influence in her direction? She clicked her tongue again and moved to speak.

“The war between the Empire and Jedi should remain the war between the Empire and the Jedi.” Her gaze swept the room. “The Free Worlds have not broken the ceasefire. You will find the Hapes Consortium no haven to Jedi or Sith.” Dangerous little game there, Charlotte. “We shout and argue in the same circles this Senate has debated for years. Are the Jedi to blame? Or the Empire?” She shrugged. “Who cares. The ceasefire is broken. Whether by Jedi or Imperial hands, there will be no repairing it between the two. Let us be honest with ourselves. We all knew it would never last.” Her voice grew louder. “If the Jedi wish to dash themselves against the rocks time and again. Let them.” Oh, this seemed the right tone. “We are not their keepers. The choices they make are their own. If we were to sanction the Empire, we would only weaken ourselves against the Killik. If we were to sanction the Jedi, what good would it do? They have shown they are not beholden to this body. It is their nature to fight the Killik regardless of what this body thinks of them. They will throw themselves at the threat in the name of honor and no one here can truly believe they would ever strike against the ISC, Free Worlds, or Republic.” She shook her head slowly.

“If we are here for freedom. Then let us give the Empire and Jedi the freedom to make whatever war they wish. As they have done for centuries and let us focus our attention on the greater threat.” Her eyes flicked over back to the Empire. “Our Imperial colleagues have shown us just how fragile trust can be. A ‘cure’ for the elite alone, created by a madman. Perhaps we should use this time more wisely. To determine what each of us can truly offer to end the Killik threat. How we might trust one another again” She stepped back. My, my, my, that was a lot of talking.

 

[Aharon Staergin]

The Chagrian sat in his own booth staring out at the war of words ahead of him. Today was his first Senate meeting and he had come dressed in something stylish but respectable. He came to show class, finesse, and respect. Yet it seemed no one else in the chamber had decided that was a good idea. The words they spoke were much akin to blaster bolts being flung across the Senatorial chamber, their arguments broadsides from their respective senators. This was not what Aharon had expected; this wasn't some organized group effort but was purely barley restrained chaos and anarchy.

To his right side sat his trusted CZ Communication Droid, whispering in his damaged ear anything he could not hear through it. Behind him sat the usual N-Series Litigation Droid that kept notes and shot them to the Senator's datapad. They conversed this meeting through that pad, fine tuning what the young Senator would say. When he was ready, Aharon slowly collapsed the sunglasses that were on his eyes and slid them into a coat pocket before standing up moments later to speak.

"My fellow representatives," the young man spoke, his voice carefully modulated yet still dripping with confidence and and charisma, "I believe we are at an important crossroads in our Galactic timeline. One where we either are all together in stopping a threat that will certainly be too much for any one of us to deal with alone..." he added a pause for dramatic effect "or we simply turn back to fight eachother yet again and allow our very forms to be stolen and incorporated into an unfeeling monster who shall either squeeze the galaxy of all its individuality and free thought or simply destroy it all together. If we stand here pointing fingers at potential allies all that will give us is another enemy to look over our shoulder at and the enemy that much more power.

"I suggest that we compromise. Indeed, it was the Jedi who attacked a Sith even if that Sith was doing acts disavowed by his government. That still stands that the Jedi broke their side of the ceasefire. While the FWA may have strong military ties to the Jedi, I have heard reports many planets in their government have outright banned Jedi much like many other governments within the galaxy. I believe a good example would be Trandosha, as they have barred any and all Jedi from their planet. The FWA has also itself not launched any sort of military raid or strike against the Sith Empire, which stands to show that they atleast wish to continue with peace.

"As for this Rebel cell, and their apparent alliance with the Jedi, the Free World's Alliance stopped short of placing a death mark on the heads of those involved in their latest broadcast. I believe we can salvage this deal, atleast between the major galactic powers of the Sith Empire and FWA. Furthermore, we need to be weary of the warmongering of the Jedi. Rummor has it that a recent auction a Jedi somehow managed to get ahold of a Star Destroyer. If that does not show how they are hungry for war in spite of even the FWA's wishes I do not know what does."

For a moment after his speech, he stood straight up and simply turned his head to face all those who were arguing with his hands behind his back. Wether this would be the birth or the death of his political career he would not know yet. As he sat he atleast felt his presentation was rather well worded. Hopefully it wouldn't be his last.

 

[Jasnah Atreides]

Jasnah had not fought a great many wars, none really, but she had heard stories. Stories of being on the frontlines, putting your life on the line, dodging blaster bolts, explosions, facing lightsabers. Those who had told her that it was terrifying, but it was also in some weird way at times exhilarating, their senses on edge, everything operating on 110%. She finally understood the feeling, this was her battlefield, and though the stakes were not as immediate, she knew failure here could easily result in a lightsaber lobbing her head off. As much as she might not bring light to the fact, she was Sith after all.

"Queen Mother Le'Anna," Jasnah responded once the other side had spoken, feeling almost like a contestant on Coruscant's got Talent, just with a thousand judges, "Senator Staergin, you do bring up valid points. The killik threat it what is most important, and we cannot tackle it without trust. I have asked for an opportunity to earn that trust," she turned to give Victoria a look, acknowledging her earlier comment about Jasnah's appearance on the holonet, "and we have done our best to work for it. We could have retaliated against the Jedi when they attacked us, but we did not. We came here, because the Empire chose to put its trust in this body. But trust goes two ways, and we must ask for the same in return. We must know that we can trust the Free Worlds to work with us as allies and not take out friendship and use it to feed potential enemies."

She was careful about how she continued, picking her words carefully.

"Hapes, Trandosha, they have already laid down the groundwork, but we ask that it be formalized. The Free Worlds must agree to stay out of any conflict between the Jedi and the Sith, no more aid, no more supporting the Jedi on the side, the Free Worlds must fully and entirely stay out of this conflict if this body as a whole is to face the threats that really matter. Any violation of this agreement," she gave the briefest of glances in the direction of the Senator from Kashyyyk, "would count as resumption of direct conflict between the Sith and the Free Worlds Alliance."

@SlagathorTheUnknown @Valen Pelora @Olwin @Xorism @The Good Doctor

 

[Alyrra Adasca]

Lyra rose for the second time after managing to at last pry herself from what she had to confess was a riveting back and forth. And also from the information that a Star Destroyer had been sold at an auction. What manner of auction dealt in Star Destroyers? She wasn't sure she wanted to know. What she was sure of was how her constituents constantly tired with the back and forth warmongering of the two Force religions. She was beginning to share their sentiment.

"I find myself agreeing with the Queen Mother of the Hapes Consortium (@Valen Pelora) on this matter," she said after Governor Atreides was finished with her declaration. "The Free Worlds did not violate the ceasefire, and as Governor Atreides (@Wit) noted, several Alliance systems have already taken steps to ensure they could not be presumed to be acting in lockstep with the Jedi." She crossed her hands in front of her, momentarily plotting the course of the rest of her argument. "It is no ones desire to see more Alliance worlds dragged into this war unnecessarily. And while I can understand the deep ties of friendship some Alliance worlds and leaders might feel for the Jedi Order, to echo the Queen Mother again, this war is not ours to fight."

She chanced a glance up and around the room to see again if her words were resonating or being soundly rejected. Her grandmother assured her confidence would come in time, but she wished it would come a little faster, for her sake. "No offense intended to the honorable delegates of the Imperial delegation, but none of us in this room need shed the blood of our constituents over a religious war that has been going on since our ancestors were still young. Would it not be better for the Free Worlds Alliance to rid themselves of the burden the Jedi have placed on them and instead join with the other members of this Senate in addressing the Killik threat as one united body? Let the Jedi and the Sith wage their ancient war elsewhere. We will turn our eyes to the true threat in the meantime."

@Olwin @Xorism @The Good Doctor @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

And so the trap was sprung; an insidious one that threatened to complete the Empire's work to isolate the Order. The ISC had never welcomed the Jedi, the New Republic had signed a cowardly peace treaty, and now the last bastion- the Free World's Alliance's liberty to do as they wished, without oversight of governing bodies such as this- was threatened. Divide and conquer, and the FWA was already divided. Charlotte seemed all too ready to leave the Jedi to their fate; Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl supposed he should've seen that coming, but representing the FWA meant letting others run their planets as they wished (@Valen Pelora). Besides, that was the least of his concerns, though, given Jasnah's statements. She'd played her hand well.

"The ISC gave the Jedi a defensive fleet following their actions on Thyferra. By your logic, the ISC would also have breached the ceasefire by providing 'aid' the Order." A rhetorical statement that pointed out the slippery slope of the Sith's impossible demands; next, he looked forward to the Sith accusing the ISC of a quid pro quo with the Jedi given the outcome of that event. "Representative, the whole point of this ceasefire was for us to work together against the kiliks, and you imperil the treaty's success in doing so by trying to force the Jedi out of relations with the governments of the galaxy through threats of violence."

Then the young representative from Arkania spoke; mostly echoing other arguments and insulting the FWA in the process. "Even if we simply let the Sith and the Jedi fight things out, the fact remains that a war between the Jedi and the Sith means disaster for our combined efforts against the kiliks. The grandmaster knew as much when she proposed the ceasefire, and the actions of the Order at large has far outweighed the actions of Fynn Tarrell. No faction has risked more than the Jedi to fight the kiliks, who defended Thyferra, Correllia, and even Korriban; places where they are normally not welcomed." If everyone wanted to keep making a big deal about the kilik threat, they had to admit that the Jedi... and the Sith... were an important part of their efforts to stop the bugs. (@Malon)

"Therefore, the solution to this is not to forbid governments from associating with the Jedi, or to let the two continue their war, but to return to the negotiating table and recommit to the ceasefire; much like I suggested leading up to this meeting. The Councilor who led the attack on Mustafar is dead, and you claim that the Sith who slaughtered innocents on Nixor will be punished as well. There is no need for things to escalate further when peace is still an option." Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl could practically feel the ceasefire slipping away; he knew the Empire was merely trying to justify resuming their war against the Jedi and the FWA, but he had to do everything he could to prevent that. (@Wit)

"Finally, I must again stress that the Galactic Senate is not the appropriate place to air grievances against entities who are not members. It has been years since the Order was represented here... although perhaps, in light of their apparent relevance in regard to the state of the galaxy, we should reconsider their membership? Or do we only include them in our treaties and edicts when it is convenient to do so?" The Wookiee looked forward to seeing the New Alderaan governor try to answer that, and he also hoped to galvanize the peanut gallery of other representatives into moving on from this topic of conversation.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Oh, this was fun. She should have done this years ago. Charlotte did not have much stake in the fight. Weakening the Free Worlds made her goals easier to accomplish. Chaos made power all the easier to find. A small part of her wondered if this was the right choice. She had fought above Thyferra…sacrificed Hapan lives to protect that world. The Killik threat was real…but so were her ambitions. The Killik probably wouldn't Join them all. “As you can see Diplomat Atredies, we are a divided government.” She shrugged.

“We are not the Republic, the Consortium or the Empire. Our power is not centralized…not since we abolished a central leader.” Charlotte flashed a smile. “Our beauty is in our freedom. As frustrating as that may be.” She would air out their dirty laundry. “I can only speak for my people. We will continue our position and we will not support a war that is not ours. Not when a far greater threat looms.” Conviction rang in her throat. “Senator Adasca speaks the truth of it. No more blood should be shed, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.” Her eyes floated over to the Free World delegation. “Or perhaps they should consider joining the Resistance.” She smiled again.

“I fought with the Hapes Royal Navy above Thyferra alongside Jedi. I bear them no ill will. I simply want nothing to do with them. We should all feel the same.”

 

[Trina Kalist]

To say that Trina was disappointed was a vast understatement. Leave the Jedi and the Sith to their own wars?

“With all due respect,” Her voice cut in after Aezz made his pitch, most of which she agreed with, “I’m appalled at the ease with which this body is willing to distance from the Jedi. Forget the alliance worlds, did my constituents forget the incident over Byblos, a Republic world? One that experienced the unprovoked attack from the Sith? And who helped keep it from progressing further and letting the planet fall to Sith hands? The Jedi. We have a pattern of history where shaky agreements and promises happen, but ultimately the Jedi answer the call.”

Her gaze flicked over to Charlotte (@Valen Pelora ), “Queen Mother, who would come to your world’s defense should the Sith whimsically choose to attack you? I can guarantee that you, like the others here, would be inclined to sit around and let the Jedi defend your world for you. But when it comes to standing by them in their time of need, the Alliance withdraws and distances itself.”

She looked at Jasnah (@Wit), “Tell me, are you genuinely interested in re-establishing the ceasefire if you know that the Alliance and other governments won’t aid the Jedi? When you know you have Jedi cornered and alone? Because I don’t think that’s your goal at all.”

Trina looked around the rest of the governing bodies, “Leaving the Empire and the Jedi to their own devices guarantees nothing but the complete annihilation of the Jedi. The Jedi are a small religious group, the Empire is not. Do not make the mistake of categorizing those as the same. The Empire is a governing body with Sith at the helm controlling trillions of Imperials for their destructive agendas. The Jedi are much smaller with no real military force. And yet the Jedi are the only defense the galaxy has against the Sith should they ever turn on us. The Alliance distancing itself from the Jedi is exactly in the interest of the Empire because it gives them the window they’ve been wanting this whole time to wipe them out.”

She paused there, genuine fear circling in her mind, “I understand the Killik are a threat, but I fear the likes of Darth Raze or that Demon Prince character even more. We must not allow the Empire the opportunity to have the Killik as a distraction to pursue their goal of exterminating the Jedi while they’re standing alone. The only sure way to prevent this is to agree that a strike against the Jedi is a strike against the worlds they have always defended.”

Trina finally stood on her feet as she looked at Jasnah, “From here on out, a strike against the Jedi is a strike against Kuat,” She stated flatly, her gaze briefly flicking over to the Chancellor as if daring him to say anything. It was a gamble, perhaps one that would only risk her world and no others, but it was one she was willing to take.