Open Galactic Senate Talky Talky Time

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander quietly enjoyed the chaos that was erupting amongst members of all sides, it seems that once again the Jedi were the kicking post for the Galaxy. The Sith seemed to be masters of propaganda and spinning the truth, the Jedi were only the masters of public mistakes. It did not help the Jedi’s cause when their steadfast ally in the Senate the Wookiee, liked to contradict himself on a session by session basis. “My Honourable Colleague from Kashyyk, should remember that he spent many of our last sessions airing his own grievances against the Sith Empire who were not members of the Galactic Senate. So he should not be so quick to cry foul of an offence he so regularly committed himself in the past.”

Then came Trina Kalist, the Chancellor just sighed as she began her rant about the Jedi. It seems the Anaxes native had spent too much of her time reading Jedi fairy tales rather than the news. “The Honourable Colleague from Kuat, thank you for your passionate words.” He began with a fake smile. “However I would ask that you do not jump to conclusions and entice fear mongering amongst members of our Great House. As you well know, the New Republic has signed a long standing peace with the Sith Empire, as has the Independent Systems Consortium. Neither has felt the lash of the Sith Empire's destructive agendas that you so fear.”

He could have gone on, buried the woman under the logistics of the peace he secured with the enemy. How dissociation with the Jedi received it, but that was for a Republic debate not a Galactic one. “I would also remind the Honourable Senator, that we as a collective Republican Government chose to remove the Jedi from our worlds and our systems. If you mean to go against said law, I believe we should speak in private.”

“Anyway, this is a discussion for our own Senate. So let us return to the matter at hand. I would like to remind all here, that the motions brought towards the floor by both the Sith Empire and the Free Worlds Alliance are not to assign sanctions or repremations to the guilty party. But to identify who is at fault for the breakage of the ceasefire, be it the Sith Empire, or the Jedi Order and its Resistance allies.”

A little smirk appeared upon the Supreme Chancellor's face. Let the chaos begin. “As many of you pointed out, it is currently a one sided conversation, with only one of the aforementioned parties within this room. That is why, in my belief of a true and fair system, I have invited the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order to speak with us today. To explain the actions of her fellow Jedi, and I hope help us strive towards a recommencement of this ceasefire.”

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

A sudden, brief commotion buzzed over in the FWA section as Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl very narrowly avoided falling out of his pod in shock.

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Ceris watched the Senate meeting from a distance, mostly ensuring her men are doing their jobs. However, when the wookie Senator nearly fell out of his pod, the body-catching team standing by at the bottom of the chambers had all jumped out of the way. Infuriated, Ceris made her way down there to scream at her men, but not too loud so the meeting won't be disturbed.

"but Ma'am, he weighs 262 POUNDS, and he's almost as tall as Shaquille O'neal!" Ceris smacked the soldier "I don't care, just do your job! Also, who the fuck is Shaquille O'neal?"

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Grandmaster Alexandria Thayless Voran walked onto the Senate floor. The heels of her boots echoing across the durasteel, her head held high, her face determined. Perfectly pressed Jedi robes swirled behind her while she walked…her eyes staring unwaveringly forward. She had been expressly invited by the Supreme Chancellor of the New Republic. The ripples of shock that ran through the assembled diplomats was no surprise.

Nerves threatened to bubble up on that long walk. Nerves she thought long forgotten. The last time she addressed the Galactic Senate had been one of her greatest failures. Alex shoved that feeling down. She could not let the past cloud her judgement. There was work to be done.

The Morellian Jedi took a small breath. Taking her place to address the crowd. Alex had waited patiently until called upon. Sitting in a room the Chancellor had been kind enough to prepare. A feed of the proceedings piped in for her enjoyment. She was well advised for what would come next. Alex raised her voice to address the assembly.

“Thank you, Chancellor Xerxes.” Alex’s gaze swept the room. “The ceasefire is broken.” She let the words hang in the air. “I have stood before this body, before the galaxy, and apologized again and again and again.” She turned to look around her. “I have pled, and I have begged for you to understand that we are not perfect. We make mistakes, mistakes for which we have paid dearly…but always in an effort to do what is right.” Alex made a signal and the images from Nixor played for the senate. Innocents being cut down and burned by Nixor until Fynn arrived. “No more. I will not apologize for Councilor Tarrell’s actions on Nixor. If the choice was to watch innocents die or break the ceasefire. That is no choice at all.” She stared at Aezz. Her eyes hard.

“Truly, I hope you all would understand that.” Now she turned to the Empire. “His actions on Mustafar were wrong and he paid the ultimate price. What else could you want?” Finally, to the New Republic. Her head inclining towards Senator Kalist. “Senator Kalist has the right of it. We no army or navy. Our numbers our small, our resources even smaller. There were no great Jedi ships, no massive invasions. Three Jedi made a terrible choice across Dantooine and Mustafar. All three lost their lives. The leader of those assault a rouge operator…no Jedi should have worked with him. But they only sought to reclaim our home of Dantooine...a home ripped away from us those we rightly fear...and seek justice on Mustafar for the lived stolen on Nixor.” Now, she faced the entire assembly again.

“You all know us, it seems, better than we know ourselves. Cast us out, turn your backs, brand us criminals, grind us with sanction…it will not matter. We are few and our numbers grow fewer but when the Killlik come…so will we. When Empire grows tired of peace, when their hunger for dominance grows…we will stand with you." Alex paused to raise her voice slightly louder. "

"It is who we are. It is who we have always been. It is who we will be.”

Last words now Alex. “Yes, the ceasefire is broken. Perhaps it was always doomed to fail. It is still my wish to see our galaxy at peace. To see the bloodshed ended. But I ask you to remember...remember Taris, Byblos, Firrerreo, and Kashyyyk. We have made mistakes but compare those to what the Empire wishes you to forget and ask yourself...when your back is against the wall...when hope is a flicker...who do you want beside you? Who do you think will come?” The Grandmaster fell silent.

 

[Alyrra Adasca]

Lyra selected her next words very carefully. Inwardly, she had to confess to being somewhat starstruck. Despite her weariness with religious warfare, she had only ever seen the Grand Master of the Jedi Order on grainy holos. It was another thing entirely to see her in person, fierce and radiant as the twin suns of Tatooine, as unforgiving as the icy tundras of Lyra's homeworld. The senator was by no means a fan of the Jedi or the Sith, but she could respect a woman owning her moment in front of a group that was mostly hostile towards her.

And yet, it was the people of Arkania and the New Republic she represented here—not the few remaining Jedi. She stood, her pod floating out into the central arena, and unmuted her microphone. "While I must confess my surprise that the Chancellor invited the Jedi Grand Master here without conferring with members of his own caucus, you are a refreshing sight in these chambers, Master Voran (@Valen Pelora)," she began. "Despite our differences on the matters of your order, I must agree with my honorable colleagues from Kuat (@Sreeya) and Kashyyyk (@SlagathorTheUnknown) that the Jedi Order should be present if this body is to enact any sort of action for whatever perceived breaches of treaties there have been. Weary of war though we may all be, it is difficult to ask this body to pass judgement on an entity that is not itself present."

She affected a measured pause here, allowing herself a moment to compose the remainder of her thoughts. "That being said, I do not see this as a matter of abandoning the Jedi in their most desperate hour. For centuries the lives of trillions of galactic innocents have been at the mercy of the Jedi and Sith Orders. Entire governments have been toppled time and time again over their millennia of warfare, and countless planets have been laid to waste due to the insistence of both that they must reign supreme over the Force. So, I fail to see why, now, at this most crucial moment, we must be asked once again to wade into the affairs of your two ancient religions and take sides at proverbial lightsaber point."

"Both," she continued, clearing her throat, "claim that if we support the other, catastrophe will befall us. All the while their squabbles consume more of this body's precious time. It is not unreasonable that those of us who have been playthings for Force-sensitives for millennia should want to wash our hands of their wars now, when our galaxy is faced by a threat that should unite us. There is an enemy out there, an enemy to us all, that does care about our religious differences, or our political differences, or the arbitrary lines we draw on our maps. They care only about one thing: consuming us, all of us into their ranks. And every second we waste here re-litigating a thousands-year-old religious divide, they encroach further, and further. They take more and more of us."

"I recommend," she finished, her throat parched for the water sitting just on the edge of her sight, "that we turn our attention to that threat, together, as one. And if the Jedi and the Sith can't stop lunging for each other's throats in the meantime, let them do it away from our systems at their own peril. Not at ours." And with that, she finally closed off her mic, sat down, and took a mighty sip of much needed refreshment.

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander sat and smiled as the Grandmaster made her appearance, seeming to shock the members of the Sith to silence. He nodded along as she made her comments about how everything had unfurled both on Nixor as well as Dantooine and Mustafar, it all seemed pretty cut and dry, members of the Jedi and the Resistance had broken the ceasefire. It was a shame that the constantly PR battered Jedi had once again caused a PR disaster for themselves, but if he was honest the Jedi breaking the ceasefire was easier for him and the Galactic Senate to deal with than the Sith Empire.

Alyrra was quick to jump after the Grandmaster finished, once again looking to point the conversation back in the direction of the Killik threat, that was good. Now Alexander just needed to finish off this back and forth on the ceasefire and we could move on with more pressing concerns.

Once again standing, he paused for a moment, the blood rushing to his head, sending his mind spinning, his ears rang like every person in the room was talking at once. It took less than a few seconds for him to regain his composure before he began. “Thank you Grandmaster Voran, your words are as always passionate and committed to your cause. I also thank the Honourable Senator from Arkania for her commitment to bringing the threat of the Killik back to the forefront of the conversation.”

“I agree with her that this is the prime concern for the Galaxy, as such we should bring the two motions brought by the Free World Alliance and Sith Empire to a close. Firstly, the motion brought forward by the Honourable Senator of Gannaria, taking into account both the Sith delegations and the Grandmasters accounts of the incident on Nixor. It appears at least to myself, that even though the Sith personnel in question was perhaps committing a crime, we must remind ourselves that our criminal justice system may not fall in line with Nixor’s so cannot make a full judgement on the Sith’s legality. It was the Jedi who interjected and attacked the Sith thus breaking the ceasefire.” Alexander expected that those in support of the Jedi would begin to raise their voices, so he both raised his hands and his voice as he continued.

“With that in mind, we come to the second motion brought forward by the Honourable Representative from the Sith Empire Jasnah Atreides. Although we can hopefully agree that the Jedi broke the ceasefire, as you have been reminded in this chamber today. The Galactic Senate does not have the authority or right to place any sanctions or obligations upon a party outside this hall.”

“As such, I believe we can bring both of these motions to a vote. Do I have a second?”

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl watched with impatience the exchange between the Sith representatives and those supporting the Jedi. She was grateful for not being involved with all this loss of time. The Brentaalan had no love for any of the two groups and would have hoped for them to explode together in some cataclysm.

The only fun that she had so far was watching that Wookie nearly falling down from his pod. He would have become a hug on the floor of the Senate Chamber and her nose would finally have peace during these events. She was sure that even in a large place like this one, Aezz’s smell still could reach her.

All parts debated endlessly about which side had broken that truce, which was the most stupid thing that Sibyl had the displeasure to see. The Sith and Jedi hate each too much to make it work. The Brentaalan wanted it to end already, so they could go to more important topics.

When the discussion came to an end and Alexander asked to start the votes, Sibyl immediately left her seat. “I agree with Chancellor Xerxes. All details were already exposed by both sides, revealling that the Jedi broke the truce. I second it.” she said, before returning to her seat. Hopefully now they would end with all this annoying discussion of the Sith and start voting.

 

[Galek Ordalos]

While Galek was largely content to allow the New Republic and Free Worlds Alliance to gang up on Governor Atreides, even the Induparan had to admit he was surprised by Grandmaster Voran’s sudden appearance. He had been in the Senate when the Jedi were expelled, and Ruusan was the last time Galek had actually seen the woman in person. Knitting his hands together, he listened to her impassioned speech with mild interest - hazel eyes flicking towards the other members of the Senate that voiced their opinions.

Only then did Galek rise from his seat, flicking on his mic with a wave of the hand. “For decades,” He began, eyes narrowing upon the chamber as his expression hardened, “The Galaxy has bled, on account of the religious conflict between the Sith and Jedi. A conflict which, in some capacity, has spanned the course of recorded history. I cannot help but question why - in this time of actual crisis - should the Senate be forced to deliberate a dispute between two organizations that have no intention of allowing the other to coexist?”

“So long as the Kilik Swarm exists, that is the only threat that should concern us. It should be the only threat that unites us.” He drummed against the side of his podium. “Any ceasefire between the Jedi and Sith ought to be precisely that - an agreement exclusively between their Orders. Separate from any Government represented here. If the Jedi and Sith are incapable of sticking to their own agreements and insist upon resuming hostilities, allow them to do so of their own accord.”

The Induparan’s gaze briefly turned to the Chancellor. “Consequently, by discarding these two motions, it is acknowledgment that no government within this chamber has a formal alliance with the Jedi Order or Sith Empire, and any conflict or ceasefire between them is not relevant to the FWA or New Republic. Should either government still choose to aid the Jedi or Sith in this conflict, it would be a violation of that neutrality for them as well.”

 

[Victoria]

It didn't matter whether you represented a large metropolis or small back water planet like Gannaria, politics were awful. No matter the argument or the participants, it seemed like there would be endless circular discussions without any real progress ever being made. The galactic senate was no exception to the rule, although on occasion some good things might pass.

The conversation had twisted from the original motion into some other kind of Sith abomination. Victoria was a novice to politics, but even she could recognise the play that the Sith representative had masterfully made, making pawns of the unsuspecting senators. While Victoria wasn't fond of the idea on principal, she reluctantly considered the possibility that the galaxy would be better off without such a potent threat in the Senate chamber.

"We can agree to disagree on the semantics of the issue at hand, it matters not, it seems. The Killik threat looms and remains a danger to the entire galaxy, a grave concern for all governments big and small. We have all agreed on that at least, regardless of the pettiness shown at times, that we can all come together to fight a common enemy. "

"Gannaria may be a meagre world, but we are a hearty people, and we will support any party in their efforts against the Killik threat, Sith inclusive if they are so inclined. We will not place our pride above this effort, and we encourage all assembled here to do the same. I say this simply so that what comes next is in the proper context."

"I commend the bravery of those willing to stand up for what is right and fair in the face of staunch adversity, Senator Kalist (@Sreeya) likewise speaks truth to the matter and reminds us that there are no rose-tinted glasses when discussing the morbid actions of the Sith."

"Perhaps there will come a time when the Sith Empire has had its fill of neutral worlds, and Jedi temples, before its every increasing hunger turns inwards to the core here. Perhaps then your eyes will be opened to the truth that some are so blissfully happy to ignore. And still then, even after all that has been said and done, I do not doubt the Jedi will still come to your aid should you call for it."

Her slow paced speech piqued with a solemn, deeply placed emotion.

"I can never speak for the FWA as a whole, only for myself and the people that I represent. Each planet in our alliance sets its own policies and diplomatic priorities, we are not a collective acting in unison setting one path for all. It is quite possible that some choose to abandon the Jedi at this time."

Victoria gazed directly towards the ISC section. "But not Gannaria. We cannot abandon the Jedi after all the good that they have done for the galaxy and will do in the future. The citizens of Nixor remember, the people of Onderon remember, even the president of the ISC remembers."

 

[Aharon Staergin]

The Senator was sipping a dark red liquid from a round crystalline glass in his hand. He swirled the cubed ice around in the glass softly before taking a small sip. Yeah, the Chancellor just said that a grand master was here, he thought, but there hasn't been one here in...

And he leaned as far forward as he could and nearly spat out his drink. His eyes went wide as he stared at the figure. Grandmaster Alexandria Voran herself. In the flesh. How did they get in here? What promises did Xerxes make for them to show up? That concerned Aharon, shook him deep to his core, as he turned back to the litigation droid behind him. They conversed for a short while about the legality of this move and came to an inconclusive decision. The Senator returned forward facing and recomposed himself. He cleared his throat, checked that his tentacles looked fine, then stood up to speak.

"As Senator Victoria has stated, she is not speaking for the entire Alliance and just her world. I suggest we move the matter between the Sith and the Alliance, making the ceasefire based on a planet by planet agreement as they are a decentralized government. I have a feeling most planets will not follow in Gannaria's... example... and would agree to join the rest of the galaxy in actually having a good idea.

"As for those who wish to not make war with eachother and instead eradicate a major threat, I believe we should do more than just co-exist. We are several major powers trying to do our own battles against the biggest threat we have ever seen in this galaxy. What we need is unity, cohesion, instead of going at eachother endlessly in circles. We sit and point fingers like children when we can instead spend this time discussing more pressing issues. We already have agreed, no matter the actions of this lone Sith agent, that the Jedi had initiated this breach of ceasefire. I am ashamed that we have spent our own peoples' time treading water here, that we have been sent here to work together and actually try to make the galaxy a B better than it was when we walked in.

"The way to do this is by getting on with the other tasks, as it seems all but a select few," the Senator turned to Victoria and glare Daggers at her, " have agreed to the point at hand. We need to break this endless circle. I bet if this goes on for any longer those with motion sickness will start to get queezy. So, if the Sith and the Alliance would not mind, we can either end this before the majority of us are reduced to skeletons or move this to a discussion that can be held between their governments." Aharon gave a sly smile and a gentle nod of his head as he sat back down. His hand went back to his glass as he took a sip. His heart was racing, beating like a mad man on a drum. If this worked it meant he was finally a big dog. Or it would mean he had a target on his back. Or both. Aharon hoped that what he said just rang true and this needless conversation would be over soon.

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Every time Alexander Xeres opened his mouth to try and rewrite history, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl felt his blood pressure increase. "Chancellor, on what planet is the mass killing of civilians not a crime?" he lambasted the man for his completely senseless attempt to clear the Sith of any wrongdoing by suggesting that mass murder might somehow be legal. "And even my 400-year old eyes can see that the Sith attacked first on Nixor." The footage played by the Grandmaster and others had clearly showed the champion launching himself at Fynn before the Councilor even drew his lightsaber. It didn't surprise Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl that Sibyl had agreed with Xeres' take- she was so used to looking down her nose at others that her perception was probably warped.

There were other points to address as well; divide and conquer was the Sith's aim, and it appeared to be working. Still, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl had not been re-elected by his people to sit idly by. "What is the term for when an organized government methodically and systematically seeks to destroy a group with different ideals?"

The Wookiee paused, glancing around the assembly, before playing his final card.

"Persecution." Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl let that sink in before continuing.

"By failing to hold the Sith accountable and giving in to the Empire's demands to turn a blind eye to their persecution of the Jedi Order, this senate- the FWA, ISC, New Republic, and the Corporate Sector- would be endorsing it." He could still feel the Grandmaster's eyes boring into him; even he had been less than loyal to the Order recently. "The Jedi Order has consistently shown the galaxy that they are on the side of the marginalized, the oppressed, and the voiceless. The Sith Empire, by contrast, has brought ruin to countless worlds with their conquest, and have admitted here today that they are going to continue their persecution of the Jedi and anyone who stands by them." He could plainly see the wedge being driven deep into his own faction over that very possibility. "It this the precedent that the Senate is going to set? Neutrality only serves the oppressor."

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl knew that he was fighting a losing battle here; the only question was at what point he would take his hands off of the shovel. The decision was made when he caught the eye of Senator Victoria Winterblaze, and then Senator Trina Kalist, bith freshman Senators who'd just risked their careers and possibly their planets to do what no other politician in the room seemed capable of; the right thing.

"Kashyyyk votes to recognize that the Sith violated the ceasefire on Nixor, and aye to dismiss the Sith's proposal."

 

[Jasnah Atreides]

Jasnah had stood by and let everyone argue the motion, for even the arrival of the Jedi did not seem to sway matters enough to put her end goal at risk. When Vice President Ordalos spoke up the noose was tightened. Sure, there were some unexpected developments, like the Senator from Kuat speaking in favor of the Jedi, but it was not something she could roll with. Unlike the fools from the Free Worlds who were speaking in support of the Jedi, Kuat was part of the New Republic. There were yet hurdles for the Senator to overcome, and by revealing her hand now she had given them more than enough warning to prepare. If Kuat did join the fray, the Empire would be ready. As for the rest, well they were too insignificant to matter, and likely not even stay in power long enough to make a difference.

"It appears the Senator from Kashyyyk believes that the Jedi attacking Dantooine and Mustafar was Imperial persecution, even when the Empire stood by the cease-fire, not once, but twice. That it was Sith persecution when we tried to defend our own from military offensives by a terrorist organization that the Grandmaster herself admits to not have full control over. A rogue operative," she gave the Grandmaster a glance, "assisted by a Jedi Councilor. Am I to believe even Jedi Councilors are going rogue, or was this no rogue operative after all? How often have we heard this excuse? Tying Wookiees to the roof of a ship? Attempting to run over civilians? Following a rogue operative to repeatedly attack the Empire during a cease-fire? Such is the power of persecution," she gave the Wookiee Senator a look before continuing, "that it forces Jedi to go rogue, over, and over, and over again."

She looked away from the Wookiee, and turned her attention to the speaker. "The Empire acknowledges that the Jedi broke the cease-fire on Nixor, and accepts the dismissal of its own proposal on the grounds of the Jedi being neither a member state of this body, nor having a formal alliance with any member state."

@everyone

 

[Arcturus Alkaios]

Arcturus smirked as he saw what unfolded in these chambers. This was impressive work by Jasnah Atreides. The wookie senator was still annoying although it was amusing to see him squirm.

After this session, it will be like-wise entertaining to see how the others members of the 'galactic community' will handle themselves. The ISC wants nothing to do with the Jedi-Sith war, staying neutral as it always has thus far. The FWA members have shown to be divided between those who like-wise want nothing to do with the Jedi and those who want to support them. The Senator of Kuat's outburst and what may come of it will be interesting to see, Especially since the Chancellor has worked to make sure the Republic is at peace with the Sith and even banned Jedi in it's space.

The Governor of New Alderaan would say nothing for now, feeling that Jasnah's words were enough. Arcturus would instead press inputs in the keypad of his pod to vote that Jedi broke the ceasefire.

@everyone

 

[Alyrra Adasca]

Lyra had hoped a member of the New Republic's delegation would vote before her, but no one did, leaving her to lead the pack. Seconds felt like long, stretched out minutes as she made up her mind. Then she switched on her mic and stood a third time.

"The Senator from Champala (@Olwin) is right," she said, for it was her colleague that had given her a stroke of inspiration for how to answer. "The cycle does need breaking. And the only way I see to do that is to give neither side what they desire. The Sith cannot run to this body every time the Jedi offend them and cry to us like we're their parent protecting them from an unruly sibling. Especially if citizens of their Empire are going to continue to terrorize innocents on neutral worlds. And the Jedi cannot continue pulling on heartstrings, regaling us with tales of their imminent demise every time one of theirs goes rogue and violates some treaty or another."

She leaned over her pod panel and submitted her vote even as she finished her speech. "I was not elected by the people of Arkania to mediate the holy warfare of two religions they do not even practice. I expect many of you can say the same. That is why Arkania abstains from this vote. We will neither recognize the Jedi's violation of a ceasefire they made with the Sith, nor will we lend our vote to any actions taken against the Jedi Order by this Senate." She hoped, though she knew it would be otherwise, that this was the last time this issue came before the Senate. "This war is theirs to fight, if they chose to do so. We will have no part of it."

She muted her mic, sat down, and readied for the next topic.

 

[Aharon Staergin]

Aharon turned his head and nodded to the female senator of Arkania (@Malon ) , a soft smile gracing his lips. Inside he felt nothing, not truly, but hid act would be all the more convincing with this distance. He began typing at his terminal a message, occasionally he went back and reworded it. It read: "Alyrra, I believe you are correct in your statement. If we take a side in this vote it will bring the war to our doorstep. I believe the Chancellor is riding a dangerous line with his gambit he just pulled, if you would like I would like to gather a group of likeminded New Republic senators to discuss this. Do you know of any good restaurants in this region of the galaxy?"


After sending that message, he turned his attention back to the vote. If he voted the Sith broke the ceasefire that would absolutely be a lie as the Sith was the one targeted... but those arguments about the Jedi can not be ignored either. If he pointed the finger to them he would give the Sith more reason to come back whining to the senate itself about a private religious war they had participated in for years. This was a very dangerous line to walk as the Sith are infamous for taking a mile when given an inch.

Instead, Aharon abstained. He hoped that the speeches and the politicking would be enough to sway other senators into firing down this fruitless idea. The Sith, he knew, would turn this from a one time vote to a constant if they appeased them here. And his record would show he denied them his vote.

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek exhaled harshly through his nostrils, listening to the deliberation of his fellow politicians. His interest in the topic had already begun to wane, as both sides continues to take pot-shots at each other with no end in sight. After a few moments, the Induparan flicked on his mic once more - hands resting on the sides of his podium. “In keeping with our historical neutrality, Indupar abstains from both of these motions.”

He had little desire to continue deliberation on the conflict, nor was Galek going to grant either side what they clearly wanted. As far as he was concerned, the Galactic Senate had very more important matters to discuss.

 

[Sandé A Veruna]

The Queen had to admit to being somewhat lost in this debate. Yet again, the topic of the ongoing, intergenerational feuds between the Jedi and the Sith was being aired in the Senate and absorbing much more of the galactic communities' time.

"In keeping with our membership of the Consortium, the Naboo aligns itself fully with the well-established policy already laid out by our President and his Government. To that end, the Naboo abstains on this matter." she cast her vote, making her position official before continuing to speak.

"The ongoing disputes between the Jedi Order and the Sith Empire, and various organisations through which they indirectly show influence, have claimed, and continue to claim, many lives. This has been the case throughout our long history as a galactic community, and I fear it shall not change in my lifetime."

"To that end, I reaffirm today that the Naboo shall not tolerate violence toward our citizenry and people. As Queen, it is my duty to ensure the safety of Naboo and the broader sector. We have long ensured that the disputes of the broader galaxy do not get meted out on our people, and that policy continues today."

"As the Sith know, and, to their credit, have never shown expedience to disagree with, we will not tolerate violence from their subjects on Naboo. I remind the Jedi Order that the same is, and always has been, true for them. As it always has, Naboo remains neutral, and that neutrality shall be enforced."

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

---

As the final votes were tallied, the Speaker once more took the floor - camera droids panning back towards his podium. The Gungan lifted his weight out of the cushioned seat, leaning heavily upon the staff of his office before flicking on his mic. Twice, the Gungan lifted the staff off the ground - slamming the pommel against the floor. “Very well,” He began, his raspy voice echoing through the chamber.

“With all votes and abstentions tallied, the joint Resolutions are herein declared a tie. The Senate thus moves to dismiss both.” He declared, eyes cast across the chamber. He allowed a moment of silence to pass before he continued.

“The Senate may now more to deliberate upon our next order of business: The ISC proposal to designate the Inner Rim Planet of Thyferra as the official site of all joint Kilik research, weapons and cure development.” As he rattled off the resolution, the gungan brought a fist to his mouth - beginning to aggressively cough and hack into the mic. Members of the Senate would have to endure a solid thirty seconds of the coughing fit before he continued.

“To present the resolution, Vice President Ordalos, you now have the floor." With that, the Speaker sat back down. And there he would remain, until he next unmuted his mic just to cough.

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Alex watched as the talking heads of galactic politics sang words into empty air. She remained still. Her face perfectly calm. It was much the same. Words and more words without a hint of action or a breath of irony. The Senate would do nothing. They would punish neither the Jedi nor the Sith. Instead, they would pretend as if it did not affect them at all. A perfect microcosm of this great galactic body.

She supposed at least some of the fault belong to her. For no matter how poorly they were treated, or how forcefully they were ignored, the Jedi would still come when called. She did not have the strength or the will do to otherwise.

When the Speaker moved to the next topic, her role was clearly done. She spoke softly as she withdrew. “Thank you.” Her eyes found the Kuati Senator. A small nod offered her way. A harder stare found Aezz. Were her allies truly so thin? Alex shook her head. Making her way from whence she came.

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Just as the camera-droided panned to face him, Galek rose from his seat. Running a hand across the front of his sherwani, the Induparan approached his podium - adjusting the mic and flicking it on to address the Senate Chamber. He had no doubt that his proposal was likely to be the source of argument from his peers, but it did little to dissuade him.

“If,” He began, his voice echoing throughout the spacious chamber, “..This conversation has taught us anything, it is that the wounds of war are not easily healed. And that even the impending threat of the Kilik Swarm does not quell the distrust between some members, or even guarantee ceasefires and peace accords will be upheld.” Hazel eyes flicked between the Grandmaster as she went to leave, the Imperial delegation, FWA and Republic. Even if no government had officially declared an alliance, sentiments from Senator's Kalist and Winterblaze made apparent that things weren't so black and white, either.

“But we simply cannot afford to remain divided, while this enemy remains at large. More importantly, we cannot allow for historical divisions to impede progress on methods to beat them back. We have already seen progress being made on cures and weapons, only for them to be discredited by the opposite side or used for political gain.” The entire situation over Ailon had - besides the resulting Switter memes - revealed a legitimate problem that needed to be addressed.

“For these reasons, I propose that the Galactic Senate officially declare - and the attending governments voluntarily agree - to designate Thyferra as the official site of all Kilik-related research. Whether it is a cure for the Jointed, or a weapon to kill the Insectoid Swarm, all development and testing will take place on the planetary surface.” His hands drummed against the sides of his podium, allowing the words to sink in for a moment or two. “Time and time again, the Consortium - and Thyferra by extension - has proven to be the only Government not embroiled by warfare or in constant state of flux. For decades, we have maintained our neutrality and cordial relations with every party involved.” Even while the Republic has banned Sith and Jedi from their space, the Consortium has kept their doors open - albeit without taking any side in the conflict.

“Thus, any cure or weapon developed within Consortium space will benefit from that credibility and trust between all parties.” He knitted his hands together before continuing. “Scientists and researchers from all participating Governments and volunteers will be allowed to work on Thyferra, and the previously-offered Grants will still be awarded to whatever team brings forward the most promising results. Moreover, Thyferra has both the infrastructure and military protection to facilitate such a high-value initiative.”

“Let there be no gatekeeping of research or resources for political gain,” His critical gaze flicked towards Jasnah and the Imperial delegation for a brief moment, “Nor let anyone attempt to discredit or cast paranoia upon legitimate developments, purely because of who is responsible for their discovery,” Galek’s attention then flicked towards the departing Jedi Grandmaster and FWA delegation.

“If the Galaxy is to develop an effective cure, it will take our joint contributions,” He said, “And designating Thyferra - a neutral system - will ensure that research is not only transparent and above scrutiny, but safe from any looming conflict."

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