A Legal and Private Matter

[Zamid Sarlo]

​

From his apartment’s balcony Zamid Sarlo started at the mountains of concrete that were skycappers before him. Even though he had been on Coruscant for sometime, the old Duros still felt like a stranger here. The crowdedness and liveness packed into this planet-spanning metropolis can daunting if one was honest. All of the cities on Duro seem like humble towns in comparison.

Well I rather have it that way than any of this. We enjoy actual forests, not little parks.

Zamid thought to himself, dressed more casual than the usual robes. He wore a simple gray shirt and dark sleep pants with no socks, basically spartan. The fifty-years old Durosian smiled, pleased that not everything in his life have to be so official. In a way it served as an anchor to his more modest background than what many fellow senators could actually claim.

He took the moment to appreciate the majesty of the setting sun with hundreds of vessels flew around in an formations that one could describe as schools of fish. The respite didn’t last as Sarlo heard the door ring meters away. In that instant Zamid remembered one little detail.

“Right the meeting with Senator Price, at least it’s not an official one.”

The blue sentient muttered, turning away from the balcony. Walking across the living, filled with several accessories and furniture directly from Duro, Zamid made toward the thin metal door. Upon reaching the spot, the elder pressed the open button on the control panel with the right-hand thumb. Swiftly the door slide away, revealing the Corellian representative.

 

[Anthony Price]

It had been days since the Senate vote on the non-aggression pact, and honestly Anthony was trying to remain optimistic. He was one of the few Senators to vote against it, despite the feeling he had that he would be one of the many instead. Alas, it had seemed the several of his colleagues had thought it best to leave him out to dry, which didn't bode well politically for him. To be fair, he felt he handled himself well and carried a level of dignity unlike some of the others in the Senate, but the very fact that he was in the minority meant that there were alliances already made between his peers: alliances he was not party to. And that had to change, hence why he requested this meeting. Being alone meant he wasn't going to get anything done, even things that needed to go through the Senate floor. He was going to start with the Senator he felt he identified with the most, namely Sarlo.

While the Duros' vote had caught Anton by suprise, he respected the reasoning behind his change in mentality. From what little Anthony knew of his colleague, he had integrity: a trait Anthony felt they both shared. And men of integrity had to stick together in a place like the Senate, where it became ever apparent that the trait was in short supply. All of this weighed heavily on his mind as he approached the front door to the Senator's apartment. This was an unofficial meeting, which was something Anthony also requested. With that in mind, Anton was dressed in a buttoned-shirt with a pair of casual trousers, and brown hide shoes. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing a watch that probably cost more than most people's annual salary, with a bottle of Corellian brandy clutched in his hands.

When Sarlo answered the door in his pajamas, Anthony gave him a wry smirk - appearing a bit more sincere than his normal well-practiced smiles - as he said with obvious amusement in his voice: "I hope you didn't think this was going to be that kind of meeting, Senator Sarlo."

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Chuckling in good nature at Price’s joke, the Durosian let his colleague inside with a wave of his hand.“Nothing like that I just wanted to get comfortable ever since that last session in the senate. You wouldn’t believe how many calls I got from Duro after that one.”Escorting Anthony to the living room Sarlo gestured to one of the sliver-colored sofa chairs on the left-hand he went into the kitchen, calling out.

“Want some coffee? Prefer it black or not?”Whatever his friend’s answer, Sarlo went to the coffee machine and got two cups out. While he prepared the drinks, Sarlo commented out-loud to the Corellian.“You were magnificent back there at the hearing Pirce. A credit to your world I might add.”

 

[Anthony Price]

“Unfortunately, I think you may be one of the few who holds that opinion.” Anton replied with a slightly bemused though not unkind tone. It was clear he had taken the Senate vote on the Non-Aggression Pact personally. “But thank you. I shouldn’t go without saying that you were the star of the show however. I certainly didn’t expect such a… reversal of stance from you, of all people.” He accepted the cup of coffee from his Duro colleague gratefully, however it was offered. Anthony didn’t really care about how his coffee came these days – cream, sugar, black – it all worked the same in the end, and that’s what mattered. “Personally, I feel it was a mistake. No offense of course. While ideally the outcome would have been different, I know you did what you did because you believed it was the best course of action. All we can do now is make sure we make the best of what is to come in such uncertain times, and holding grudges won’t do anyone any favors. If anything -”

He paused as he looked off to no where in particular (unless the corner of the living room wall held any untold secrets), gathering his thoughts before continuing: “This experience has taught me that I need to be more involved in cultivating contacts with those within the Senate I know I can work well with. I don’t like surprises.” He said that last bit with a slightly harder tone. Anton did his best to soften his disappointment, but a discerning man such as Senator Sarlo would likely be able to pick it up regardless. Anthony wasn’t necessarily trying to hide it completely anyway.

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Drinking his coffee filled with cream, Zamid sat down a chair opposite of his comrade, paying attention much as much as he could. Indeed, the Duros can hear the disappointment in the human’s tone. Placing the cup on the wooden in front of them, Sarlo was quiet for a half minute, staring at his right hand. The older gentleman wasn’t offended by Price, the man was entitled to his own opinions and beliefs as he was.

“It wasn’t a decision made lightly Price. I despise everything the Exiles stand for despite their supposed ‘reformed image.’ Yet the fact remains, our military is in poor shape and our people are divided in purpose. Worse of all the senate is filled to the brim with corrupt officials who can care less of anything unless it fills their pockets.”

With a frustrated sigh at the mention of the latter Sarlo sip some more coffee, regathering his composure.“Our Republic needs time to increase with new strength and spirit Anthony. If we were caught up in an conflict with Exile forces with these present conditions then it would be an untold disaster for us all even with Jedi support.”He shook his head at the very thought.

“Moreover this will serve as a test to both sides and our own fellow colleagues of their...sincerity.”

 

[Anthony Price]

“As I said, I don’t want to rehash the vote. The only reason I brought it up is to emphasize my main reason for requesting this meeting.” Anton offered Zamid a smile as he took a sip of his coffee. He didn’t want the conversation to get off topic, and even his opening comment about the vote seemed to shift it already. It was plain to see the vote was rife with emotion and controversy even after it had taken place. Now was the time to shift to his true purpose rather than dallying on the past. “And not to simply repeat myself, but as I also said: it’s time for like-minded members of the Senate to come together to do what must be done as we move forward. And you may find this surprising given my earlier statement – but I actually agree with your line of thinking, particularly as I think back at… well, everything.”

He paused as he glanced over to the window, staring out at the city-scape for a moment as if to further collect his thoughts. What he was about to say may well be considered stupid or ill-contrived, but he felt that Sarlo was perhaps the only man in the Senate he could trust with this piece of information. Perhaps by Anton sharing it, it would demonstrate that he too could be trusted. “Andraste approached me prior to the vote, at my apartment. I… I don’t know how she found out where I live, but I do know she had a distinct purpose. She probably knew I would be against the non-aggression pact, and she sought to appeal to my sense of… decency, I suppose? She said the same things that Fenn Vaal said at the hearing, about wanting to move on and reshape the galaxy’s perception of what the Exiles are. Yet, as she spoke… I couldn’t dismiss the distinct feeling that something about this whole situation doesn’t feel right.”He rose from his seat and stepped over to the window again, his left hand in his pocket as his right held his coffee. His eyes closed, and he took in a deep breath. The same feeling of conflict and trepidation coursing through his veins as if it were mingled within the blood that ran through them. He felt cold, and alone, despite the fact the room was kept at a reasonable temperature and that Sarlo was in the room with him.

After a few moments, Anthony turned around to face Sarlo again. “I can’t place my finger on it. All I know is after that conversation, I’ve felt a distinct, unplaceable feeling of uncertainty over this whole situation. It just seems too good to be true that the Exiles want peace, and genuinely don’t want war. Yet, my gut is saying it is just a ploy. Which brings me to the subject we started with. I would have to agree that yes, if the Republic were to go to war tomorrow, we would be woefully unprepared. Particularly with how divided the Senate truly is. The past two votes may seem like we are not, but I also hold the distinct feeling that our peers have their own agendas at play. The Republic needs to make itself ready for what is to come, whatever ‘it’ may be. Men like you and I need to support one another, Senator Sarlo. And if we are to support one another, I don’t want to be blind sided again. Naturally, I hope I can depend on your... discretion.” He paused, allowing his words to sink in before he added in conclusion: “What do you think?”

And there it all was. He had left his cards on the proverbial table. It was now up to Sarlo to decide whether he wanted to play the game with Anton, or go his own way.

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Honestly, Zamid wasn’t expecting that kind of confession. There was nothing but silent breathing from the Durosian, absorbing the story being told. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Of course the Overlord would do something like that, he had seen way the woman speak and act back on Balmorra. She was very charismatic to say the least and made plenty of clever moves, that he almost could trust her. Yet there was something, that always held him back from doing so.

Those eyes, they were yellow just like the monsters from the war. Her approach maybe different and perhaps she does truly wanted to change things but the fact remains Andraste embraces the dark side.

Having served alongside and battle against force users for many years, Sarlo had learned more than a thing or two about the nature of the Force. He wouldn’t consider himself a major expert by any means. But he was aware enough to know that once a force wielder fully gives into the darkness it will dominate them, regardless of intentions. Power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Before the Duros can ponder further on it, Price essentially asked him if they could form an alliance between them. Without hesitation Senator Sarlo stood up and walked over to the Corellian. Looking him dead in the eye, Zamid then said.“If you we should agree on every point then I’m afiard that would be impossible.”Offering his left hand to shake old man added with a smile.

“However if you sincerely mean to defend our citizens and promote the Republic’s ideals. Furthermore to oppose all enemies forgien and domestic against our state, then yes you can count on me to not to blind side my friend.”Yes indeed, Sarlo will take part in Anton’s way of the game.

 

[Anthony Price]

Anthony listened intently at Zamid's words, and when the Durosian extended his left hand, he didn't even balk at the fact that normally etiquette demanded using the right hand. He immediately grasped the man's hand and shook it firmly, with Anton nodding firmly with the last few shakes. He had gained an important ally in the events to come, and internally he was grateful. But he had little time to celebrate. More friends were needed - more agendas that needed to blend with his own, and now with Senator Sarlo's. Internally he wondered just how much he would have to compromise in the months and years to come. How many values would he have to betray? How many lies would he have to tell?

Mentally he told himself that the best way to avoid such things was to ensure he made such ties with only men and women of integrity, such as the man standing before him today. Yet he knew such a lofty ideal was just that - a lofty and unrealistic ideal. While he may not have fully appreciated the entire scope of it, he knew he would have to make alliances with those he despised. Yet, what was most important? Standing blindly by principle, or living long enough to question whether or not his actions were warranted? He prayed he would never have to do as he feared, and hopefully Zamid would play a role in preventing that. But he knew all too well how the game was played...

/end thread