Emergency Congressional Session - Vision of War

[Dread]

Goodbye blue sky...​

Chief Lamartine went immediately to a window when he made it through security to the lobby, looking out over the skyline as he listened to the senators and guards movements from the other rooms. He pressed his hand against the cool glass. The sky was deep dark grey. It was barely perceptible still, but he could see it, could almost taste the impending approach of a storm. It reminded him of the very real lingering threat of an open war.

He had perhaps half an hour, perhaps less, until the session started. There was a lot to cover. So much had happened in the last few days; his meeting with the Jedi convoy Galak Avara, the GAIA's investigation into the Jedi's claims, and his negotiations with United Kushari Federation's representative, Jun. Who had tentatively agreed on letting the Galactic Alliance use their territory near Chiss space for an early warning system. There had been so much preparations that Valafar had nearly lost track of all his paperwork.

"Do you need anything, Chief?" a voice pipped from behind him.

Valafar was startled, amazed at how his bodyguard could sneak up on him so easily.

"Yes. Coffee," Valafar snapped.

The bodyguard's posture sank.

"I'm sorry, Chief."

Valafar turned to the man.

"No, I'm sorry," the Chief said softly. "My apologies."

The bodyguard didn't say anything, he just nodded in understanding. The Chief had been a bit tense lately. Though he hadn't let get in the way of his work.

"...But I still would like the coffee, Mike," Valafar reminded mike with a smile.

"Of course," Mike said, meeting Valafar's smile with his own. "I'll have someone prep you your usual."

The Cheif nodded and turned back to the window. Time flew fast. His coffee wasn't even cold when he had to leave it to the care of the cleaning crew. On his way to his seat he was quickly briefed on the subjects at hand. Valafar half-listened to the voice on his earpieces before cutting it off.

He stood up, taking a deep breath before he began, "Honorable senators..." Valafar raised his voice a bit more, "there have been some recent, and disturbing, events brought to my attention by the Jedi, which I have confirmed with Galactic Alliance intelligence." He paused. "The Sith have given birth to a new emperor, one much more aggressive then the late one, who may pose a threat to the Galactic Alliance. The Jedi have attended congress today to speak more on the subject." He moved on, taking another quick breath, "We are also here today to speak of the Kushari people, who seek membership in the Alliance. But first, I would like to give attention over to senator Galak Avara."

 

[Dmitri]

Cane Es Cade passed through security with relative ease. He had gone through the procedure many times, so he almost instinctively did what was needed for the numerous scans, whether they be bio-scans to confirm his identity or detectors searching for weapons; he had to forfeit his cane at the door.

Cane normally attended Senate sessions using holograms, preferring to work from Empress Teta. However, two things had alarmed him and made him decide to personally attend. The first was rumors of Sith militant activity. The other was a new system that had been discovered. What had surprised Cane was that it was located near Empress' Cape, an area that arced from Empress Teta, to Fresia, to Widek; yet Kushari was no where in CRANE's database. He was eager to meet with the Kushari representative later.

Cane entered his booth in time to hear the Chief of State give his opening dialogue.

"So the rumors were true," grumbled Cane.

 

[Guardian Six]

Rueben arrived at the Senate right after the session was called, he had just received word about his acceptance to represent his home world. Although he had his credentials, he had to stop through security like everyone else; the security team was suspicious about the credentials, after all they were dated for today's date. Finally after about ten minutes of security rundowns, Reuben finally made it into the session and found his seat next to the senator from Chommell Minor, his protocol droid followed right behind him; he was there to process information and hold it for speculation and investigation later.

"...events brought to my attention by the Jedi, which I have confirmed with Galactic Alliance intelligence. The Sith have given birth to a new emperor, one much more aggressive then the late one, who may pose a threat to the Galactic Alliance. The Jedi have attended congress today to speak more on the subject. We are also here today to speak of the Kushari people, who seek membership in the Alliance. But first, I would like to give attention over to senator Galak Avara."

Rueben pulled out his datapad and began taking notes to send over to Chommell's Intelligence Team; if what the Chief of State was saying wasn't true, they would know it. However, Rueben already had word about the growing military in the northern part of the galaxy, except he didn't know if it was true or not.

Hopefully this will shed some light on the situation at hand.

 

[Syn]

Mirshen walked slowly, he had heard the session had started from one of his attendants but well he didn't have to do much else. He was going to listen and unless outright called upon which really shouldn't happen as his world was of very little import in the grand scheme he waited for the security checks. Slowly as he waited and allowed to pass Mirshen found his seat as his zeltron assistants sat down next to him and he listened. "I would like to give attention over to senator Galak Avara." Slowly Mirshen looked at a datapad with names. He hadn't learned a lot of the names so had nicknames for the more robust and interesting senators who he saw. As he continued to listen Mirshen went to that place in his head where he listened and remembered but looked around with his eyes while his body remained still. He didn't want to seem rude but these meetings well could drag on and only when he had to vote did he actually have to do more. Zeltros was a pleasure world so the people came to it but what happened there stayed there.

 

[Cailst]

Jotham Forsei showed up soon after taking his seat quickly and quietly. His last meeting mysteriously disappeared as soon as he set foot in it. Very odd. Perhaps it would be discussed after some of the more important issues were discussed. One of those issues was the Kushari

He was somewhat familiar with the Kushari having been one of the first people to meet them and he certainly wanted to welcome them into the family of the Galactic Alliance if possible. They would add yet another great race to the bustling Alliance and give strength to it in tough times.

Another issue was the emergence of Darth Judicar, a potentially dangerous foe. If possible, peace was preferred. But finagling a means of stopping the Sith without directing engaging in war would be a challenge worthy of him and his party. Well, at least if war wasn't forced upon them, either by the Sith, or by any hawkish senators.

 

[Brand]

Jedi Master and Congressional Senator Galak Avara stepped into his seat, removing his cloak and sitting back for a few brief moments of rest. He had spent the past hours receiving a status report on the Coruscant temple in his absence before being summoned to Congress to attend the emergency session. Now, as the Chief called the Congress to order he prepared himself to give his opening remarks.

Galak stood, his custom blue and silver Jedi and Congressional tunic pristine and crisp. "Honorable Congressmen of the Galactic Alliance, the Order comes to you all this day with a message of grave news to be heeded carefully. Councilor Jhon Cordatus, Sage Master of the New Jedi Order, has accompanied me this day to relay his vision to you all personally. I hereby turn the floor to Sage Master Cordatus."

Galak turned and motioned for Jhon to ascend to the front of the podium. As he turned to sit he whispered quietly to the venerable master with a wan smile on his face, "May the Force be with you."

 

[Brandon Rhea]

Jhon offered a slight nod in reply to Avara as he approached the podium, looking out at the assembled Senators from millions of different star systems all across the galaxy. The Alliance was far bigger than the Old Republic ever was, but the threat it faced now still threatened to undermine everything the Alliance stood for...and perhaps bring it down.

"Thank you, Prime Envoy Avara," the Sage Master said to the representatives. "Before I begin, I would like to make a request of the Chief of State for the procedure of this testimony. I know that the many thousands of Senators here today likely have just as many questions. In the interest of fairness and order to all involved, I request that questions not be asked here in person, but, rather, they be submitted to the Jedi Temple here on Coruscant. From there, I can put together a detailed report for Congress to review."

 

[Dread]

Valafar nodded.

"Very well, Sage Master Cordatus, I will grant your request; all question will be submitted to the Jedi Temple here on Coruscant."

 

[Brandon Rhea]

“Thank you,” Jhon said with a nod.

He paused for a moment, looking at each of the assembled Senators, trying to get a sense of their thoughts and worries about the Sith so he could say what he needed to say in just the right manner. The words spoken in these chambers could mean the difference between Right Action and an unwise course, between the survival of civilization and its destruction.

Every word, every thought that he wondered was going through the minds of the Senators, resonated with him. His job, above all else, was to feel, to sense, to know. Without that his role as the Council’s interpreter was nothing. If only he could interpret the thoughts of politicians...a feat even the wisest Jedi in history could not accomplish.

"I will relay to you now what I recently told the Jedi Council," Jhon began, his voice quiet, recognizing the somber news he was about to deliver. "One week ago, I received a vision. This is not an unusual occurrence for me. It was my vision nine years ago that led to the discovery of these new Sith, but this was different. This was darker than anything I've seen since I first saw that the Sith had taken over the Empire.”

The Sage Master paused, allowing a moment for that revelation to sink in, “We have all been surprised for the last decade by the lack of direct Imperial action against the Alliance. For nine years, this empire has been building its forces and waiting for the opportune time to strike. Never before has a Sith empire waited this long to strike after being revealed to the galaxy.

"Until now," he finally said. "It is my determination, which I request this Congress investigate to determine its validity, that, sometime recently, Empress Aevum was killed by her apprentice, Darth Judicar—the new Dark Lord and Emperor. Whereas Aevum was eternally patient, Judicar is not. It is my judgment and the judgment of the Jedi Council that the war we've all known has been coming will soon be upon us. I do not know when or how, but it is coming."

Jhon signed, "I do not want to see a war break out for the first time in nearly a millennium, but this Alliance must be prepared to face this threat should my vision be corroborated with investigative proof by Jedi and Alliance intelligence operatives. I have deferred such decisions, of course, to the Chief of State, the Congress, and the Jedi Battle Master."

He stopped speaking now; there was very little else he could say. Looking up at the Chief of State, he awaited the executive's next move.

 

[Dread]

Valafar allowed the senators a few minutes to gather their thoughts and data on the vision; watching the array of protocol droid's register data and assistants type away at their datapads. He suspected there was some ambivalence over the Sage Masters request, but Valafar stood confidently by his decision to approve it.

"Thank you, Sage Master Cordatus," Valafar began, "All queries will be brought to the Jedi Temple at a later time. "

He turned to face towards where Jun was seated.

"Today, we also have another guest in Congress: Lord-Admiral Jun Sefu Sajuuk-Sjet, representative of Kushaa'vo. He can answer any questions about the Kushari if necessary. If there are no questions, voting on the issue of the Kushari will commence."

 

[Dmitri]

Cane listened to the Sagemaster and Chief of State. They seemed to hurry through the revelations of a possible war with the Empire, though understandable. If the Congress were allowed, they'd bombard Jhon and Avara with questions till midnight, usually repeats of the same thing or inquiries on how their systems would be protected. Most planets had their own planetary defense fleet, but that wouldn't stop Senators from demanding more forces. Most would be turned down, of course. If a planet's defenses were bulked by the Galactic Alliance, it would have to be that the planet was extremely important and/or vital to the alliance. Cane wouldn't ask for anything. The Jedi had a facility on Empress Teta, so extra measures would be taken.

War would be a big problem. Wars cost money and longterm would deplete the Galactic Alliance's treasury. However, with war of attrition, the Galactic Alliance stood a good chance against the Empire, as their territory was larger than this Darth Judicar's and with more territory allowed for more resources. Cane hoped that agricultural worlds would be protected, as to prevent Alliance resources from entering the hands of the enemy.

Resources weren't the only problem. The people would not take this news lightly. Families would be torn apart as men and women leave their loved ones behind to fight in battles which some may not return from. Without issuing a draft, the Alliance still would only have so many soldiers. Many of the citizens wouldn't want to be involved in war and would rather go on their lives as normal. The Empire wouldn't care, though. A 'few' casualties were nothing to the Sith. Unlike the Galactic Alliance, the Sith would probably force populations to enlist in the army, while the Alliance would mostly be willing soldiers. Cane made a mental note to find out a statistic for costs and efficiency if he tried to convert CRANE operations into droid factories. While droids weren't as efficient at organic soldiers, as shown in the Clone Wars, they would be able to serve as extra strength.

"It is grave to hear that war is on our doorsteps," said Senator Cane Es Cade to the Congress. "The people will not be pleased about this. I would suggest that once this becomes public knowledge, that we do our best to calm the worries of our constituents." He looked first at Valafar then to the two Jedi Councilors. "While most likely attempting to negociate with the Empire will be futile, many denizens will not appreciate it if we don't at least give it a shot. Not all will believe 'They're Sith, they won't agree to anything'. Let us remember that some people still view the Sith and Jedi as the same, failing to see the difference. However, I, like many here, know the true difference between the Sith and Jedi. The Jedi protect, the Sith lust for power. To protect is to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our people. But how can we say we did everything if we don't at least try to negociate. Even if we fail, which is very likely, we shall show the galaxy that we are not eager for war. We shall defend ourselves. We shall defend the Galactic Alliance!"

Cane paused to make a small cough. He was not use to giving such speeches. "I do apologize, Chief of State, for talking about this when we were to move on to the Kushari Federation, and with that, I am sorry. However, I felt it was necessary to speak."

Cane faced where the Kushari representative was. "Lord-Admiral, welcome to the Galactic Alliance Congress. I do apologize that your coming here was at the same time as a revelation of a possible war to come. I hope that will not waver your determination to join the Galactic Alliance. If I may ask, does the Kushari Federation have an adequete defense fleet in which to defend itself if attack comes? Also, if requested, would some of your people come to call of war to help defend this galaxy, serving side by side to our Navy and Army?" He motioned to Valafar. "Obviously, this would have to be approved and worked out with the Chief of State, but it would be nice to know, for if need be, we can try to accomodate. Sharing technology would benefit all parties."

 

[Guardian Six]

Reuben rubbed his nose as he thought of the situation. Along with the senator of Empress Teta, he would not make a valid decision if he voted without knowing the full facts. But he had to make a decision that was in best interest of both the Galactic Alliance and his planet, Naboo. He had his intelligence group send him a copy of what is known about the new Federation and had studied it during the question asked by Senator Cade. Suddenly he pulled his bucket off of its platform and began speaking.
"Lord-Admiral," his voice bellowed through the hall, "on behalf of my planet Naboo and its inhabitants, I would like to thank you for coming to the Galactic Alliance. Just like my fellow senator from Empress Teta, I have my concerns regarding our military forces and our citizens. Do you have enough resources to supply our forces or are you solely depending on the existing amount of incoming resources to finance your militias?

 

[Jiang Winters]

Spoiler: Quasi-important fluff; read if you have the time. If not, browse on!

The news was distressing to Jun. A war loomed on the horizon, one that would be fought on a scale beyond the worst nightmares of the Generals of Kith Sjet. They had thought fighting a solar-scale war was difficult; to fight a galactic war seemed impossible, and the loss of life it would bring would be unimaginable.

"I thought we left Kushaa'vo to find peace," Jun muttered to his aide-de-camp, a young Navy Lieutenant wearing a pitch black dress uniform not dissimilar to Jun's.

The Lieutenant smiled thinly. "Looks like ours is not the only warrior species in the galaxy, sir."

Their first concern in the coming war was their homeworld. Though flanked by black holes, encased by thick asteroid belts, and completely unknown to the galaxy, it was dangerously close to the Chiss, roughly halfway between the coreward border of the Ascendancy and the Alliance world of Fresia. Though an excellent strategic position, with its black holes and asteroid belts providing solid natural protection that would slow or outright halt any would-be invasion fleet caught without up-to-date navigational charts, it was far from unassailable and the Kushari knew it.

Their proximity to the Chiss would make them a prime target should the Ascendancy learn of their position, and the industrial might and mineral wealth of their homeworld and heavily industrialized solar system would guarantee that they would play a vital role in the GA's war machine. Furthermore, boasting a relatively small but elite military, they were as much a military target as they were an infrastructure target. They could not have painted a bigger bullseye on themselves if they tried.

And yet in spite of that, they still wished to join the Alliance. That was the decision that had been made by the High Council, and it was Jun's responsibility to carry it through.

He adjusted his officer's cap when introduced by Chief of State Lamartine and made himself that much more presentable. This was far different than Council meetings back on Kushaa'vo - their government was smaller, more tightly managed. This was... Vast. He'd no idea what he had gotten himself into when he'd taken Valafar up on his invite to the Congress session, though he was very much so glad he'd came.

As he might've expected, questions about the United Kushari Federation were quick to arrive; albeit after the Senator of Empress Teta made a little speech about the war. That surprised Jun - just as he was used to smaller meetings, he was used to far more discipline. Perhaps more liberty of speech was customary among humans.

He rose to his feet and activated his pod's microphone to answer the two questions that had been lodged with him.

"Thank you for your time, and for your interest, Senators. To answer your questions, the Federation is in fact in an isolated region of the galaxy. Its location is of strategic importance and so precise coordinates are classified for the moment. I'm sure that information will be released shortly, though that will be at the discretion of the Galactic Alliance's top brass. We're working very closely with the Alliance Navy at this time, to assist in the establishment of infrastructure that will aid in the defense of the Alliance."

The feline kept his answer vague - from his understanding, the Alliance tended to broadcast its congress sessions on live news. The last thing he needed was for Kushaa'vo's location, or for Alliance plans for Kushaa'vo, to be leaked to the public so soon.

"That aside, we can retool our factories for full military production. We are a heavily industrialized nation; we have vast fields of underground factories, mining complexes the size of cities, multiple industrialized colony worlds, and countless asteroid mining stations and orbital foundries, drydocks, and shipyards. The corporations on the homeworld believe that they can be prepared for fifty percent military production in four days flat, and one hundred percent five days after that."

He glanced briefly at his datapad and the factory output information listed upon it. "Once fully tooled, we'll be able to produce enough ordinance, equipment, and vehicles to provide a considerable amount of armament to the Alliance military, with more than enough left over to continue supplying Kushari troops. Our only concern is supply - moving war materials out of our territory will take time, but we can expedite if Alliance military transports pick up the slack."

Jun tapped the datapad's screen, advancing it to the next page of information; this one displayed a list of agreements and terms of use for Kushari military personnel and naval vessels, as agreed upon by the generals of Kith Sjet.

"As for military personnel, Kith Sjet - our military- has agreed to cooperate with the Alliance. However, our Navy will stay on-station to defend Kushaa'vo and its factories. As our ships are upgraded to compete with the galaxy, technology-wise, they will be sent to our Deep Space Expeditionary Group, and from there they will be loaned to the Alliance Navy as seen fit. In addition to this, the High Council has placed General Kajir-Sjet and the 76th Armored Cavalry, along with Fastback Platoon of the Federation Rangers, in a state of loan. They will be made available to the Alliance immediately."

Information on the Kushari Military would be very scarce, even to the most well-informed of Senators, but what little had been released would be impressive. The physical and martial prowess of the Kushari was unmatched by humankind, and though their technology was primitive, it was extremely practical and absolutely lethal in battle. Though they would never be present in enough numbers to serve as garrison troops, they would certainly serve well as shock troops, taking the pressure off Alliance infantry by crippling enemy command and logistics centers and otherwise bringing the hurt to the Alliance's foes.

 

[Guardian Six]

Rueben was satisfied with the answers that were given by the Lord-Admiral. He didn't know of any other questions that he had and he began his statement.

"The planet of Naboo votes in favor of the Kushari people. If the senate allows the induction of the federation, Naboo will loan all freighters and seventy-five percent of the Royal Guard to your factories for protection and the importing and exporting of materials to and from your planet. In addition to the freighters and ground personnel, Naboo will loan its starfleet to escort all military and civilian personnel in your sector. Our scientists will be among the first transported to your planet to share Nubian technology with your factories for reproduction."

It was set, Naboo officially supported the war and it is his duty to ensure the safety of his planet.

 

[Dmitri]

"Empress Teta would like to make note of it's intentions to be cautious around the Kushari," said Es Cade. "Such unfamiliarity gives reason to be concerned. I do agree with matters taken to ensure the privacy of the Kushari and extra measures to help ease transition into the Galactic Alliance. With caution, Empress Teta votes to allow the Kushari Federation into the Galactic Alliance."

Cane allowed himself to catch his breath. Now done, he sat down. His body thanked him for the rest. The Senator of Empress Teta made a mental note to see if he could seed himself into the group that would be in contact with the Galactic Alliance's new allies.

 

[Cailst]

"Having met the Kushari on Fresia, I have found them to be an amiable race, most suited to membership within the Galactic Alliance. And in times of such crisis, their fortitude will help us weather such difficult times. Therefore, Alsakan will vote to allow the Kushari Federation into the Galactic Alliance," Jotham said.

With some of the other votes, it was seemingly obvious that they would be able to join. After all, there were no real reasons to object to another member of the Alliance. Especially as they brought no baggage with them, diplomatic or otherwise. And they would surely be capable of helping the rest of the Alliance.

 

[dskod1]

Fa Ti had been watching the debate unfold before her eyes. Sitting in her round repulsorpod she held a metal balled necklace in her hand that she constantly moved around with her fingers. she shook her head as she listened to the proceedings, Giving a sigh and shrugging her shoulders she stood up. Her Repulsorpod came to life and left the wall bringing attention to herself in doing so. She spoke calmly but in a loud voice.

"With all due respect Lord-Admiral how can this Congress be expected to make a decision on the admittance of Kushari without any details of the Kushari military? The esteemed representative can not even give congress the location of there faction.As Senator of Castell and the Galactic Alliance I move that the vote on Kushari admittance into the alliance be postponed until a time when they are able to give details to congress of the location of the Kushari, Military detail, Industrial detail and an analysis of the Kushari Economy."

She smiled as she fined her small speech and the repulsorpod returned to its position falling asleep amongst the turmoil of the Rotunda.

 

[Dmitri]

OOC: Sorry for all the bashing, dskod1, it's just what Cane would say to a politician.

"Senator Ti, such details are most likely being given to our esteemed Chief of State and a collective of Senators that had met with the Kushari on Fresia," interrupted Senator Es Cade. "Let me ask you this, if you knew war was upon you, would you want your military strength known to the public, which no doubtedly would end up in the hands of the enemy? No, you don't want to give away your hand.

"It is the same here. The Kushari Federation are in a delicate situation. Their location, from what I'm understanding, is in a key location between us and either the Chiss Ascendency or Sith Empire. Giving up their location now would almost guarantee their home as a place of interest for invasion. However, if it's kepts secret, then the Alliance has a checkpoint and a place to amass strength before attacking enemy planets nearby.

"And why does it matter to you, Senator Ti? You're not a military officer, so it's not vital for you to know where the Kushari Federation is located. If you're worried about the Kushari military, I doubt that will be a problem. No doubt the Chief of State and Lord-Admiral have plans in regards to that. We are here to voice the planets in which we represent. Since it's unlikely the Kushari are going to suddenly wage a war against your planet, I suggest you try to think rationally here. We cannot afford to play a snipe hunt here with the Empire looming in."

Cane was displeased with Fai Ti. She should use common sense. If the top brass were meeting with the Kushari, there'd obviously be reasons for the lack of details being presented. This was why Cane disliked elected politicians, all they cared about was making themselves look good and gain a name for themselves. He wouldn't be surprised if Fai Ti wouldn't try running against Chief of State Valafar in the next election.

 

[Jiang Winters]

"The Senator of Empress Teta is correct," Jun stated firmly. The Senator of Castell irked him - he gave Congress the reason he withheld information, and like a stubborn child she insisted she be given it anyways, irregardless of the danger it would pose to his people, to billions upon billions of innocent lives.

"As I stated before, the Federation's location is, and will remain, a closely guarded secret until such time that the Galactic Alliance's military leaders decide to declassify it. Understand that my race is not secretive by nature, but we are no fools, either. By concealing our location and our military and economic strengths, we make ourselves a difficult target to strike. And, as the good Senator pointed out, we provide a very useful staging ground and resupply point for Allied forces, one that is unknown to the enemy and thus cannot be attacked or besieged."

The feline pulled himself up to his full height and clasped his hands behind his back. "To those of you who support our entrance into the Alliance - thank you. To those of you who are skeptical, I ask you this: What reason do you have to deny us entry? What we bring is nothing short of full-blown military and economic support, and we ask for next to nothing in return. Nothing but the right to be a part of the galactic community."

 

[Syn]

Mirshen had been listening, it was interesting. A looming war and a new race but he had no real opinion. The war affected his people but he had protection and was out of the way enough that he wasn't a major player. He didn't have a problem with the new race, he was curious but had the tact to not talk in public. Slowly Mirshen stood up and came out to speak looking at a datapad of the notes his attendants they made for him. "Lord Admiral while i am curious about the things the senator said, I would like to welcome you and provide my vote as a yes. May I welcome you to the Galactic community."