Ask A Land Too Good for Rangers

[The Storyteller]

The New Republic Senate chambers were typically reserved for debates by the Republic legislature. However, this night, they were reserved for one thing: the summit to decide the fate of the Sector Rangers. In the ensuing weeks since the summit had been announced by Supreme Chancellor Ro, three candidates had been selected by each faction to attend the talks.

Senator Jin Vaisra of Fondor representing the New Republic. Senator Nicolas Clément of New Alderaan representing the Free Worlds Alliance. Finally, Ranger Kanan Marek of the Sector Rangers. Presiding over the talks was the newly appointed Vice-Chair of the Senate, Boh Nastra, a gargantuan Chevin who had been an aide to Chancellor Emil Ro's senatorial election campaign.

The elephantine creature occupied the central pod, typically chaired by the Chancellor, while each of the representatives three pods floated before him. "Honorable delegates," Vice-Chair Nastra said, speaking into his mic. "The Supreme Chancellor extends his warmest thanks for your coming here this eve. The issue before you is complex: deciding the jurisdiction of the Sector Rangers. Currently, the Rangers owe their allegiance to the Free Worlds Alliance, which the New Republic was formerly a member of. But since our two governments split, the Rangers have remained loyal to the Alliance, while continuing to base themselves, and receive funding and equipment, from the New Republic and its various shipyards."

"This summit has been called by Supreme Chancellor Ro and Senator Belasi of Belasco to resolve the matter I just stated for you. To that end, each side will be given an opportunity to make opening statements in support of their organization's current views and intentions, after which we will open up to negotiations. I will only intervene in the case of an impasse. The speaking order will be as such: First we will here from the Rangers themselves, then the honorable representative of the New Republic, and finally the honorable representative of the Free Worlds Alliance."

With that, Vice-Chair Nastra gestured to Kanan's pod and nodded for him to begin his opening remarks. @Feng Mian @llamallove @The Good Doctor

 

[Kanan Marek]

Politics had never been Kanan's specialty. At the center of the Senate District, he'd passed the Senate Building a hundred times over the course of his lifetime, but never had he imagined he would ever pass the Great Door adorned with the sigils of a thousand worlds and walk its halls. Sitting within one of the many repulsorpods that lined the funnel-shaped room, the Sector Ranger felt very out of place. He didn't belong here.

Of all the Sector Rangers scattered across space, he had been the ranger selected to represent them at this summit meeting called by Supreme Chancellor Ro. There were dozens of rangers more suited and more qualified for this task. Corran Velt was one name that came to mind, but each of these rangers were tied up with other matters that prevented their attendance. Between the brewing war with the Sith and the ever-spreading AMS outbreak, a Sector Ranger's work was never done.

As Kanan sat there and listened to the opening remarks of Vice-Chair Nastra, he couldn't help but feel that he, too, ought to be out there doing his job. There was a place for summits and votes, and more often than not it was within this very room that the fate of the galaxy would be decided. The choices made here shaped the course of history, but it had never been his calling to participate in these proceedings. He wasn't a man that liked to sit idle.

Action was always preferable to lengthy discussions, and today was bound to be full of lengthy discussions. There was no point in lamenting, however. Like a good soldier, a Sector Ranger always carried out his or her duty, and right now—this was his allotted duty. It was a pressing issue that needed to be dealt with and, more importantly, resolved. He would carry out his orders without complaint.

He smiled to himself. Well, at least without verbal complaint.

Once Vice-Chair Nastra had concluded his remarks, Kanan leaned toward the microphone to begin his. "I cannot claim to speak for each individual ranger, but I will attempt to represent our organization to the best of my abilities and put forth our perspective on this situation without compromising our ideals.

"I do believe that I speak for the Sector Rangers as a whole when I say that we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this discussion today, and we are grateful that both the Free Worlds Alliance and the New Republic are so willing to consider our perspective on this matter since any decision made will effect us a great deal.

"Although varying degrees of animosity might exist between the Free Worlds Alliance and the New Republic since their split, it is my personal belief that the Sector Rangers have continued to coincide with both governments amicably, and we hope that a solution might be reached to the satisfaction and benefit of us all."

Kanan glanced between the Senator of New Alderaan and the Senator of Fondor. Hopefully, but... Unlikely.

"I believe that we are all in agreement when I say that this matter needs to be sorted out as quickly as possible, for not only the benefit of those represented here today but for the betterment of the whole galaxy, so that we might deal with more pressing, galaxy wide problems. Such as the Sith and the AMS outbreak."

@Mockingjay @Feng Mian @The Good Doctor

 

[Jin Vaisra]

It hadn’t been very long since the bombing of Firrerre, and Jin was giddy with that knowledge as he entered the New Republic Senate chambers, shadowed by his personal bodyguard Venka. He wore a handmade suit blacker than night—mostly for appearance’s sake—a sign of mourning and sympathy for the many lives lost in the Firrerreo genocide. He fully intended to use that to his advantage in today’s proceedings, along with a bevy of arguments he’d planned and rehearsed in the weeks before.

Chancellor Ro had served this summit to him on a silver platter. Jin would not disappoint him.

As the conference began in earnest, with opening statements from Vice-Chair Nastra and the representative from the Sector Rangers, Jin mentally prepared himself for the coming debate. Only when it was his turn to speak did he rise, smoothing the lapels of his suit, before nodding toward Kanan and the Senator from New Alderaan. “Honorable delegates, the New Republic’s position on this matter is abundantly clear and is one of the few areas where the Chancellor and I openly agree.”

He flashed a smile, unable to resist a jab at the former Senator of Balmorra, but that smile vanished as he continued, “The Sector Rangers were created to defend the Free Worlds Alliance when that alliance also consisted of the New Republic. Now, that is no longer the case. Instead, the Alliance continues to benefit from the Rangers while we, the Republic, supplies them. The vessels they use come from our shipyards. Their equipment from our factories. They are funded by the wealth of the Core Worlds, and indeed their very headquarters is right here on Coruscant.”

“Recently, in the latest meeting of the Galactic Senate, we have seen how ill-equipped the Free Worlds Alliance are to handle the burdens of such an organization. Because the Alliance cannot require member worlds to financially support large operations, like funding a military or even the Sector Rangers, should the Rangers fall completely under Alliance jurisdiction, the organization will surely dilapidate and collapse. This cannot be allowed to happen.”

He leaned back from his microphone, chin raised to the light. “That is why it is my proposition, and the position of my government, that the Sector Rangers be ceded to the New Republic—the only government represented here that can continue to equip and fund them, thanks to our ample resources and infrastructure.” He nodded one last time. “Thank you.”

@The Good Doctor

 

[Nicolas Clément]

The Senator of New Alderaan watched the people speak, the vice chair, the good ranger, and then the Senator of Fondor. There is tensions between the FWA and the New Republic sure, but Nicolas couldn't really care about it and instead have them as friends and allies. But this Senator of Fonder is really unlikable. Nicolas would then speak after "Hello there" he would smile "I agree with the good Ranger Marek, the FWA and New Republic would both benefit if the Rangers continued to serve both of us as they had for the past one-hundred years. Before it was the FWA which included the New Republic. Now it can be both."

"No disrespect intended Senator Vaisra and no disrespect intended again Vice Chair, you both seem to be under the false impression that the New Republic is the sole supplier of funds and such to the Sector Rangers." Nicolas would play a holographic device, projecting the image of a patrol skiff "This vessel, widely used by the Sector Rangers, standard issue, comes from the Cygnus Spaceworks, a mid rim manufacturer. Outside the Republic."the Voice of New Alderaan would nod in apparoval of his own words. "And what equipment specifically does the New Republic provide them? Last I recall, The Rangers hardly have any standardized gear or anything besides a blaster pistol, which can vary from ranger to ranger. They don't have a standard uniform Rangers have their own indivdual armors and their own weapons besides their issued pistol."

He said, he would shift gears for a bit, pausing "Lets not pretend that manufacturers exist only the Republic, the FWA has some large and small ones of our own too. I could name some big ones off the top of my head if you want. The truth is; the FWA planets outside the Republic have paid it's dues in the past. FWA citizens still support the Sector Rangers with our own taxes, and wealth is not exclusive to the core worlds, I can name some wealthy prosperous worlds in the FWA if you want. That aside, there are still smaller ranger bases all over Free Worlds place and there are quite a lot of citizens that serve the Sector Rangers."

"And the headquarters on Coruscant? The one that was destroyed by Sith agents? Their new main HQ is a ship that moves around from place to place. Lighthouse. Anyways, the facts are: the Free Worlds are able to contribute to the Sector Rangers and for the most part, are willing to do so as we had for the past one-hundred plus years."

"But I'm not arguing for us to the the sole owners of the Sector Rangers. The truth is, we are stronger together. The status quo is that the Rangers serves us both, although unofficially" The splitting of the FWA and New Republic has made some confusion, but the general direction and mission didn't change. "I see no reason why the Rangers need to go to one side or the other quite franky. If the Rangers are good with the arrangement to work for both, all the reason to keep it that way, only make it official. If there is still an issue, perhaps we can work out a fair compromise or some sort of deal for benefit all three of us. "

Nicolas would then nod his head as he concluded.

@Feng Mian @Mockingjay @llamallove

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin was surprised by how unnerving the Senator from New Alderaan was. He had presented a strong argument, one backed by facts and hard evidence, and it was clear that everything he’d said previously was moot. In a matter of seconds, he’d lost his advantage, and Jin could already picture Emil rolling his eyes in disgust. It was infuriating. He would have to fire his secretary, and whoever had given him such outdated information about—

He paused, a new realization dawning on him.

“No disrespect taken, Senator Clément. You bring up an excellent point, and perhaps you are right. The Republic has not properly funded the Rangers since the destruction of their headquarters on Coruscant—outside of providing military training in our many academies between Anaxes and Coronet City—of course.” Jin leaned closer to his mic. “In fact, perhaps nobody has supported the Rangers except for themselves.”

“Cygnus Spaceworks is indeed focused in the Mid Rim, but remains outside of Free Worlds territory. If anything, almost all ships the Rangers currently use have been earned through self-initiated diplomatic talks and operations.” He glanced over to their delegates respectively. “It’s astonishing they have managed to survive as long as they have alone. But they do not have to stand alone any longer. That is why we are here, at this summit, to determine how they—we—can best serve the galaxy.”

“So,” Jin began, “if I may, allow me to restate my argument: The Free Worlds Alliance, still, remains incapable of leading the Sector Rangers.” He looked pointedly at Senator Clément. Jin had hoped to make friends today, but being the vicious bastard he was, couldn’t resist holding back on this summit. “The evacuation of Utapau, the occupation of Taris, the Firrerreo genocide. One tragedy after the next, and the Alliance has yet to create a centralized military, or react appropriately to these events. It is splintered, disorganized, and is managed by failing leadership.”

“If the galaxy has any hopes of surviving the threat of the Sith or the pandemic, it is essential that authority over the Sector Rangers return to the New Republic, to Chancellor Ro, where it may become more than scattered law enforcement, but a proper military task force that can combat enemies to both the Republic and the Alliance.”

“Let me repeat that—we do not wish to hog the Rangers for ourselves. We only want what is best for the galaxy, for you, and it is only with our fleet and weapons that the Rangers can best serve it.” Jin turned to Kanan. “There is no reason for you to remain based in a measly light carrier like the Lighthouse, not when the Republic Armada exists, the only fleet capable of defending against the Sith.”

“We do not, however, want to sink money in another joint committee, let alone with someone like Prime Minister Naeva Rue, who has allowed her member worlds to fall one after another. Centralized leadership, and not just military-grade ships, are what the Rangers need most right now.”

@The Good Doctor @llamallove @Kestrel

 

[Kanan Marek]

Kanan sat and listened to both the Senator of Fondor and the Senator of New Alderaan respectively, his chin casually resting on his hand as they each presented their arguments. The two gentlemen had come prepared to do battle if necessary, but their intentions were clear. One of them was open to negotiations, while the other had made his mind up long before he'd walked through those sliding doors. One of them struck the Sector Ranger as a sleemo in fancy clothing, but perhaps over a decade in this line of work had made him too cynical.

Personalities aside, the two men put forth compelling cases. Kanan was attentive to both sides of the issue, trying in earnest to keep an open mind. It was only right to hear them out before voicing his own thoughts. Truthfully, he found himself in agreement with the Senator of New Alderaan on certain issues and the Senator of Fondor on others. Neither men were likely to back down easily, and Kanan could respect their determination and loyalty.

Now that they'd made their intentions clear, Kanan would interject with his own thoughts, whatever they were worth. He cleared his throat.

"The Senator of Fondor suggests that authority of the Sector Rangers be handed over to Chancellor Ro, but I believe we would all do well to take a step back and remember what happened the last time a Supreme Chancellor possessed unlimited power. It was the Galactic Republic that freely handed emergency powers over to the Supreme Chancellor, a man who subsequently abused those powers.

"Countless lives were lost under the tyranny of Sheev Palpatine. I am not attempting to impart a history lesson upon either delegate. Obviously, you are both intelligent men and well aware of the atrocities carried out under the authority of that particular Supreme Chancellor, the Senator of New Alderaan perhaps more acutely than any of us."

Already aware that his words were likely to be misconstrued, Kanan continued. "Nor do I suggest that there is any comparison between Chancellor Ro and Sheev Palpatine. I have a great deal more respect for Chancellor Ro than for his predecessor. Chancellor Owusaan was a politician content to sit on his hands while the rest of the galaxy suffered, but Chancellor Ro has been nothing but tireless since taking office. Already the New Republic military and its citizens benefit and grows from his leadership.

"Simply put, I do not wish to see the mistakes of the past repeated, and I do not believe that sole authority of the Sector Rangers should be handed over to one man. I don't care who that man is or how noble his intentions might be. I believe that Chancellor Ro cares a great deal more for the Republic and its welfare than his predecessor did, but the fact remains that he has not been in office long enough to prove his intentions.

"If it is the New Republic's intention to combat not only their enemies but the Alliance's as well, I cannot make sense of the Republic's desire to hold sole authority over the Sector Rangers. I do not wish to see Free World space abandoned to the Sith or the Five Syndicates. The Sector Rangers are not mercenaries hired out to protect only the highest bidder.

"Can the New Republic truthfully ensure that the Free Worlds will not be abandoned were the Sector Rangers to fall under their leadership? We're all aware of the wealth of the core worlds, but can the New Republic afford to support the Sector Rangers with the deterioration of the Republic credit under Chancellor Owusaan?"

They were questions, not accusations.

Kanan was in agreement with the Senator of Fondor's statements on organization and the Prime Minister. He did not put his trust in Naeva Rue, and the Sector Rangers would benefit from intervention if it was possible.

"I will not attempt to deny that the Sector Rangers need more funding and resources. We have suffered numerous setbacks over the last few years, particularly since the Sith massacred our headquarters here on Coruscant. The procuring of a mobile headquarters by Lieutenant Corran Velt has managed to get us back on our feet, but the fact that more and more Rangers defect to the ISC and the New Republic is unavoidable. Disorganized and scattered, we cannot properly defend against the Sith."

Taris. Denon. Spirana—these were only a few of the planets that had fallen into the hands of the Sith. Briefly, Kanan glanced down at his hand, trembling as it often did whenever he experienced stress. An unwanted reminder of the invasion of Felucia. The ranger steadied the appendage with his other hand and continued. "That is the last thing any of us want. I do not believe the Sector Rangers can operate independently from a government. We would crumble without the oversight and funding that the Free Worlds Alliance provides and that the New Republic has provided in times past. Because of this, I welcome the help of the New Republic and the Free Worlds Alliance, and I agree with the Senator of Alderaan's statement that we are stronger together. We share a common enemy in the Sith, so why don't we approach them as such? Together. Unified."

But if such unity was impossible... That was out of Kanan's hands. He was only here to provide perspective.

"The Sector Rangers seek to protect the galaxy from threat and harm, and it will continue to carry out that mission whether it falls under the umbrella of the Free Worlds Alliance or the New Republic. Or both. I do not know a single ranger who would abandon Alliance or Republic space in their time of need, regardless of jurisdiction."

@Kestrel @The Good Doctor @Feng Mian

Spoiler: OOC Spoiler

I couldn’t resist an “unlimited power” reference lol :)

 

[Bast Emblai]

Nervously looking at her watch, Bast rushed into her senate pod. There had been an emergency code, and as she was on duty, failed burglary took precedence over negotiation. After a quick handover the woman had practically jogged to her appointment, pencil skirt nonwithstanding. If she must be late, at least she would look sharp.

If Chief Hudson had been given any say, the woman would not have been there. She was, in his eyes, a failure: physically unfit and unable to lead a team. Therefore, when she was asked to attend the summit, Bast immediately agreed. The war to win back her honor was constant, and she would fight every battle she could simply because it was the only way to earn respect. Respect itself, as an abstract concept, mattered less to the Corellian than it had in her early days. Rather, she saw it as a bartering chip. Respect was what compelled the other rangers to follow her lead on Utapau, why she trusted Corran Velt with her life. The very act or representing a force Bast had dedicated her life to demanded admiration, or at the very least a grudging respect from every person who had waited for her to turn in her notice in the years following Outpost Blue.

Ranger Marek, another chosen representative, was concluding his thoughts on the first round of polite verbal sparring she had missed. Nodding along, Bast smiled to demonstrate her support of his points. Really, they had chosen a well spoken ranger.

“Indeed, good representatives. The Rangers, though having official ties, have one clientele, and that is the people. If you will excuse me saying so, there has been little government interference within the organization, other than monetary support, and justice has been given from the outer rim to the heart of Coruscant. The politics aside, our task remains the same, and it is up to you-“ she gestured to the senators- “to ensure our objectives can be carried out efficiently and effectively. Both senators have discussed the issues of disorganization, and I would appreciate to have the honorable representatives continue to share possible solutions.”

 

[Nicolas Clément]

This Senator of Fondor is really annoying to deal with. Even Nicolas for all his wanting to diplomacy and work towards a solution, was really finding him tedious to want to converse with. Nicolas looked towards Ranger Marek, and he talked about comparing the current Chancellor with Palpatine. Yet the former literally did quote the latter word for word in a speech of theirs. Even a New Alderaan-based organization condemned it, surely the Chancellor could have made a very choice of words and his excuse wasn't very convincing.

Anyways, this isn't about the the Chancellor, it's about Jin and the Rangers. Nicolas did agree with the words of the Rangers in attendance, he would nod their heads in approval of their own words. Nicolas would then turn his attention back to his counterpart from Fondor. He wasn't phased by his speech and wasn't moved, he had rebuttals and answers for his some of his remarks and can downplay others, but he actually wanted to find solutions instead of making this into a FWA vs Republic debate.

"Well, the Rangers have spoken. Above all I trust judgement of the good Rangers. They are the ones who have boots on the ground thus have the first-hand experience we lack. Do you agree?" he asked the Senator of Fondor if he agreed. Simple question.

"Anyways, solutions... If you are that worried about the FWA's contributions to the Rangers, then we can up our financial contribution. Naeva increased the funding of the Sector Rangers back when the troubles with the Force Users first started. Thus I would imagine the Office of Prime Minister would have no problem doing it again. We can also see about expanding their access to manufacturers and equipment from FWA Worlds." Unless they want the Rangers to be dependent on their own equipment and vessels from their vaunted founding core world of course. "Planets like Hapes and groups like New Alderaan Royal Engineers do have some pretty nifty stuff." He smiled.

"In addition, I recommend that Douglas Hudson be replaced as Sector Rangers Chief" Nicolas frowned, he didn't like saying effectively someone needs to fired, but he actually does. "This guy is actual hindrance to the Sector Rangers. He literally told Lt. Corran Velt, a bright young ranger mind you, that he is not eligible in promotion unless he captures or kills a Sith Lord or higher." A suicide mission? "Many of the Rangers failings can be traced to him" .Naeva Rue was actually good in a time of peace and tried to at least do things with the Sith's return. Nicolas can't figure out what Douglas has done. He's a relic he would rather keep the Sector Rangers as a group of cowboys rather than an effective modern-day law enforcement group. "I would honestly like to see Lt. Velt become Chief. He was proactive, shows initiative, he's intelligent, capable and effective. Chief Hudson not being present for such a high profile meeting is case-in-point he is not fit for Chief" He could go on really. As one of the Rangers already said, Corran getting the Lighthouse back on their feet. Honestly, it was a real shame that Corran couldn't be here, maybe he's busy.

"Third, if the thought of another layer of bureaucracy is discouraging, Instead of joint committees as you say; how about direct lines of communication between the Supreme Chancellor, the Prime Minister plus their respective cabniets with Rangers Command that can be used for big important matters that would concern both the FWA and Republic. For issues concerning only one of them, they can just refer to that respective government." This would allow all three parties. Easy and effective coordination. It's more centralized that as well, and groups won't interfere in each other's business if it doesn't concern them. The Free Worlds wouldn't be able to but in on Sector Rangers busting a minor gangster on a random Republic world and vice versa.

So an offer was cast. It was a start at least. So what would the Senator Vaisra's response be? And the response of the other Rangers? Nicolas would clasp his hands as he would wait, he doesn't expect the Fondor senator to all of a sudden agree with this and the meeting is over, things don't tend to be that easy Nicolas knows.

@Feng Mian @Kestrel @llamallove

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin wrinkled his nose in disgust. He hadn’t anticipated the Sector Rangers, between Marek and Lieutenant Emblai, to be so driven by compassion. Worse, independence. Just the thought elicited a shudder up his back. The New Republic had the largest fleet in the galaxy, with innumerable wealth and planetary bases, so why were the Rangers dead set on trying to find a middle ground? There, they’d find only half measures and cheap concessions.

Not real change. Not real strength.

And Senator Clément, the insufferable oaf, was making things no easier. He had resisted Jin at every turn, and now, he wasn’t even fighting to take control of the Rangers, but to share them, and that made the Republic delegation look like a band of power hungry financiers. Which was true, but the Senator of Fondor had an image to cultivate. All eyes were on this summit, and the last thing he needed was to give the tabloids another excuse to make a mockery of the Republic.

So, trying to calm his nerves, he sucked in a breath and leaned toward his mic. “I would much rather the Sector Rangers return to the arms of the New Republic. We have the credits, the weaponry, and the leadership to ensure they reach their maximum potential in the fight against the Sith, but I suppose there may be a chance for… compromise.”

The very word was like acid on his tongue. Jin never thought he would ever have to say it, and yet there he was. Unbelievable.

“When it comes to solutions, I have to agree that the Rangers must be properly financed by both sides of the aisle, and more importantly, appoint new leadership.” He cut a glance between the Marek and Emblai. “Chief Hudson should be removed from his position at the earliest opportunity. For the Rangers to survive, it will need new blood. Someone who can see their subordinates not as pawns on a chessboard, but as partners.”

“As for the direct lines of communication and authority between the Chancellor and Prime Minister, with that I can also agree with Senator Clément. The more centralized, the better for us all.” Jin clasped his hands together, mirroring the young man across the chamber.

“Now that the Republic and Alliance are in agreement, how do the honorable delegates of the Sector Rangers feel about these solutions?” He looked over to the respective delegation, his face the very picture of compromise and virtue. But deep down, far beneath his practiced smile, Jin wanted nothing more than this blasted summit to be over with, so that he could meet Senator Clément in the lobby and wring his neck like a wet mop.

@Kestrel @llamallove @The Good Doctor

 

[Kanan Marek]

Toward the end of Kanan's response, a fifth repulsorpod floated toward the center of the room, and the woman seated within was immediately recognizable. Lieutenant Emblai, a Sector Ranger who had seen more action that anyone, second to none in experience and acclaim except perhaps for her partner, Corran Velt.

Lieutenant Emblai was a ranger who needed no introduction, a ranger more qualified to represent the Sector Rangers than Kanan, so her presence at this summit was reassuring. Two voices were always better than one, and two rangers could provide a more accurate and comprehensive perspective.

She ended her remarks with the word solutions, a sentiment Kanan couldn't have agreed with more. Resolution was needed, and the sooner the better.

He leaned back in his seat, silent and still as he listened to both senators hash out the details that followed Lieutenant Emblai's remarks. Adamant and unyielding as he'd been at first, even the Senator of Fondor was open to some sort of compromise now, albeit reluctantly.

Perhaps this summit meeting would be over and resolved sooner than expected. Kanan could only hope.

"I believe the compromise put forth by the Senator of New Alderaan and the Senator of Fondor is the best course of action at present." Details regarding that compromise he would leave up to the two governments and their representatives, all of whom were more qualified than he to decide such things. "The Sector Rangers are earnest in their desire to protect both the citizens of the Free Worlds and the New Republic and to defend its borders from the Sith invaders. Together and united, we would be stronger."

On one point, it seemed they were all in agreement. Speaking out publicly against his superior wasn't the best idea, but the senators had asked for his opinion, and he would not lie.

"Both Senator Clément and Senator Vaisra have spoken aptly. The Sector Rangers, both as individuals and as an organization, would benefit greatly from new leadership. As the Senator of New Alderaan pointed out, Lieutenant Corran Velt would make a fine candidate for that position. With the untimely death of Captain Rook at the hands of the Sith, there is no ranger more qualified for the job."

@Feng Mian @The Good Doctor @Kestrel

 

[Bast Emblai]

Almost as soon as she had finished, Senator Clement began the second round of the debate, or rather pointed political discourse he had begun. For supposedly civil discussions, the words of the senators were rife with double meaning and veiled jabs at the others. Bast was becoming increasingly grateful that she was not a frequently called upon representative at the New Republic senate chambers- politicians used the same rhetoric as some of the criminals she had arrested, only more eloquently: First the restating of a point, then denial or counter argument, then finally compromise, though whether it was on laws or bail price depended on the setting. This was not to say they were criminals, but that honest truth and intention had to be untangled from their intricate webs of words rather than assumed.

The Lieutenant, wringing her hands, nodded in approval at the mention of extra funding. Once the others had finished, she began her piece.

“As Senator Clement briefly touched upon a moment ago, the Sector Rangers are always in need of more funds. The unfortunate truth is that myself and many others cannot afford retirement,” she left out the minor detail that she hadn’t expected to need to save for retirement, “We serve not only the wealthy, but also those who cannot afford any other protection. While gratitude is a beautiful thing, the joy of a mother reunited with child cannot pay rent. What’s more, our equipment is held up to no standards. If we are to do our job efficiently, I cannot make the call for a man to stay back because the only unjammed blaster he has is an unreliable one pulled off a corpse, but I do so anyway because I care. I should not have to care about whether we are in fighting condition.” The woman paused and the crescendo petered out into a beat of silence.

“I can also be a concurring voice in the nomination of Lt. Velt. I have worked side by side with him for years. He is a good ranger and an even better man. Not only is he hardworking, but he never leaves his men, even in the trenches, even if he has to carry them out…

”As for cooperation, I hope the details will not get tied up in bureaucratic processes and endless committee meetings. We are happy to work with both governments so long as the people of the galaxy, especially those who I am a voice for at the moment, thrive.”

@llamallove
@The Good Doctor
@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

The joint committee had been a failure in Jin’s book and an honest waste of his time, but at least it was not completely unproductive. Now that the Republic and the Alliance representatives were of the same mind, and the Ranger delegation had shared their piece, they could finally move onto settling the conference and implementing the changes going forward. They would be grand, perhaps even controversial, but it was clear the status quo could no longer last. War was here, and the galaxy needed to show a united front in combating the Sith.

Jin rose from his seat. “Splendid, then. We have come to an agreement. The Chancellor of the New Republic and the Prime Minister of the Free Worlds will share the highest authority over the Sector Rangers, but only to the extent of the appointment and oversight of its leadership. To follow the wishes of Lieutenant Emblai and Marek, the Rangers will remain a largely independent organization, free to pursue peacekeeping operations as it has for years. We will not plague you with ‘endless committee meetings’—like this one—for every decision you must make. That responsibility lies with you and your chief.”

“And while it is a long leash, it is one regardless.” He cut a glance between Bast and Kanan. “The Rangers are free to determine where they go and what actions they take, but they are not free of consequence. The Republic Senate, or the Free Worlds Parliament, may lodge their own inquiries and investigations, and the Chancellor and Prime Minister can individually dispense commands as they see fit. The Rangers can make their own choices, but they must always answer to the governments they intend to protect.”

“Both offices will, of course, see to it that the Rangers are properly funded and armed in the fight against the Sith and any foreign threat to democracy. As the Senator of Fondor, I will gladly open my planet’s shipyards to business, and see that the Rangers receive as many vessels as they require.” With government-sponsored funding, of course. Jin would make sure his planet was the first to receive these military defense contracts. It was the least he deserved for all his hard work in the last several weeks.

“Lastly, as for who will lead the Sector Rangers, it seems we’ve come to the conclusion that Chief Douglas Hudson will no longer remain in his position. He has done an admirable job, but the alienation of his own members and his late inactivity cannot stand. New blood will be appointed. Whether that is Lieutenant Velt or someone else who is up for the task, that is for the Rangers and both the Chancellor and Prime Minister to decide.”

“With that, this committee is hereby concluded.”

end thread.​

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry everyone, this was long overdue! It's a lot, but I've basically summarized the points of the compromise we've reached (with minor adjustments after talking with some of you OOC). If there are edits you'd like for me to make, don't hesitate to ask! However, hopefully this should clarify how the Rangers should/could work going forward.

@The Good Doctor @llamallove @Kestrel @Mockingjay @lizziie @TerranSteel