Open Onderon A New Chapter, or Plans to Write One

[Korre Belasi]

"Are you nervous?" Florin asked her this as they exited the spaceship, walking side by side and quickly. Like many of the senators who had already arrived, or those arriving alongside and behind them, the two Belascans were dressed in formal attire fit for the meeting of the Senate. Korre, in particular, wore a suitable shade of green.

"Nervous... excited... they feel the same. I might be nervous, but I'm going to call it excited." She gave her aide a cheeky smile, though her pace did not falter. "Today, we will either begin a new chapter for the Free Worlds, or we won't." A sigh left her lips, but her smile did not, giving her a sort of look that seemed undefined. No matter her feelings on the matter, she was as ready as she would ever be.

Korre entered the Senate chambers, exchanging greetings and pleasantries with various senators as she made her way up to her seat. Florin followed, but once she arrived there, he moved off to the side and out of sight. While she waited for the chamber to fill, the ginger-haired woman would tap through the datapad she'd brought, reviewing her notes. They would have a bit to cover tonight.

// OOC: Open to any and all FWA senators

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl had been to many meetings over his political career, most of them boring, but he found himself approaching this month's meeting with an unusual amount of energy- especially for a being his age. Observers might even be able to notice what could be generously described a spring in the aged Wookiee's step as he navigated the Senate chambers, favoring Chancellor Belasi with a respectful incline of the head as he made his way towards his seat.

@lizziie

 

[Cassian Graves]

Cassian arrived.


@lizziie @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Korre Belasi]

Representatives of the Free Worlds began to arrive, first as a trickle, then into a steady stream as the time to begin grew ever closer. Korre was either nervous, excited, or a forced mixture of both, and there was little she could do to curb her nerves when the anticipation ran so strongly through her. Today, if they would be so blessed, would be the beginning of a new chapter for the Free Worlds. She would see to it, one way or another.

The last few senators trickled in. It was time to begin.

"Members of the Senate—" Korre stood up from her seat and approached the podium, any trace of nerves gone the moment the ball rolled into action. "—thank you for joining me here today. As you can see, our agenda for today is short, but I do not expect a short session."

Murmurs rippled across the crowd, mentions of "Jedi", "councils", "Sith", and "war" could be heard.

Korre tapped on the podium, and across a giant holoprojection, a fleet appeared. "Our ships are here and have been mobilized. Our navies will consist of both commissioned fleets and already-existing ones from various Free Worlds. In our last Senate, we voted to form this organization. We are more than just a trade alliance. We are an alliance of planets dedicated to defending not only our own worlds but also the worlds of our neighbors in the fight against Sith terrorists and Mandolorian extremists.

"Each of you will now have access to the details of this operation. You can see who I commissioned, what was commissioned, and which of us have given ships, supplies, and soldiers to the cause.

"Within the following weeks, ranks will be filled, fleets will be properly stationed, and our Free Worlds will no longer have to rely solely on the help of the Jedi."

An excited bit of chatter splashed across the Senate chambers as senators from various worlds scanned over the details. The mention of the Jedi caused a bit of chatter as well. They had always come to aid without complaint, but now the Free Worlds would have united fleets of their own to challenge the Sith terrorists.

---

OOC // Thread takes place pre-Kashyyyk bombardment. I will also be posting roughly every 48 hours from now in order to keep this thread moving. FWA senators are free to pop in whenever and there is no posting order.

 

[Cassian Graves]

The King of Onderon was worried, but that was nothing out of the ordinary. King Hakan always managed to find something to ruin his appetite, whether it be the latest gossip surrounding his eldest son, the habits of his only daughter, or his precious public opinion that he guarded over like a mother hen. This time, however, Cassian shared in his worry, as loathe as he was to admit it. The Free Worlds leaders at large shared in this worry, and if they didn't—they were fools.

Emil Ro, the Supreme Chancellor himself, has been assassinated. Sector Rangers and Coruscant Security Officers had yet to catch the murderer responsible. The New Republic was in shambles, splintering as Senator Tendree defected to the Independent Systems Consortium and took half of the New Republic with him following a conversation with Governor Lassiter over a few drinks. Almost overnight, the Mandalorians had reappeared, united and with a new fleet at their disposal. Lothal had been invaded, and Senator Starros lie dead on its bloody battlefields.

To say that these were 'uncertain times' was a description far too kind. Senator Starros was more than just a senator—he was an associate, an ally, a man that had sat within this very assembly. Now he was dead, and his fate could be the future of any one of the politicians gathered today, should the Sith or the Mandalorians come knocking again. And they would—that much was certain.

These thoughts weighed heavily upon King Hakan, heavier still upon Cassian. He feared for the future of Onderon and for its people. For all his many faults, he was a man that cared deeply for the welfare and wellbeing of Onderon. He would die before he'd witness its citizens delivered into the greedy, blood soaked hands of murderers.

Silently, the Zeltron's focus shifted from the Prime Minister to the giant holoprojection of a fleet above her. So she had managed to talk Vaisra into a commission after all. Maybe the Jade Prince wasn't so heartless after all. Or perhaps—and more likely—Korre Belasi was a persuasive negotiator. Cassian was impressed, his face impassive as he listened.

@lizziie @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl listened proudly as Prime Minister Belasi listed the recent achievements of the FWA, knowing that it had been her willingness to roll up her sleeves that had brought about many of their political victories. He'd been able to partake in some of her politicking as well, in securing the Jedi's continued assistance against the forces of the Sith.

Ideas whirled in the Wookiee Senator's head as the full details of the mobilized FWA came through; ideas for the sector of space he envisioned leading, such as a rapid response fleet and joint training exercises. The triumph of the announcement was undercut only by the grim knowledge that the coming war would see untold suffering across the galaxy.

His critics liked to paint him as a warmonger who thirsted for conflict with the Sith and, in some conspiracy circles, the ISC. Nothing could be further from the truth. No wise chieftain courted war, but Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl had long since seen the writing on the wall surrounding the resurgence of the Sith Empire. Over 400 years of experience told him that they would stop at nothing to enslave the galaxy, even as he wished with all of his might for peace; peace for his children, peace for his grandchildren, peace for his great-grandchildren.

Peace.

Peace was a word found often on the lips of those who never meant it, and Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl doubted that he would live to see his greatest hope. He was both ancient in years and outspoken by nature; either the war would kill him outright, or he would die from the toll it was taking. His goal had shifted, then, from trying to keep the peace to ensuring that those who followed him were set up for as much success as possible.

"Prime Minister, you have Kashyyyk's thanks for all that you have done in order to bring us to this point. It has been your tireless efforts that have kept our alliance from fracturing and now has put us in position to defend ourselves against the Sith."

Amazing, the Wookiee reflected, how his stance towards and relationship with Korre had shifted since she first took office.

"Last meeting, we briefly discussed the leadership structure for this military. I would like to propose that we form blocs that oversee each sector's defense, which will save us from an onerous chain of command." And needless centralization he added, mentally.


Edit: Silly slag, Korre is a PM, not a Chancellor

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[Hergalor]

A holoterminal flickered to life within the FWA's senatorial chambers. Taanab, attacked by Syndicate bandits. The Republic, besieged and near death. There was great chaos under heaven. Good. An opportunity for Taanab to take its rightful place in history, as crown of Free Worlds Alliance. Crown of the galaxy. The farms only grew stronger, grainstalks rising higher than eyes could see. If

But that sounded like a lot of effort, and Hergalor togTherador was not a man who expended effort so frivolously. But as the drums of war began to sound uncomfortably loud close to his home. Perhaps his plan of 'playing both sides' had, uh, been a tad unwise. Now that the Sith continued to grow in power, the war risked the annihilation of his actual government. All of their new investment into intelligence, logistics, and military information would likely reveal his treachery. Then what would remain - would the Ithorian be executed for his treasonous ways?

"Thank you for your efforts, Prime Minister. As you know, Taanab is a great supporter of this military, and our self-sufficiency as a government. I thank all the parties gathered for their diligence, upright attitudes, and honesty in this endeavor."

A lot of words to say nothing. Hergalor had much to consider. Although he would remain silent for the rest of the meeting, he hoped his ineffectual greeting would at least count for something in the history books and tabloids that would report on their gathering.

@SlagathorTheUnknown @lizziie @llamallove

 

[Korre Belasi]

The reactions to the military seemed to be mostly positive. Aezz spoke up of course, praising her efforts. She had put them in a position to defend themselves from the Sith, so he said. He then went on to propose that the leadership structure of the military be switched from the three fleets to blocs, citing that the change would save them from “an onerous chain of command.” Korre’s smiled tightened ever-so-slightly at the suggestion.

But there were many reactions which, while not negative, seemed neutral—apathetic even—and Korre knew the reasoning. Intel from the IIA stated that there were multiple planets planning to leave the FWA. Though there were some of them who wanted to fight the Sith, many Free Worlds wanted nothing more than to shoo away any connections to the Jedi and hope for sanctuary from the wrath of the Sith.

Once again, Korre activated her microphone to speak.

“The Free Worlds’ Alliance may claim to be a united front, but we are not, no matter how hard we strive for it. Our model as it currently stands does not allow us to work as one.

“We are fighting a two-front war, and in order to effectively combat those who wish to raze our planets and subject our people, we cannot remain as we currently are. If we refuse to change, if we refuse to adapt, the Sith and the Mandalorian extremists will continue to tear us apart.

“Two weeks ago, I met with the Speaker of the New Republic Senate. They have been broken by their late Chancellor’s tragic passing, and they have lost half their worlds, rendering them just as broken as we are. We talked about the war, our people, and what we needed to do going forward. It was during this conversation that the subject of a potential merge between the New Republic and the Free World’s Alliance came up.”

Korre paused and took a deep breath before she continued. She was taking a risk, but she had to. In the position she was in now, there was only so much she could do.

“I know many of you here are planning to leave the Free World’s Alliance; this very well may be your last straw. But to those of you who will listen, and to those of you who will remain, know that the only way for us to protect our worlds, our people, our friends, and our families is to stand together as one.

“When we took a vote of no-confidence for Prime Minister Rue, it was because in the face of AMS and the threat of the Sith, she did not act. I was nominated and elected by you all because I did act. I have acted against AMS and I will continue to act in defense against the Sith. In order to do that, we need a direct, united front.”

Silence in the Senate chambers. Was it shock? Korre knew this proposal was coming as a surprise to everyone. She hoped with every fiber of her being there would be support somewhere. Nothing in her wanted to do any of this alone.

“I propose to begin negotiations to merge with the remainder of the New Republic, so that we will be able to fight back against our enemies as one, united front.”

tags: @SlagathorTheUnknown @llamallove @Fine Dining Set

 

[Nicolas Clément]

Did Nicolas Clément hear something wrong? She is proposing a merger of the Free Worlds with the New Republic? His mind skipped a few beats and then that was indeed what she said. A merger of the Free Worlds into the Republic? To fight back against their enemies, as one united front? That's almost unthinkable, the Free Worlds is a loose trade organization, and the New Republic is a highly centralized body. New Alderaan values it's independence and autonomy, free to do whatever it wants instead of taking marching orders straight from Courscant.

Nicolas was sitting down in the background with his senatorial aids. He and New Alderaan have been quiet in FWA and intergalactic affairs ever since that Felucia debacle. He will be lucky if he can survive reelection. Lothal fell and his friend Cal Starros is dead. Things look really bleak despite Korre's best efforts.

Still, the Prime Minister spoke true. They are not a united front, it's just a few planets trying to carry the others. And then there were rumors of outlying worlds thinking about leaving the FWA. The Sith are gaining power, the Mandos are becoming crusaders again. Desperate times call for desperate measures, eh?

Taking a deep sigh, the Voice of New Alderaan would stand up and address the Prime Minister. "Prime Minister ma'am, I'm... surprised this was proposed. But-but given the circumstances.... I just have some questions: How would such a merger work? Will the Free Worlds be incorporated into the New Republic, we'd be flying their banner? While the FWA would cease to exist? he needed clarification. He is thinking that is what she means by that, but he needed to hear it extra clear. "And what about you if this happens?" What would become of the Prime Minister herself if the merger did indeed happen

This must have been hard for the Prime Minister to want to present. The FWA prided itself on it's worlds being automatous. But the specter of the Sith and Mandalorian threat linger though. Is joining under the Republic banner worth the loss of total planetary independence? Is that what it will take for the galaxy to come together against Sith and Mandalorian tyrants? Nicolas reckons that if he had to choose between merging into the Republic or having his homeworld being subjugated, he would pick the latter.

@lizziie @everyone-else

 

[Cassian Graves]

Prime Minister Belasi's proposal was... unexpected. Disturbing, even.

Blue eyes cut right to the Prime Minister, across the Onderon assembly hall and past the holoprojection of Senator Hergalor and the shedding Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl. An entire cleaning crew would probably need to be brought in later, just to vacuum away the tufts of hair left behind in the Wookie's seat. Not to mention the insects. They'd need to spray for fleas, too. Better safe than sorry after Bothan incident.

Cassian had placed his trust in the Prime Minister, far more trust than he'd ever placed in her predecessor, Naeva Rue. The future of the Free Worlds Alliance hung on the shoulders of the young Belascan, and now she wanted to shoulder that responsibility with the New Republic.

Would the Free Worlds be expected to fall in step behind the core worlds and take orders from the new Supreme Chancellor, should they ever manage to elect a replacement? The New Republic—the government that opposed all of the ideals, all of the freedoms that the Free Worlds held so dearly for so many years.

Several questions sprang to life within the Zeltron's mind, Senator Clement the vessel that would voice most of them. This afforded Cassian the opportunity to listen and observe, his probing gaze fixed upon the Prime Minister.

@lizziie @SlagathorTheUnknown @Fine Dining Set @The Good Doctor

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was glad that he was sitting down when Korre made her surprise announcement, feeling his heart hammer in his chest as he struggled to keep his feelings from exploding out. Already, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl felt a headache coming on; the kind he got whenever he had to work with senators from the New Republic (not to be confused with the kind of headache he got around ISC politicians).

The idea was, in a word, preposterous. It was also dangerous. It was unprecedented. It was a selfish power grab.

It also, the Wookiee realized, was something he found himself agreeing with... at least, at first.

In the wake of Emil's death, the New Republic was a rudderless ship; adrift, and being slowly torn apart both by infighting and by outside influences. The uncertainty over who the next Chancellor would be had been on Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's mind quite often- would they support war with the Sith, or isolationism? Could the FWA rely on the New Republic's continued economic and industrial support? Would the new Chancellor abuse their position and power?

Another part of him was deeply wary of such an earthshaking move; he could practically feel the trust that the Prime Minister was asking them to place in her... a trust that had been slowly building, yes, but this was a new level of trust that the Wookiee wasn't certain that he was ready to give.

Korre, what are you thinking? the Wookiee thought to himself, hoping that the answer to Clement's questions would ease his concerns.


@The Good Doctor @lizziie @llamallove @Fine Dining Set

 

[Korre Belasi]

"The logistics of a merge between the Free Worlds and the New Republic will be fine-tuned and negotiated in collaboration with the New Republic, should we agree to proceed.

"As for myself, I will try to position myself to become Chancellor."

The Senate chambers roared to life with chatter again. There was unrest, as her words were wildly controversial, but she kept her expression serious and unwavering. As unpopular as it was, it was the only way for them to truly fight the Sith. She knew, too, that many of them knew this. Whether they were willing to put aside their grievances for the benefit of their people would yet to be seen.

"This is not ideal, but neither is war. We need to be able to stand together for the sake of our people. We cannot do that the way we exist now."

"So you want us to put this to a vote?" A voice called out, firm, but not aggressive.

"I agree with Prime Minister Belasi," called out another senator as she rose from her seat. "As much as I value our autonomy, I can't risk my people being slaughtered and our homes being burnt to the ground because our neighbors turn a blind eye." Her eyes narrowed over at the senators of Ploo, Thrusta, and Aquaris, who had done nothing while Wayland fell to the Sith.

"And what if we say no? What then? You can't force us to join the Republic!" Another man stood, clearly angry.

Korre activated her microphone again. "A vote, yes, but no, none of you will be "forced" to merge with the New Republic should proceedings commence. I encourage you to think of your people and your homes, and I can only encourage you all to understand why this is the best course of action for us. A united front headed by a centralized government able to do what needs to be done is what we need to defeat the Sith.

"If we do not work together, we will fall, one by one."

tags: @llamallove @The Good Doctor @SlagathorTheUnknown @Fine Dining Set

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Chancellor. Centralized government. The concepts Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was hearing coming from Prime Minister Belasi's mouth, along with the fact that he'd not seen Korre and Darth Andruil in the same room, momentarily gave the ancient Wookiee flashbacks to Palpatine; no, he reminded himself, the Prime Minister was taller than Andruil.

Even the prospect of having the New Republic's powerful fleets and armies to defend against the Sith wasn't enough to change the Senator's mind; a centralized government worried him, especially when its Chancellor stood to preside over such a significant chunk of space.

"Prime Minister, you are suggesting a radical change in galactic politics" Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl said when the clamoring began to die down. "I agree that we must work together, but unlike the other actions we've taken to meet the threat of the Sith this proposed merger wouldn't end when the war does. As your proposal stands right now, I am unwilling to sign away our future by only focusing on the present" he concluded. Perhaps there was something to be gained by merging with the New Republic, especially in the wake of the mass defections to the ISC, but such a move was not to be made without serious consideration.


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[Nicolas Clément]

Those were expected statements from Korre. There would be a lot to work out indeed. Nicolas listened to the old wookie speak. He had some good points, but Nicolas disagrees by way that Aezz is focusing too much on the future thus being detrimental to what's happening in the present.

This pains Nicolas to do, but after a confiding with his government, he knows what he must do. "Senator Aezz, I think you should reconsider your vote. Divided, the FWA and New Republic are no match for the growing power of the Sith. If one falls, the other will follow suit. If that happens, then we will be ruled by the Sith, and what about Kashyyyk's future then?"

Nicolas would then pause and sigh. "Perhaps if things work out with our counterparts in the New Republic, we can find a good middle ground for us all and be better for it. The galaxy needs to come together to push out the Sith just as we did at Exegol over one-hundred years ago. I think we should follow this path and see where it leads us." There is still the complication that the New Republic senate still has to sign off on this, so even with this vote it isn't a sure deal. But it may be best to just explore and see what can be done. Maybe this will work out, maybe it won't. But it's better than doing nothing. The possibility is out there. Maybe this new middle ground will allow some compromise that whatever merged body forms won't be so centralized. But if it can't be helped centralization may be a price to pay for strong decisive united front against the Sith. They can't rely on the Jedi to stand up to the Sith.

"New Alderaan votes aye."


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[Phanius Moore]

Senator Moore had been, as usual, silent as the opening positions in the debate had been made. He said nothing as the Prime Minister made her proposal, nor when she had announced her intention to not only join the New Republic, but to go further, and to run for the position of Chancellor as well.

He understood why.

The problems that the Free Worlds faced were huge. War with the Sith Empire, alongside continued issues with crime and division in their ranks, it was easy to see why one would choose to move to a larger group in order to stay safe. However, Moore was not sure the group she saught to move to was necessarily a good idea.

"Prime Minister, your proposal is certainly a bold one. Something that I am sure, provides us all with food for thought. However," and there it was. Moore had started with a deferential nod to the Prime Minister, and, based on his own (admittedly space) political movements thus far, it was easy to assume he would have agreed with her suggestion " - is joining another organisation that, thus far, has lost its conflict with the Sith Empire, a good idea? All we need to do, is distance ourselves from the Jedi Order, and perhaps embrace a movement similar to our own, but better position to defend itself? The Republic has consistently failed to defend its members, however, there is one group that has not."

He paused, as if for dramatic effect "Why not the Consortium? A capable Government with a solid approach to defending its own members, as well as consistently securing freedom for the worlds within its borders? I propose we distance ourselves from the Jedi, and then approach the Consortium - not the Republic. As such, Umbara votes nay."

 

[Korre Belasi]

"As Senator Clément said, if either us fall, the other will come next. We will be stronger together. As things stand right now, none of us have the ability to do what we need to get done. Do you have another solution?"

Then, the Senator from Umbara spoke. He was yet another senator willing to avoid problems until they arrived right at his doorstep.

"Senator Moore, do you deeply, truly believe that the Sith will leave us be if the Jedi retreat from our worlds? If I remember correctly, Wayland had no Jedi temples."

Korre did not understand the line of thought that the Sith would simply stop, lay down their arms, and focus solely on the Jedi if the Free Worlds were to abandon them.

"Might I remind you all, that no matter your thoughts on the Jedi, it has been their people who have showed up to defend our worlds, without thanks and without complaint. Until recently, our armies consisted of planetary forces only, and we have ignored our neighbors until attack for too long. If we separate ourselves from the Jedi, which of you will step up to take their place? Which of you will selflessly send out your armies to assist your neighbors?"

Silence in the Senate chambers once again. Some shifted uncomfortably in their seats, some maintained strict eye contact, and others looked around to survey the response of others. Korre knew a select few worlds would, but many wouldn't, and many more would rather shirk the Jedi in favor of crossing their fingers and hoping the Sith would just leave them alone.

As for the ISC. "The ISC is a capable government and I have a great respect for President Thorne and what he has created for his people. Though not as centralized as the New Republic, they are much more centralized than we are. We would not simply adopt the policies of the Republic in a merge—I'm sure none of us would be pleased with that—but it would centralize us, and it would allow us the ability and the strength to protect our people. So, Senator, you make a good argument, though accidentally, for us to negotiate a merge with the New Republic."

The votes were still coming in, and so far, they were split. Many were still undecided.

tag: @Nor'baal @SlagathorTheUnknown @llamalove @The Good Doctor

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

The Wookiee's eyes narrowed as Phanius- or, as Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl liked to think of him, "Fanny wuss", spoke his piece about joining the Consortium. "Please remind the Senate which conflicts the New Republic has lost against the Sith" he said, "given that they have haven't even fought in more than a year? Does anyone even know if the New Republic is officially at war with the Sith?" The Denon debacle aside, the New Republic had not moved against the Sith Empire and with Emil dead it was anyone's guess as to where the New Republic stood on the matter.

As for the ISC, contempt pierced the Senator's tone as he responded. "The ISC hopes to avoid the Sith's aggression by staying neutral, but since when does ignoring a problem make it go away? The Free World's Alliance was founded on the principle that we could avoid another galactic takeover by collectively responding to warmongers and other threats. I fail to see how defecting does anything more than make it a future problem."

"As for the Jedi" the Wookiee continued, gazing around the assembly, "they have constituted our most effective defense against the repeated incursions of the Sith. The have liberated planets, given their lives defending others, and have been a staunch ally. I will not betray them."


In light of the suggestion, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was almost tempted to vote "aye" despite his previous concerns. He hadn't officially voted, yet, the indicator next to his name still a neutral grey, and he had more questions for the Prime Minister. Again came the word, "centralization" even as Korre restored some of his faith in her by also defending the Jedi.

"Prime Minister, understanding that such a merger would be subject to the input of the New Republic, what kind of centralization do you envision?"

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[Phanius Moore]

Moore had to conceal his confusion as the Prime Minister spoke. She appeared to be suggesting that the Consortium was less centralised than the Republic, but more centralised than the Alliance, and therefore they should join the Republic?

He was confused.

Why would you join a more centralised power with a worse track record when it came to planetary defence, namely the Republic, when a less centralised power with a better track record when it came to planetary defence, the Consortium was available?

"We would not need to depend on the Jedi, should we move to the Consortium, no? Why should our defence be dependent on a religious cult? Senators, we cannot depend on such a fickle alliance, for our safety. The Consortium gives us more freedom than the Republic would ever do, and I am confident the war with the Sith will conclude once we divest ourselves of this foolish dependency on a backwards religious order, the Jedi."

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl sighed, rubbing his temples. It was an argument he'd heard far too often- disavow the Jedi and/or declare neutrality, and (temporarily) end the war for your people. The ancient Wookiee had no doubts that the Republic and ISC would be next in the Sith's murderous sights should the FWA fall; leaving the Free World's Alliance was simply kicking the problem down the road.

"A fickle alliance?" the Wookiee asked, looking sternly across at the human. "The Jedi have consistently defended our planets and shouldered much of the burden of the defense while we struggled to mobilize, without us even asking them to. That, Senator, is hardly a fickle alliance. And now we would replay their selflessness by abandoning them?"

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl exhaled deeply; as much as anyone in this room, he wished for peace. "Senator, you propose the easy thing to do- defect, deflect, and distance ourselves from the Jedi and the war. Prime Minister Belasi proposes the right thing to do, which is to stand up to the Sith and ensure that their tyranny isn't allowed to rampage unchecked across the galaxy."

As he spoke, the Wookiee's paw played with the controls to his personal voting display, flicking back and forth between the Yea and Nay options. The main projection would still show his vote as still uncast, however, as he waited for answers to his question directed at Korre.


@Nor'baal @lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

"As I answered Senator Clément, the details would be worked out in negotiations between the Free Worlds and the New Republic, should we agree to go forward with it." Nothing was set in stone.

Moving on. "Senator Moore, you misinterpret my words. I am not at all suggesting that we should depend on the Jedi, only that we largely have been. I have spent months attending countless meetings and making countless commissions to raise up an army so that we can fight back with our own forces, but none of us have the ability to direct an army as such is needed to combat the Sith. A potential merge creates the centralization we need to utilize such an army.

"And, if I'm going to be completely honest, many of you have been extremely disrespectful when speaking to and about the ISC. Why would I suggest bringing that animosity into their government? I know that you all understand the line that shouldn't be crossed, and yet, I hear about it being crossed time and time again." She didn't mean to lecture them, but she had to say something now that it was brought up. Time and time again, Korre had either heard of or bore witness to what she would consider appalling behavior. She could understand disliking the ISC for a difference in ideology, but her senators had gone so much further than that time and time again. "If we continue to treat them like this, instead of potentially gaining a future ally, we might lose all of their support altogether."

Again, moving on. "Senator Moore, if you believe that the Sith will stop their conquests and cease terrorizing the galaxy if we distance ourselves from the Jedi, on what historical basis do you do that with? What makes you so sure that the Sith will leave you be?"

Senator Aezz spoke up again, but this time it seemed his views had changed to align more with her own. Had he changed his mind once the ISC had been suggested as an alternative?

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