Open Coruscant Action is the Antidote to Despair

[Alexander Xerxes]

OCC: Open to all NR Characters​

The corridors of the Senate Dome were ablaze with fear, aide’s, guards and even Senators were running back and forth across the halls of the illustrious building. Panic was setting in among the common folk, once again The Sith had appeared from nowhere to rain hellfire and brimstone upon an unsuspecting planet. News reports were seeping out of the planet, though much of the footage was short holo-vids of orbiting Star Destroyers, a Red flash then nothing cobbled together by blustering News Agencies trying to get as much of the scoop for their respective brand as possible.

If you want immunity then you know what you have to do: leave the Jedi behind. Join a different government, strike out on your own, form new alliances, the options are myriad. But so long as you remain a slave to the Jedi, know one thing. The fires are coming for you.

Alexander swiped his hand to close down the screen, he had listened to the Empress’ speech a dozen times in as many minutes. He bit down on the inside of his mouth, relishing the pain and the clarity that came with it. An emergency session of the New Republic Senate had been called in response to the Sith’s actions. “This is too soon.” He mumbled to himself, the groundwork had only just been laid, the cement not even dry yet. But with Andruil’s bold attack upon the planet, now was perhaps the best time for him to act. “It is only impossible if you do not try.” Alexander said again, only to himself. All of his aide’s were out trying to gather those that supported the Centrist party in the past. For he would need their support.

A light ping could be heard from his desk before his secretary's voice came out. “Senator, Mr McCord (@SlagathorTheUnknown) is here.” Moving over to the desk, he pressed the button next to the speaker. “I am leaving for the session, have Mr McCord follow.” Alexander had arranged to meet with the Sector Ranger to try and see if there was any progress on the investigation into Supreme Chancellor Ro’s death. The Senator had found some ‘evidence’ of his own through back channels and hoped to ‘align’ it with the Sector Rangers. That would have helped set the cement.

Stepping out of his office, he pulled the cuffs of his red shirt into place and straightened his tie. As he walked out he kept his eyes forward, confidence radiating out from the man, first came his chief aide’s telling him who and who wasn’t attending the meeting, he said nothing and only nodded along as they spoke. Then came his small security detail, two Hynestian Royal Guards, they were more ceremonial than anything else. Plus they helped clear the way of any reporters who tried to get his thoughts on the attack. Somewhere in the back rushed along by another aide was Amos McCord, perhaps his ace in the hole for this.

As he neared the senatorial chamber the throng of people got thicker, his guards earned their pay however allowing him and a few of his chief personnel through the thicket of flesh. Stepping through the door to the Hynestian Pod Alexander could hear the chatter of the other senators, like a thousand birds chirping in the trees. He was there only a few minutes before the speaker, the current Defacto Head of the New Republic, called the session to order. Before any others could shout or have their name called Alexander pressed the button to release the Hynestian pod from the wall, gliding into the centre. He took a deep breath before handing his fate to the masses. “Honourable delegates of the New Republic Senate. Today, perhaps even in the hour that we meet now, death rains down upon the planet of Kashyyyk. The thoughts and prayers of myself and the Hynestian people go out to those caught within this tragedy. But that is not the reason I have chosen to speak today.” He paused.

“No, I have chosen to speak before you good people today, because of what has led to this devastating assault.” Some shouted ‘The Sith’ and a select few shouted ‘The Jedi’. “They may have something to do with it, but we cannot control that, not now in the least. No, what has led to this desolation of a beautiful world is the lack of action and direction from OUR Republic. We the a collection of the greatest planets within our galaxy, with all the might and strength of the core, we have done nothing to stop death spreading across the galaxy. We have sat idly by, since the death of our Supreme Chancellor. Happy and Fat hoping that the Free World Alliance that sits between us and our enemies will protect us from the judgement of evildoers. We host parties, gallas and races whilst the Mandalorian’s arm themselves for war and the Syndicates strike out our very own here on Courscant.” Alexander waited for a few moments, allowing some to try and piece together what he was saying. A muttering of voices began to rise before he continued.

“Yes, I have spoken to Sector Ranger McCord, the man in charge of the investigation into Chancellor Ro’s death and ‘we’ believe between his investigations and those that have been carried out by the Hynestian Royal guard, that those who are at fault are indeed the Five Syndicates.” Voices rose, shouts for revenge echoed across the chamber. Causing the speaker to actually do something and calm the house down before Alexander could continue. “You see my Honourable friends, we are acoste with enemies on all sides. And yet we stand here, without a leader and without direction." Alexander turned to slowly face every pod, every member of the House. "I know many of us are afraid of what is to come, fire sweeps across the galaxy, but Action is the Antidote to Despair. ” One final pause, this was it. “As such, My Honourable Colleagues we must act and I will be the first to do so. I stand here before you to put my name forward as a candidate for the office of Supreme Chancellor, with my first action to arrange a ceasefire with the Sith Empire. To end the bloodshed which reeks havoc across the galaxy and bring peace and order back to the Republic.”

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

"I must once again thank you for your diligence, Miss Vayna. The paperwork seems immaculate. Yes, if you could table it with the Committee before next Centaxday, that could be great." Hedarial stood outside the Senate Chamber, comlink in hand and listening to his assistant's voice. Miss Vayna, first only supposed to be only a fill-in, had proven capable enough to remain an active part of his team and was now in charge of his election staff. For now, that meant getting everything ready for going public rather sooner than later.

Yet as his assistant just started to go through the individual points of forms, he began to see commotion at the entry doors into the chamber. Senator Xerxes was arriving in a hurry, and the last of the other Senators still handling their business outside the Senate room began to flock in behind him. "I am sorry to cut you, short Miss, we will have to continue this later! Take a break, you truly deserve it." Ending the call he joined the flock of representatives entering the great chamber and steered towards his seat. Xerxes had the first word tonight, and by the looks of it, he had something big to say. At least he did not seem quite as collected as on any other night.

As Hedarial found his seat, Xerxes began his speech. Unsurprisingly his words expressed sympathy for the victims of Kashyyyk. After all, this was the reason for tonight's emergency meeting and "...But that is not the reason I have chosen to speak today."

Raycom's ears sharpened with alarm, as his back slightly straightened. He watched the Hynestian Senator carefully, as he elaborated his true reasoning. His brow furrowed as the Senator began to deliberate his vision of a peaceful republic. A lump formed in the back of Hedarial's throat and he had to suppress the urge to mutter, so all he did was shake his head. This display of arrogance in the Senate chamber was beyond him, and he was increasingly happy about his spot on the speaker roster.

As the speech of his forerunner came to a close, being about three short minutes long, Hedarial made ready to take over. Raising from his seat, he took a stance at the podium. With a stern look, he cleared his throat to address the assembly.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Republic Senate. Tonight we have had to witness yet another travesty at the hands of the Sith. An attack on the world of Kashyyyk, whose ferocious conduct only pales in comparison to its sheer brutality."

His glance scanned the rows of Senators around him, as his hand slowly raised the Datapad that had rested on the speaker's desk before him. "It is this act of intergalactic terrorism that brings me here tonight. With me, I bring this plea for support to send, rather sooner than late, humanitarian aid to the victims of this recent attack." He paused as he slowly lowered the pad, placing both hands on the podium before him. "This is the reason why we have called an emergency session because we know that time is of the essence because we know that any minute wasted is a minute that should be spent relieving the emergency services of Kashyyyk." He shook his head.

"And yet, in lights of Senator Xerxes' humble admission, I ask consent to address the Senate for one moment and to revise and extend my remarks." His eyes looked at the speaker, and only after the nod of the man did he speak. This Senate had no conduct anymore, with everyone speaking as he pleased about what he pleased. Hedarial wished to be an exception.

"Senator, you speak of action. You speak of direction. You challenge this plenum on its course of action, and yet it is you who places himself before this assembly, only to utilise an emergency meeting as a platform for political traction?" Hedarial's looked directed directly at the young Senator, his eyes filled with ice. "I hope the victims of the Sith appreciate the thoughts and prayers of yourself and the Hynestian people because under your leadership it seems that is all that should be afforded to them!"

He paused slightly as he looked down towards the datapad, shaking his head slightly before addressing the collective of Senators again. "The Sith Empire, conducting the bombardment, has given us an ultimatum. It seems to me that Chancellor candidate Xerxes intends to accept their terms to make peace with the devil. I say we do not budge to terrorism and do not set the dangerous precedent of the New Republic government negotiating with terrorists. Our enemies have proven willing to murder our head of state without hesitance. What acts are they capable of committing if they believe we will bow to violence?"

He pointed toward Senator Xerxes and spoke: "Mr Senator, you mentioned the might and strength of the core. Why not, my fellow delegates, should we utilise this strength of the Core to act against these forces of evil and restore order to our republic!"

He looked around as his hands folded on the table before him. "I envision a Republic whose citizens need not be afraid of assassination, whose member nations need not fear war, and whose allies can depend on stable cooperation. And such a Republic can not be gained by compromises with the evil and corrupt. One must only look at our history to see as much. It will require action! To quote Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl, Senator of Kaschyyk: "the battle for the galaxy is far from over, the battle is just beginning." We must not bow to pressure from evil, we must stand up to it. Yet not through the action of one man can we achieve victory, but through the action of this institution!"

As his hands indicated the senate room around him, he took the liberty of one last small break before he would make his point. "The Senate is the heart of our democracy, and within it lies the might to face these problems, or search for cheap buyouts. But, whether this Senate will support Senator Xerxes in his dream of compromises, or myself in my vision that I wish to bring upon the Republic, is a question for another day. One that pales in comparison to the question before us."

Once more he held his datapad high. "I ask you that you are assembled here, to focus with me on the lives of the innocent struck by tragedy on Kashyyk. Herewith I bring a bill aimed at alleviating the harm to Kashyyk's civilian population quickly and efficiently. I aim to subsidise Kashyyyk's surviving healthcare infrastructure, as well as institute a fond to pay for the basic needs of the disenfranchised that lost their home, livelihoods and jobs. Furthermore, financial aid to help in the rebuilding of the planet-wide infrastructure. Then I would instate a Microfinance plan to aid the poorest of the plant's surviving population, so they may recover."

He looked around to see if people were following, and then added on. "In time we will need to deliver weapons and sort out the question of our own forces, yet I am not in any position to discuss such matters yet. Thus I would beg that tonight we focus on what we can do in our state as we are now before we then afterwards try to reach a functional state of governance. To finance this plan, I propose that each nation spends a tenth of a percentage of its Gross Domestic Product. Given the sheer amount of richer systems within the core and the New Republic, this money would be more than enough to cover the funds and begin assembling the needed personnel to conduct the humanitarian efforts. I suggest erecting a special Senate committee formed from trusted representatives of all parties to administer the funds in a transparent manner, most probably in a state founded endowment. If we can agree on such a deal tonight, tomorrow we could already begin to save lives."

As he got ready for his last remarks, he added the last point to his proposal. "I further suggest orienting the committee on aiding all victims of illicit aggression, so that its humanitarian efforts are not confined to Kashyyk, and can also benefit older victims of the Sith aggression and reconquered planets, as well as Mandalorian victims. Mr. Speaker, I yield the floor."

@Braden

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Such melodrama. Jin could barely hide his irritation as the Senate floor collapsed into frenzied shouting, the men and women present inflamed by both proposals from Senator Xerxes and Hedarial—one, a shameless play for the Chancellory, and the other, an attempt to siphon funds for a Rim world that served little importance to the Republic. What was the point? It would fall into Sith hands by the week’s end anyway.

He sighed, pressing a hand against his temple and wondering if it might be enough to dislodge this maddening headache he was feeling. Considering his seniority and experience, Jin supposed he would have to be the one to set things straight today.

“Honorable delegates of the Senate,” he said, once he was recognized by the Speaker, “I support the idea of providing humanitarian aid to Kashyyyk and our friends in the Free Worlds—but Senator Hedarial, your proposal is one bogged down by special committees and financial bureaucracy. Fondor has and will provide medical supplies and funding on its own terms. That, or through the ISCRA, which has already done an admirable job in relieving those at the warfront. We may not be holding a vote, but Fondor would not be in favor of such a bill.”

His dark eyes cut to Alexander, seated comfortably opposite the chamber. “As for the subject of the Chancellory, I can understand Senator Xerxes’ unease. Since Emil Ro’s death, we have been a leaderless pack of sheep, standing by as our economy continues to reach spectacularly historic lows. I can't argue against Senator Hedarial’s desire to assist the Free Worlds against the Sith, but we need leadership now. We need more than… this.” He waved a dismissive hand across the Senate chamber. “As for who might replace the late Chancellor, I can’t say for sure.”

“Senator Hedarial,” he added. “Will you submit your candidacy for the position? Or would you rather continue pushing this bill?”

@Braden @ThisIsHowLibertyDies

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Hedarial nodded at the words of Senator Vaisya. The man made some stout observations, and gave him an opening to raise his word once more. Rising from his seat, not leaving for the podium yet instead answering from his position within the benches, due to the short nature of his awnser.

"Given the circumstances, the individual approach you suggest may be more sufficient to handle the task. I would lie to say I expected much a different outcome. I still believe the Republic has need of amendment in its own capability of handling such matters, but I digress."

He made an apologetic gesture at the extend of his answer "To come to the point, I will submit my own candidacy for office, and given time I hope for this assemblies support. I just do not intent to capsize tonights Emergency Meeting for my own political end!" Having answered the small question, he yielded the floor back to Senator Vaisya.

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander expected that at least a few of his fellow Senators would be upset about his declaration for Chancellorship in this manner. But it needed to be done, they had sat idly by for too long without moving a finger, he doubted that the Senate would have even called for any action unless he had made a move. The past few months had given him ample examples of such malpractice by the chamber.

The Hynestian smiled as Hedarial took centre stage, at first his remarks were small and minor. But he soon went into a verbal assault upon Alexander’s remarks and plans for the future of the Republic. All he could do was smile as the Senator began to spin his words, calling the Sith Terrorists, that Xerxes bows to fear, pulling a bill out of his ass that they should fund the rebuilding of world far out of their jurisdiction one that had chosen to leave their fold.

Before Alexander could begin any response to the man Senator Vaisra took the floor, Alexander knew the man was anti-Jedi, something that he would lean on in any future conversations over the Chancellorship and ceasing of hostilities with the Sith. He personally shut down some of Hedarial’s comments about the Core funding the rebuilding of Kashyyyk. Which seemingly the Byss Senator agreed to. As Hedarial stepped back from the edge of his platform giving back the floor Alexander stepped back in.

“Senator’s Hedarial and Vaisra, firstly I thank you for taking the time to comment on these matters. Too long the Senate has sat silent as the Republic around us crumbles.” It was a subtle dig, but Alexander did not care. “In response to the Honourable Senator for Byss’ remarks first of my apparent willingness to only give the people of Kashyyyk thoughts and prayers. I will point you to Senator Vaisra’s comments about the ISCRA. Hynestia personally, under my guidance, has already signed up to give a sizable portion of money as well as housing to people displaced by both the AMS virus and warzones across the Galaxy. Something willingly chosen by our government as an independent system. So I ask you do not question my willingness to help those in need.”

He paused for a moment looking the Senator in the eye, before turning back to the Speaker and the room. “However I do oppose any such bill that forces all worlds within the Republic to pay for the rebuilding of a world that does not fall within our esteemed government. Again as Senator Vaisra rightly says, we have a crumbling economy, falling employment levels and inflation that has not been seen since the last days of the Clone Wars. I believe that we must see to our own house before we open the doors for those outside.”

Placing his hands upon the edge of the pod, he paused and took a deep breath. “You also claim that the Sith are Terrorists, I do not deny that these Shock and Awe tactics are vile and can only be condemned, but. I remind now Chancellor candidate Hedarial, that this is not a non-state group striking out, this is not the Mandalorians or Sith past decades. This is a fully fledged Government, recognised by our Esteemed Fallen Chancellor, a government that we have been in a state of war against for the past three years. This is also a Government who has, on multiple occasions, given us a way out of senseless death and destruction. A way that our previous Chancellors’ and apparently Candidate Hedarial, chose not to pursue, for whatever reason, be it personal or otherwise.” There had been more than one rumour that Emil and the Jedi Grandmaster were a thing, again it wasn’t tactful but this was politics after all and rumours were fair currency.

“I ask Candidate Hedarial and all those that do not agree with my desire for a ceasefire, why should the citizens of the New Republic die for the Jedi within our midst? What have the Jedi Order given the Republic but enemies? I remind all here that it was the folly and frivolous nature of the Jedi Order that helped bring down this very organisation nearly two centuries ago. Why are we once again letting them determine the fate of the Republic? They claim to protect us from the Sith, but all they have done is pull the Imperial War Machine on top of us. I say that we turn the Jedi from our door, reach out to that offer of peace and rebuild our great Republic.” Alexander once again paused, allowing the rest of the senators to shout words of agreement or anger. It didn’t matter what they said now, only that they were saying something.

“And before Candidate Hedarial, calls me a fool for believing a Sith. Or asking why I believe they will keep their word. I will give you proof.” Alexander turned round pointing at the now empty pods which once held the representatives of worlds such as Brentaal, Balmorra, Corellia and Duro. “Many of our Honourable Brethren have left this great chamber to join the halls of the Consortium. A government led by the President Thorne, that has not had a single Imperial shell fall upon its land. For they have forsaken the Jedi and have chosen neutrality in this war of Ideologies.” He turned back to face both the speaker and Senator Hedarial. “They now stand as the predominant growing power within the Democratic Galaxy, for they do not spend the lives of their citizens in pointless wars, but allow them to grow freely upon their planets, tending crops, building electronics, creating clothes. I admire President Thorne and all he has done within his power to bring prosperity to his people. I believe that is we follow the Consortium's policy in this ideological war between the Sith and Jedi the Republic will once again be allowed to flourish into the Garden of Democracy it once was.”

@ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Song

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Sitting down, Hedarial had believed it would be Senator Vaisra from whom he'd hear the following remarks. Yet, Xerxes piped up again with another monologue. Putting on a smile, he listened to the man's explanations. Shaking his head or nodding along, he put a good face on the matter and waited for the inevitable end of the dialogue.

Raising once more at the end of the small soliloquy of his peer, he cleared his throat before gesturing into the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologise for taking the word once more. I shall keep it court. Mr Xerxes, you are right about the point of our inaction. Yet, I differ in my conclusion as my speech has made clear. I did never mean to hurt your person, yet I do indeed say that it shows a bad picture for any statesman to dismiss a tragedy the size of Kashyyyk for his own party politics, and only mention it in passing. It just doesn't befit a man running for office in my very personal view. I understand that you feel insecure about a proposal that aids not the republic directly, but I implore you to read my proposal again and find that it does not poor money into one rim world, but is meant as the start of a centralised and Senate steered humanitarian aid foundation of the republic. I have already admitted that it was probably too much for too little time, but it should serve as a cause for thought."

"As for my remarks on terrorism, I fully believe that the attack on Kashyyyk should be classified as state terrorism, and not as a form of Rapid Dominance, or "Shock and Awe" as the tactic is more commonly called. Civilian casualties are actively tried to be avoided in the later and not the stated aim of such operations" His eyes became icy once more, and he wanted to talk on, but stopped himself.

Instead, he paused and sighed, before continuing. "I, like many others that have been part of Free World Senator Moore's gala, am very aware of your for President Thorne's" and with just the smudge of a pause "policy." A low dig at the slightly treasonous suggestions made by the Senator on that evening, yet valid nonetheless. "And I must wonder, if you believe his policy to be so suited to the needs of your homeworld, why are you still here and not long gone together with the representatives of Brentaal, Balmorra, Corellia and Duro? If you truly believe the model of the ISC applies best to the Republic, why would we still have members? I fully believe that the ISC is a capable government under a capable head of state, I do not believe there needs to be a second one, however. And I believe the method of the ISC does not apply to all systems."

Hedarial began to shake his head before he added. "As for a large magnitude of your other questions, please come by my office and we shall discuss them. I still don't see the need to discuss them here, now. If you honestly desire a list of actions the Jedi have done for the better of the galaxy, I shall search for my old history books from school. If you truly require an answer why just bowing to the demands of the Sith may not be the wisest choice... I think we will find those answers there as well. I doubt I need to lecture anyone Senator being present about these facts, and I doubt you yourself truly need these answers as well. Let's spare the discussions of our goals and policies for our campaigns, and not take this Emergency session and misappropriate it any further!" With that he sat down, hoping that Xerxes would allow others to talk as well.

@Braden @Song

 

[Caliban Drast]

Caliban was sure when he left office that he would not ever return to the halls he now found himself within, he had always been the outsider, the foolish idealist, the black sheep of a corrupt and degenerate family. And yet, here he was. Leadership, it seemed, had been thrust on him and he could not turn his back on it now that he knew the consequences of inaction. He had returned a changed man, wiser, more jaded, not the bright eyed fool he had been. Yet those around him seemed to be the same, the same greed, the same lust for power, the same grandstanding.

"The Senator from Hynestia commented on policies regarding the Jedi and the Sith," he spoke up after the Senator from Byss was done saying his bit, though he didn't address him directly as he began, "not that we absorb every aspect of their government. And in that regard I agree with him. History has its lessons Senator Hedarial," he did address the Senator now, "but not at the expense of the present. The Jedi were expelled from the Galactic Senate as a result of their own actions, and much of the Core shares in that sentiment. I understand where you're coming from, and there was a time when I might have shared in your optimism, but I have to consider the beliefs of my constituents, and I would be failing the people of Coruscant if I extended a hand of friendship to the Jedi. It is not what they want," he glanced around to let his gaze wander across the gathering, catching the eyes of other representatives who had faced anti-forcer protests like on Coruscant, and found nods of agreement waiting for him, "and I don't find it hard to imagine their thoughts on Senator Xerxes' proposal. I would support a motion of neutrality in ongoing conflicts with the Sith."

He could have said more, but unlike his predecessor he did not believe in taking pot-shots or being snippy. So he had stuck with the matter at hand, this job might have changed him in more than one way, but it could not change the very core of his being. So instead of bickering he turned to what really matter. "Senator Vaisra," he said turning to the Fondoran Senator, "you are right that time is against us. As such Coruscant will join you in sending any relief directly to the ISCRA. My predecessor turned the erstwhile Jedi Temple on Coruscant into a refugee center, which has served those displaced by the AMS virus, and we will open its gates to any fleeing the tragedy on Kashyyyk. As for a long term response, the AMS relief fund was set up years ago and has successfully provided aid to fallout of the virus. It provides a framework for us to build around to provide relief to Kashyyyk. But for now, Coruscant will stand with Fondor in supporting Kashyyk as best as we can."

He had himself proposed that fund, and had even argued with Hedarial's successor on the matter, he was more than aware that the Republic was capable of taking rapid response in such a circumstance. But despite what the facts said on the matter, he could not believe as he once did that things would go that smoothly. Unfortunately the reality was that he fully expected the creation of a relief fund to take time, and time they did not have. So, having said his bit, ignoring entirely the matter of chancellorship, he gave the Senators who had spoken before a nod and sat down.

Back in the lion's den, he thought to himself as he sat down, and unbidden another thought came to mind, a den full of headless kittens. That last bit, unexpected as it was, caught him by surprise. Maybe he had changed more than he thought he had.

@Braden @Song @ThisIsHowLibertyDies

 

[The Storyteller]

As Hedarial sat down the Speaker quickly jumped upright trying to pull attention away from the two Senators and back to himself. “Thank you Seantors Xerxes, Hedarial, Vaisra and Drast. Your words are… Appreciated.” The Speaker could see that his time as the head of the Chamber was falling away rapidly. He only hoped that he would still be in his seat no matter who took on the role as Chancellor. Coughing to clear his throat he continued. “I am glad to see two members of this Great Chamber so passionate about our future. Once our meeting today has ended, I will speak to both of you with regards to the election process.”

He turned to the rest of the chamber. “If any others wish to put themselves forward for the seat of Supreme Chancellor, please inform the Office of the Speaker by tomorrow afternoon.”

From there the meeting turned to the discussion of the Republic’s reaction to Kashyyyk. Little however was arranged apart from token gestures which would do little to help in this time and need. Many Senator’s heads had turned to the coming election and any sizable response was closed down by one side or the other. Xerxes and the Centralists vs Hedarial and the Populists.

[Thread End - Let the Election Race Begin]