Galactic Senate Coruscant Catalyst of Progress

[The Storyteller]

Senate Building, Coruscant​

A lot had happened since the last session of the Galactic Senate.

First the Empire formally declared their separation from the Sith Order. Which wasn't without cost, for what was an Empire spanning three great territories in both the Northen and Southern part of the Galaxy, soon an exodus took place. The war with the Independent Systems Consortium (ISC) and the Sith Order's fear-tactics had caused so much strain on the individual members worlds of the Empire that many had chosen neutrality instead. The Empire also lost its Emperor and had yet to appoint a new one..

The New Republic Chancellor bombarded Taanab, causing mass confusion and chaos between what had always appeared to be allied factions within the Galactic Senate. It soon turned out that the Chancellor and much of the New Republic Fleet was actually joined by Killiks and it took a combined fleet of NR and FWA to finally take it down. Eventually the Jedi Order announced it had found a cure to the Killik together with the Independent Systems Consortium (ISC) and an independent scientist.

Despite this, the Independent Systems Consortium (ISC) which had been involved in many wars in the last decade, but most notably with the Empire, suffered mass secession over what appeared to be its warmongering attitude.

The event that no doubt seemed to be the cataclyst for this particular session was the surprise news that two of the oldest and most present voting blocks in the Galactic Senate, that of the New Republic and the Free World's Alliance, had collapsed as both interplanetary heavyweights with decades, if not centures, had decided to dissolve.

Even the Jewel of the Core, Coruscant itself, is still in a state of emergency over the last remnants of the Killik infestation and what the Jedi call a 'dark side nexus' on the planet. It is fortunately that the Galactic Senate Building stands in the most secure area of the city-world and enjoys a grand independent security system. Therefore none of the senators -and their staff- need to be worried of the killik, the dark side nexus or any other expression of violence or indeed, physical discomfort.


GALACTIC SENATE SESSION APRIL

The Galactic Senate gathers to discuss recent events and how to move forward.​

Due to time-constraints and poor organizational skills with what was essentially the senatorial staff in utter chaos and uncertainty over the continuation of their job, safety and livelihood. This in part due to the events on Coruscant itself, the former members of the now dissolved voting blocks were still seated together instead of having their new seats be properly arranged according to the number of planets they represented and the general area of the galaxy that they hailed from.

An oversight that would no doubt be corrected for the next meeting of the Galactic Senate. For the meantime the senators were duly escorted to their seats.

[OOC: Open to all senate characters. Please be aware of the roster and update accordingly. It is severely outdated.]

 

[Jana Kang]

After the events of the Hapan attack on Byblos, Jana had been sure that she would no longer enjoy the trust of the Byblos government to represent them in the Galactic Senate. She had been the Queen-mother's hostage onboard her ship as they did battle against the Killik Fleet. It was the senator of Kashyyyk that deserved all the praise for the victory over the New Republic Fleet, however, for it was the Republic that shouldered all the blame in letting the Killik infestion reach so far and so deep into its command structure, both political as militaristic.

Today, after having received her new government's trust, she sat down in her designated pod again after having served in this senate for twelve years now. A time in which the planet Byblos had only seen a single attack on its people, that by Hapes and Onderon, but was fortunately foiled by the planet's pre-emptive preparedness.

Jana's datapad was filled with drafts of speeches and personal memorandums from the current president of Byblos. They had lost what they thought was a extra defense against foreign invasion, but through the actions of the New Empire had perhaps less cause for these extra defensive measures. After all, had not most, if not all, of the large intergalactic wars in the past 200 years been initiated by members the Sith Order?

She hadn't decided yet on which version of which drafted speech she would use today, but truthfully her eyes weren't focused on the datapad she held, but rather on the pod belonging to the Senator of Kashyyyk. He deserved a moment in the spotlight, of recognition, for the selfless actions he had taken in the past years.

An attended droid approached her slowly. "A cup of tea, please, green. No wait-" she turned towards it, -a fruity one. Agamarian Binka?" the droid paused and then stated <Right away, Senator Kang>

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra found herself in a strange position just like everyone else these days. Kessel had left the ISC and therefore had lost its seat as part of the organization, but now the entirety of the FWA and NR had ceased to exist, so a mix up of seats was inevitably going to occur. She was still a Governor of an independent system, just like almost everyone else these days.

As Governor of Kessel even now, she had chosen to attend in the hope of gaining a voice and representation for her people once again. It had absolutely nothing to do with expanding her own interests in the galaxy. Definitely not. Someone once said chaos was a ladder, and while it wasn't her that said it, she certainly didn't disagree with it.

She was familiar with the chaos that had unfolded at some previous senate sessions, and though she had traveled with her guards here, she hadn't carried a blaster of her own because... well, that wasn't really allowed at a senate session, much to her chagrin. With the state of Killiks still lingering in the galaxy, it made her uncomfortable to be so exposed.

She, like the others, was led through the boxes and to a seat where she sipped at the drink inside of her water bottle. Truthfully, the bottle was filled with Emryc Energy, but most people felt it was more appropriate for a Governor to be drinking water so as she typically did, she put on the proper show.

She knew that today's proceedings - however they played out - had the potential to shape the galaxy for the next several decades, and you could be sure she'd be there for it.

 

[Victoria]

Meeting with the other senators and representatives after such a bombshell change in the political landscape seemed rather chaotic, ill-planned, and convoluted. But then again wasn't that every senate session lately?

The dissolution of the FWA and NR had both come as quite a shock to the consul and perhaps not. A painful pill to swallow but perhaps she had spent far too much time delving into what was happening across the galaxy without paying sufficient attention to the happenings within the alliance. The historic alliance had survived countless attacks, and multiple Sith empires but ultimately it was itself that pulled the wildly complex group apart.

The path forward was an unsure one with villains on the loose, and trillions of lives now hanging in the balance and without the protection of a large state body. In an ideal galaxy, this would be ideal. Each world and its people democratically choose their own futures and treaties amongst each other without being forced to comply against their will. A truly decolonized galactic senate would, in theory, provide something like this.

But the one thing that Victoria had started to realize above all else, was that what once was, will likely also come to pass again. And while you could not predict the future, at the very least one should put in the effort to prepare for it.

@Eccles @Phoenix

 

[Vetra]

The Blackwell representative sat in her pod, she was punctual as ever. That's how she is. Vetra didn't have high hopes for this session. The Republic and Free Worlds Alliance finally collapsed - long overdue in her mind - so that that would remains in the Galactic Senate would be... some scattered worlds, the ISC, the Empire, and the Corporate Sector. Not to mention is there no agenda that she can see for this to be done in an orderly manner. How disorganized. Vetra would wonder what the higher ups in the ISC and their governors are thinking about this.

Vetra had her protocol droid with her, she had her datapad, that's all she needs she supposes.

Maybe something eventful will happen, she can only hope. They will see.

 

[Rrodossk]

Rrodossk knew his presence would be looked upon differently by the galaxy as a whole with this. They would not understand what just unfolded. Though his claws were not personally around any of the other Elder's throats his words caused the mob to activate. To keep with the visage of a Trandoshan leader today he was adorned in their remains, a skull now sewn into each shoulder of his wookie cloak with their spines draped down behind him. The polished bones clattered softly as he moved towards his senate pod. His clothing now was no longer of a senator but of a lord, with etched leather and metal plates and a long fur tassel from his temporary crown. The Great Khagan felt awkward returning to the galactic stage at such a time, he felt... dirty. The other Elders, that had not been the plan. But that is what his people wanted. He felt sickened by the entire act yet he had to stay strong and noble for his people. He had to play the part he wrote himself into. That they wanted him to play. For Dosh.

Directly to his right was Yossk, adorned in regal armor with a Gundark leather cape dangling off from the preserved head draped over his right shoulder. His right hip had the empty holster of a lightsaber dangling from it, while the left had a small leather loop for his axe that too had to not attend this meeting. The golden medallion in the center of his chest was of the visage of the new Trandoshan banner, the skull reminiscent of the Mythosaur Skull but was much less noble and more... Trandoshan. The four guards of different species behind the father and son were all dressed in unified armor, leather scale mail paired with closed leather face masks and air tassels adorning their helmets.

Rrodossk sat in the lead chair of the pod, with Yossk in one of the two advisor seats while his guards stood behind them. The older reptile scanned the room and saw some familiar faces while many he did not recognize. The one who caught his eye was the representative of Blackwell (@The Good Doctor). Just the company he wished to speak with. So his clawed hands quickly found her seat number and began to type up a message for her:
<Begin Transmission>
Pardon me Miss Solaris,
But it has occurred to me that Blackwell Tech and Czerka Arms are in an ongoing rivalry, and I wish to assist you. The Trandoshans have had ties to Czerka for generations, and we noticed that Blackwell is most likely going to win. We can legally break contract with Czerka and give you all of the designs for current and future designs from our planet as well as making you our premier military contractor. This would further cripple Czerka to make it easier to absorb into Blackwell. If you are interested, we can arrange for a meeting after this session.
- Khagan Rrodossk Wassak.
<End Transmission>

Things needed to change in the galaxy, and Trandosha needed new allies. His people adored him, from the recent polling he had done nearly 90% of Trandosha supported him. Support from his people was one thing, but support from outside galactic powers would be an entirley different ball game. He could potentially bring Dusty under his thumb, and potentially some of the other world's and contacts he had prior to the collapse of the Alliance, but he did not have much. He would need to fight tooth and claw to gain a foothold in this new political landscape. He just had to play his cards right.

"My lord," one of his guards spoke as he approached the Khagan, in his hands a leather covered bottle, "my family back home are wine makers, and we would be honored if you would drink some." He bowed his head to the old Dosh and offered him the bottle. Rrodossk nodded back and took the wine, setting out two glasses for him and his son to drink from. Maybe this would be a good session after all, with this quality of wine anything could be bearable.

@Eccles @Phoenix @Xorism

 

[Emryc Thorne]

No one should have been surprised by the collapse of both the Alliance and the New Republic. The two governments had stagnated for decades and their economies crumbled. No one was unscathed - the ISC lost its territories, many of its critical Core worlds. However, it was still the ISC that dealt a blow to the Sith so severe that it broke them in two. The Sith were ousted and the Empire lost its foothold on the galaxy. In truth, Emryc didn’t see much of a point in even gracing these people with his presence. However, his Vice President had insisted, and the half Sephi was always partial to his advice.

Emryc commanded a grand presence as always, walking into the chamber in a crisp suit and hair perfectly styled into place. He hadn’t been in person for one of these things in a while. Now that both his children were safe, he was far more present in his duties. Raze consumed much of his thoughts and, by Emryc’s measure, he was a greater threat to the galaxy than the Killik or any other nonsense item these people wanted to discuss.

The half Sephi took a seat, his icy gaze panning over the others. He was a lion among ants, but he would entertain whatever new theatrics they had to present now.

 

[Dusty Daytonus]

"Nice haircut, dork! The weatherman auditions are down the hall!" Dusty cackled at Emryc Thorne's appearance as the half-Sephi made a suitably grand entrance, befitting his stature. Emryc's crisp suit, the haircut, the style - they projected a commanding presence to those who had lived their life in politics but for Dusty? It just came across as trying too hard. And if there was one thing the Glymphid governor could never be accused of, it was trying too hard to look presentable. This was made apparent by his choice of companions for the day; he was accompanied by his Honor Guard today, the ranks of which were now swelled with Hutt Cartel gladiators that Dusty had taken a shine to.

Instead of the traditional Honor Guard being made up of distinguished and retired Ploo military personnel, a Nikto knifefighter, a Gigoran brawler with one eye, a heavily tattooed Anacondan strangler, and a Roonan gunslinger were now wearing the ceremonial uniforms instead. It was an affront to the very nature of the Honor Guard but, for Dusty, it was a vast improvement. He much preferred the company of criminals and gladiators over that of stuffy majors and captains. He found he had more in common with the former group.

"Rrodossk, my main reptile, how's it hanging? What do you think abut this little shindig?" Dusty greeted his Trandoshan friend, offering him a most informal finger guns as he and his bodyguards sat in the pod next to the lizardman from the FWA. Actually, was there even a FWA anymore? Dusty knew that he, Rrodossk, and a few other core members of the Alliance had recently gotten together to try and establish a reserve army and repair some of the damage that had stagnated the organization. But with so many member worlds leaving, it might have been too little, too late.

@Sreeya @Olwin @Xorism @The Good Doctor @Phoenix @Eccles

 

[The Storyteller]

The brief silence that filled the chamber - immediately after Dusty made his quip - was broken by the slamming of the Speaker’s staff against the ground. Camera droids panned towards the stoic-faced Togruta preceding over the latest session.

“Senator Daytonus,” She called out across the chamber, staring down at the Senator with deadpan expression, “I would remind you of the basic rules of decorum, to be abided by all members of this body. Disparaging remarks made towards fellow members of the Galactic Senator and Heads of Government will not be tolerated.”

“Any further outburst will see you removed by the Senate Sergeant-at-arms.” It would be his first and only warning. The camera droids remained fixed on the Senator, his reaction and reprimand streamed to trillions across the Galaxy.

@Fantasy Liver

 

[Dusty Daytonus]

Dusty, loving every minute of camera time waved to the trillions of people watching. Already his feed was blowing up with reactions to his outburst across the galaxy. The majority condemned such a churlish display while a distressingly large vocal minority expressed approval and amusement at the barb. A byproduct of the ISC making enemies perhaps.

"Apologies, Speaker. Just some good natured ribbing is all. You won't hear it again, promise" Dusty replied, crossing his heart with his hands. One of his Honor Guard rolled his eyes at the fact that his career had led him to guarding this buffoon but Dusty swore he heard another one chuckle.

 

[Caliban Drast]

A tired, but still not entirely broken, Caliban took his seat.

 

[The Storyteller]

1) OPENING BY SPEAKER

The session starts according to the agenda with a formal opening by the Speaker.​

Everyone's microphone was muted exactly on the scheduled time as the podium of the Speaker rose to claim everyone's attention. All pods had their inbuilt screens with a live-feed from the camera-drones hovering through the the senate chamber. Even the press had their own pods, although they lacked microphones as to not interrupt the proceedings.

"Welcome members of the Galactic Senate, representatives of the HoloNet press and all Galactic Citizens watching these proceedings from a distance," a few senators had chosen to attend via hologram and while that was not uncommon, the special welcome had ofcourse been directed as citizens that were watching from the comforts of their home, or because it happened to stream at their place of work.

"It is good that we have managed to come together again after such a tumultuous time in our galaxy," always impartial and apolitical, the speaker could not say what he personally thought of the wars between factions, the situation with the Sith Order or even the Killik infestations that had lead to galactic tensions and unmitigated violence. "I have been asked by representatives of several former New Republic planets to issue a special thanks to Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl of Kashyyyk. His selfless acts and leadership in the battle over Commenor have been praised by many among you, as is his devotion to the principles that support this very senate."

The speaker paused, allowing the camera-drones to move over and capture the wookiee's reaction and to take measure of the applause from senators, both from the former New Republic and Free World's Alliance and -hopefully- from the other factions as well.

"Thus, to the Senator from Kashyyyk, I would like to thank you for your continued devotion to the senate and it's unity and present your with this Medal of Commendation." with the camera-drones already position, they would capture members of the senate's staff give Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl both a letter detailing all the reasons the senate was thankful for and a small box that held the medal. As was customary in situations like these, the senator from Kashyyyk would be able to use his microphone to address the senate in response to being reward this Medal of Commendation before the speaker would move on.

If Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl (@SlagathorTheUnknown) decided not to address the gathering, or after he had finished doing so, the Speaker would continue with the agenda as stated.

"Then I propose we continue to the next point in our agenda and for that I yield the floor to the senator from Byblos."

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc didn’t notice anything was amiss until the Speaker shut the Senator of Ploo II down. Sensitive hearing meant he had gotten extremely selective about who he paid attention to. The half Sephi’s gaze was fixed ahead to the voice that outlined the Senator of Kashyyyk’s efforts, along with the presentation of a medal.

The President leaned forward to speak into his mic, “I would like to add that Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl went far above and beyond the call of duty to send forces to the defense of Corellia. He did so during a time where his fleet was already stretched thin and his home was vulnerable. Kashyyyk is a friend to the ISC and we fully support this well-deserved recognition,” The Wookiee may have despised him, and the two men certainly never formally met one on one or traded, but Emryc didn’t get this far by being petty. He would give credit where it was due.

His gaze remained on Aezz, the Senator that was the most powerful in the room right behind Emryc himself. Did the fool even realize how much power he held? He was Senator of his world, but more importantly, he commanded influence over many worlds around his sphere. He was far more formidable than perhaps even he realized. Emryc sipped from his glass of water. He really did prefer when diplomats didn't know to think outside of their box.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Hugo Parasini]

This would be the first session of Galactic Senate that the recently-made Governor of Opportunity would be attending. Just in time when the whole political landscape of the galaxy has changed, with the New Republic and Free Worlds collapsing. Governments that have been around for little more than one-hundreds of years just imploding... Both large in scope at the start of this century, now reduced, then they just vanished... That's not all, as the Empire was weakened severely, but even with losses the ISC took, the ISC still emerged stronger than everyone else and plan on continuing to move forward.

The colonial governor would be sitting his pod, backed by his assistant droid. He chuckled after watching the governor of Ploo II embarrass himself on holoscreens galaxy wide. That was a FWA world wasn't it? If ex-FWA officials spent more time addressing their own problems rather than trying to dish out at others maybe the FWA wouldn't have collapsed.

Hugo saw that Senator Aezz was awarded with a commendation and a medal for his acts in the battle of Commenor. It was rather odd that the ISC didn't get any praise for the Sith's downfall and the Empire all but defeated. But Emryc shown he was a classy by praising him, despite the wookie senator being well known not to like the ISC.

The Governor would look at the agenda. After this, it's about ending the war with the ISC and Empire. It appears they are still technically at war although there hasn't been any fighting between for a good minute. The rest of the agenda isn't clear, will any of the attendees motion anything interesting? They will see...

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

As a result of his age Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl hadn't been certain that he'd ever step foot on Coruscant again, but attending this senate meeting in person was diplomatically important for two reasons. First, it was necessary to signal to the rest of the galaxy that even though the FWA no longer existed, the planets it had once represented were still quite active and vocal on the galactic stage. The Wookiee saw that he was not alone in representing now-independent planets; several former FWA and NR counterparts were also in attendance. And second, his presence would show his faith in the security of the Core planets, despite the actions of their ex-Supreme Chancellor and a Joined 5th Fleet.

All the same, his security detail was taking no chances. The Senator had an annoying habit of both making himself a target with his loud opinions, and that was when he wasn't putting himself in harm's way by personally leading fleets of ships. Drawing on lessons learned from Ruusan, foreign objects such the medal and the box would be discreetly scanned for electronic and biological threats before they were even allowed into Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's pod; a move that also gave the Senator a moment to acknowledge the applause and to gather his thoughts at the surprise commendation.

The words of acknowledgement from the President of the ISC- with whom and whose government Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl had sparred with on several occasions- only drove home how important this short acceptance speech was. The Wookiee gripped the sides of his podium tightly for its physical support while an aide held the medal in its box off to his right.

"Fellow representatives, I am humbled by this unprecedented honor, and for your gracious words. Thank you. In truth, I fear that I am unworthy of this recognition when there are so many present who have done just as much, if not more. I know that I am not alone in this room in risking my life for my people" -a nod towards the brave Senator from Bylbos (@Eccles), before his eyes settled on the ISC's pods; returning a look of begrudging respect for Emryc's personal defense of Thyferra (@Sreeya)- "nor am I the only one to devote resources in another planet's time of need." The ISCRA alone could've commanded dozens of such medals over the years, and the galactic aid to Tanaab and Commenor had come from many sources.

"Every day, we as representatives are faced with choices that shape the future of this galaxy... and I have come to realize that we are stronger when we work together. Every victory we've had over the Kiliks- Ruusan, Correlia, Thyferra, and Tanaab, has been due to coordination between multiple governments and independent factions." Even their achievements off the battlefield continued the theme. "And a collaboration between the ISC and the Jedi Order" - a sentence he'd never thought he'd ever say- "has resulted in a simple test and a humane cure for being Joined."

The ensuing applause gave Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl time to ponder his final words as something akin to survivor's guilt, or perhaps imposter syndrome, suddenly weighed on him. He had led the coalition to Tanaab, but he'd not paid the ultimate price like so many had that day, nor had he assumed any personal risk when dispatching a fleet to aid the ISC.

"May this spirit of collaboration and cooperation continue to define us as we look to usher in a new era of peace and stability for all of our peoples. Thank you."

@AllThePeople

 

[Jana Kang]

2) CONFLICT RESOLUTION

The Senator from Byblos introduces, according to the agenda, the first topic for senate discussion.​

After the applause had ended, giving the senator from Kashyyyk his well-deserved moment in the spotlight, everyone's microphone was muted as the Speaker rose to introduce and then yield the floor to the senator from Byblos. As Jana's pod began to the detach from its usually fixed position and rose to the center of the chamber, the nerves almost made her hands tremble a little. Granted, this wasn't the first time she had addressed the entire senate and had even argued strongly in favor of sanctions on the Sith Empire a decade ago, but it was the first time she would after the collapse of the New Republic and as a senator who, effectively, stood alone.

"My fellow representatives in this Galactic Senate," she paused as she turned slightly to her left, to Kashyyyk's pod, "I would like to start by congratulating the senator from Kashyyyk," she purposefully did not try and speak his name, because she mispronounced it slightly most of the time and it's be quite embarrassing to do so with the Hyperlane Herald watching, althought the Wookiee himself would probably forgive her. "-for his well-deserved commendation. And to thank him, for it is in the hope of this same new era of peace and stability for which I asked the speaker to add this topic to today's agenda."

She turned back towards to center of her pod to focus and stand as she was instructed per senate decorum and glanced shortly at her datapad. After Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's acceptance speech she realized that he had set the perfect stage for one of the drafts of her speech.

"I stand here before you as an independent senator," she allowed everyone to let that sink in. The reality of the voting block that was the New Republic had dissolved. "After a few years where atrocity after atrocity has shaken and shuddered our galaxy and rocked the foundations upon which our senate is build. Many people in our galaxy might not understand how we could not have gathered, or outwardly act from a point of unity, during such times. They will accuse us of a lack of action. They will only remember the times that we argued and did nothing." After all, the holonet would make it a pundit for their articles and where the real work was done there were no camera's allowed. That, and opposing factions always did their best to make sure that the other voting blocks were seen from their perspective. Which didn't help the unity, but did, perhaps, move public opinion in their favor.

"A killik infestation managed to corrupt the very spirit on which the New Republic was built and they tried to utter the galaxy in chaos by luring the Alliance and the Republic into a war that would have cost the lives of billions of people were it not for the intervention of brave independent nations and senators like Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl," she only hoped she had pronounced it correctly.

Jana took a deep breath. "Then, as an independent senator I still see a galaxy at war. Many of you that have been members of this senate when the Sith first formed their Empire might remember that Byblos strongly advocated for imposing sanctions on them. she referenced the multiple votes and topics in which the senate discussed these sanctions in 144 ABY. "And Byblos had good reason, for it had itself been the victim of an invasion attempt by the Sith."

"The Independent Systems Consortium, under personal leadership from its President, Emryc Thorne, has waged a very succesful war against the Sith," of which there could be no mistake. Their armies and corporate connections had managed to bleed the Empire dry and set the scene for the eventual coup d'etait against the Sith Order.

"President Thorne has weakened the Sith Order's hold over its Empire so thoroughly that it turned against them. Today, I see pods reserved for the Empire not filled with members of the Sith Order, but by Imperial diplomats and representatives of an Empire that has changed its ways. Grand Marshal Altaïr Din of the New Empire-" she regretted not being able to invite over a new Emperor, for that would have made this entire thing much easier, "-is a strong advocate against the Sith Order."

"As an independent senator," she paused the breathe, for she was taking up all the time that the speaker had said he's allow her to make her point and state her case. "I hope that we can end today's session one step closer to the new era of peace and stability that the senator of Kashyyyk mentioned. For the safety and lives of our combined people."

"Therefore, I urge the Independent Systems Consortium and the Empire to end their war that was started because of atrocities committed by the Sith." It was always best to have an independent member of the senate make such a request. It gave the losing party a way to concede without seeming to bend the knee and the dominating party a way to frame it in their own perspective. Jana expected the Empire (@Sreeya) to agree based on them clearly losing it, while the ISC (@Sreeya) could use it as a podium to show the galaxy they did all of it for peace and stability, echoing Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's words and further cementing them as the galaxy's protectors from evil. "And I yield the floor to the Imperial representative."

 

[Levik Karn]

Having yielded the floor to the Imperial delegation, the pod belonging to the senator of Byblos would return to its designated place in the gigantic senate chamber while that of an imperial delegate moved to the center. There were several delegates from the Empire, after all, most notably from Taris, Ossus, Felucia, Rhen Var, Entralla and Raxus. Although it had a lot less territory now than when it had still been the Sith Empire, the new Imperial principle did hold fast and find support in what some might refer to as 'remnant worlds'.

In the pod that was now at the center stage of the Galactic Senate, stood Commander Karn of the Imperial Security Bureau. His black imperial uniform was a humble contrast to the sometimes vibrant colors that other representatives chose to wear and his presence here was also remarkable on itself. He was no politician, after all.

Still, with an unmoving face he let silence return to the session before he pressed the button that activated his microphone as the camera-drones moved to capture him in his uniform. Two factions that were both represented in the senate had been at war for a long time and now...

"Thank you, Speaker, and thank Senator Kang of Byblos," he paused as he remembered that a decade ago he had been one of the lieutenants in the Imperial Navy that served on the bridge of a Star Destroyer hovering over Byblos' orbit. A difference time. One where they danced at the whims of Sith Lords coining phrases as 'murder inc' as they ravaged the galaxy.

"I am Commander Karn of the Imperial Security Bureau and I am here, not just to represent the Grand Marshal of our Empire, but also its people." references to citizens that the senate served was always to be advised. Or so said the report he had received from the ISB-backed Imperial Diplomatic Corps. It wasn't uncommon for an Overseer, Commander or even a Director to spend the last few years of their long storied Imperial career in the Diplomatic Corps, retelling stories of how they had invaded planet this and burned down the capital city of that. There was something of a symbiotic relatiship between diplomacy and security.

"The Imperial people have suffered a great deal over the years," he continued, trying to get the most out this appeal to the senate's humanity and morality, "The Sith Order stifled protest with lethal Force," he made sure to place the emphasis on that last word to give it a double meaning. "and the many sanctions, both joint and unilateral, crippled both the ambitions of the Sith as the security and safety that we had promised our citizens." He paused here deliberately and hoped that the representatives, the holonet news and the people at home would -just for a moment- consider the plight of the innocent sentient on an Imperial world who could not get surgery because the sedative they needed was also used as a combat-stimulant and therefore sanctioned by the rest of the galaxy.

"That is when our Grand Marshal, Altaïr Din, decided to stand up to the Sith at great personal risk. I -and we all- have lost dear friends trying to expell the Sith from the Empire, who did not go quietly." At some point, he knew, he was going to have to get to the point and he could already feel the stern look of the Speaker burning a hole through the back of his head.

"It has taken us a long time to be able to stand on our own two feet again and tell our people -our citizens- that we are here to protect them from the monsters of the Sith. We had not been able to get to the table that President Thorne had invited us," for the Independent Systems Consortium had reached out for peace talks before, yet with an Empire in turmoil, without an Emperor, that send a Commander to do an Ambassador's job, everyone present would understand that it had apparently been difficult to get in a position where an agreement would actually be able to be enforced throughout scattered imperial territories. "So here and now, speaking for the Empire, I can say that we will cease all hostilities towards the Independent Systems Consortium and help foster the spirit of unity and peace for all galactic citizens."

"I yield the floor for President Thorne, Mr. Speaker."

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc calmly listened to the speeches that took place in succession. He was pleasantly surprised at the Senator of Byblos’ acknowledgement of the ISC’s efforts against the Empire. Between that and the Killik remarks prior, it was becoming even more apparent which governing body constantly had to clean up the galaxy’s messes.

Sharp, silver eyes studied the Imperial representative that spoke. His words seeking empathy would largely fall on deaf ears among those present. Most in the Senate hardly saw Imperials and their worlds as people anymore. Fortunately, Emryc didn’t harbor deep seeded hatred one way or another.

“Thank you, Commander Karn, for your courage in addressing this body,” Karn was a lamb among wolves right now, “The end of the war is in both our best interests. However, I am skeptical of your authority and your representation of the Empire,” He said calmly, “As you say – there has been a leadership vacuum. In the past we’ve had Andruil promise one thing while The Eternal did something else entirely. While those were Sith, there remains a pattern of inconsistencies with the Empire regardless of who is at the helm,” Emryc paused there, “And this Altair Din fashions himself a new title every other day. Does Grand Marshal serve the same role that the Empress or Emperor did? Does he truly govern all Imperial territories?”

He knew he could drill holes into this flawed concept of an Empire all day, but it was all part of a strategic segue into the main point, “We recognize the need for peace, so you will have it. The ISC will not engage in further aggression with the Empire. We will remove sanctions on bacta and other humanitarian materials, but we will slow roll back fuel and other sanctions over the course of the next few years. I need to see stability and consistency from this Empire before I trust it won’t simply fall back to its Sith ways.”

Emryc had to find a middle ground and this was it. It would end the war without getting the other Senators and their panties in a knot over him removing all sanctions. No one was naïve enough to think the Empire wouldn’t get back to its war machine the second all its resources were accessible.

@Eccles

 

[Levik Karn]

"Remember, Levik-" the head of the Imperial Diplomatic Corps had begun, "-you'll be dealing with a seasoned politician. Emryc Thorne has been doing this for decades now." Levik remembered the stern look on the aging Imperial's face and wondered why 'by the Force' this blasted supposed seasoned veteran hadn't gone himself to face the music. Commander Karn was a military man sticking to cue cards. A cityworld cop playing gangs out against each other and at best -and most recently- the supervisor for an intelligence operation into an insurgency conspiracy. He was not a politician.

At moments like these, Levik Karn had liked to take out his golden lighter. He thought better whenever he could flick it open and closed. Unfortunately his prized affectation, for the lighter had been a graduation gift bearing the crest of the Eriadu Naval Academy, had been taken away from him by a cyborg that would come to collect sooner rather than later.

As he motioned for the speaker that he wanted to reply to the president of the Independent Systems Consortium, his microphone became available right away. It seemed even senate staff was eager to conclude the intergalactic war between the two remaining superpowers. Well, if you didn't count the cartel in the Outer Rim, anyway, and who really did.

"I have heard a concern, a question and then a proposol, mr speaker." Levik began, checking his datapad to keep track of the order in which he wanted to address them. "I will try and address the concern and answer the question simultaneously if you'd indulge me," a smile not yet seen by the camera-drones momentarily flashed on the commander's lips. Was it anxiety, nerves or did he -like no doubt others in the galaxy- find it funny that it was a mere commander addressing the senate and not a more important figure? "In absence of an Emperor-" which gives an Empire its continued stability, not having to worry about the short-term muse of the massess in election years, "-the Empire is ruled by an Imperial Council, consisting of the Grand Marshal of the Imperial Armed Forces, the Director of the Imperial Security Bureau and the Grand Moff of the Diplomatic Corps. Once a new Emperor is appointed they will be their most important advisors, but now it is the Grand Marshal that holds the deciding vote on all matters as the tie-breaker."

That should clear up that the Grand Marshal isn't acting like an Emperor without actually calling himself one. At least, to levik it did. "It is that council that gave me the authority to adress the Galactic Senate in name of the Empire as a whole." He had been told that it wasn't smart to engage into semantics about specific examples given. If he gave details about Darth Andruil, The Eternal or indeed even Grand Marshal Din, then that would open up the senate to more questions from even more senators. A can of shitworms, is what the Grand Moff had told him it would then become.

"More importantly, I am very glad to hear President Thorne promising to not only stop their war against the Empire, but also ending the sanctions on medical supplies. By lifting those sanctions he will have saved the lives of millions of innocent people and I-" Levik paused for a second, -and the Empire will be eternally grateful for it."

Not all sanctions would be lifted, at least, the president did not seem inclined to do so today. That would be hindersome to find a way around in the meantime, after all, fuel was much needed thing to sustain interplanetary travel and trade. Levik knew however that by countering the offer on the table it would look like the Empire was more concerned about its war machine that the poor people Levik had professed his undying loyalty to. "I, Commander Levik Karn, mandated by the Imperial Council to speak for the Empire, will accept the terms as laid out by the president of the Independent Systems Consortium." and foster a new era of peace and unity in the galaxy. A unity that fit in line with that of the Imperial principe. A peace provided by security and diplomacy. First and Second.

 

[Jade Archer]

Governor Archer observed the opening speeches along with the sad barking of a dog who thought himself bigger than he was. She took notes, as always, detailed and quickly written in neat, flowing script. When there was a pause in the dialogue between President Thorne and Command Karn, just after the latter spoke of accepting terms, the Governor of Llanic stood to speak.

"Llanic thanks you for your appearance and candid words, Commander Karn. It's clear to me you have your people's best interest at heart." She briefly paused to glance at her notes. "You've spoken today of the horrors of Sith leadership. As pointed out by President Thorne, the leaders of the Sith Empire are known for planetary destruction and going back on their word. Andruil herself contradicted her offers of peace when she took credit for the glassing of Firrerre, followed by the burning of Kashyyyk's ancient forest homes."

Archer allowed a few moments of silence to allow that statement to sink in. "And as you said, the Sith were eager to violently suppress their own citizens and the innocent people of other governments and cultures." She placed her notes down and rapped sharp nails rhythmically against the desk in her senate pod, sharp eyes glancing around the room. They settled for a moment on the recently commended senator of Kashyyyk before sliding back to Commander Karn.

"Grand Marshal Din is known to have bombarded the Sith capital building, endangering civilian lives to remove the Empress from power." Calmly, Governor Archer placed both hands palm-down on her table. "Forgive my ignorance in matters of the 'Force' and what I'm told are its many nuances. But this sounds to me like a Sith Lord wiping their rivals off the board."

Who else but a Sith would consider themselves and their goals over the lives of others, their own people? Who else but an Imperial would agree to bombard a world because a Sith told them to? Governor Archer gestured respectfully toward President Thorne. "I agree wholeheartedly with our President's proposal. Innocents should suffer no longer for the crimes of others. However. I, the people of Llanic, and the countless refugees within ISC space ask for reassurance that there will be no more broken promises."

This was all more long-winded than usual for the Llanic Governor, but she was speaking to the entire Senate just as much as to the Imperial representative. To her mind, easing the sanctions just because the Empire asked nicely was getting off far too easily. They'd racked up numerous unforgivable sins over the years and seemed to be trying to pass it all off as only the Sith's fault. Perhaps they were 'just following orders'?

"The Governor's Office of Llanic proposes all Imperial military personnel, Sith, former Sith, and government officials who were directly involved in the horrific attacks on Kashyyk and Firrerre be labeled criminals of war for their actions against civilian targets and common decency, and answer to a tribunal for these crimes. Further, the people of these worlds should be compensated by the Empire for its blatant attempts at genocide."

Governor Archer sat back down, hands neatly folded before her on the desk, and yielded the floor.

@Eccles @Sreeya @SlagathorTheUnknown