Ask Glee Anselm Change On The Horizon

[The Storyteller]

Spoiler: Jedi

If Alex was looking to see surprise or any other real emotion on the Anselmi woman's face, she would be disappointed. Instead Chieftess Cof Lojoz listened silently as Alex spoke of the plight of her people, spoke of what she suspected the Empire would promise the Nautolans to gain their support. Spoke of just what Cof had done to get to this stage in the first place as well - what she had done was not something most people could accept after all.

"I've bloodied my hands and I'll likely have to dirty them a lot more before my time is done." she agreed, "But I will bare this weight if it means people of my skin, of my race, can hold their heads up high under the light of our shared sun."

Closing her eyes, the Chieftess of the united peoples of the Anselmi was silent for a moment as she thought about what it was that the Jedi could do. She had outlined something of a weak point for the Nautolan people and she was happy to see that the Jedi's Grandmaster was willing to accept it as something to push.

"You must bring outside eyes to them, to their treatment of us. We know of the holonet news and its impact on the rest of the Galaxy - kingdoms have risen and fallen by its words. The ISCRA and other agencies... bring them to us when the Nautolans believe they have 'won'." she let out a shuddering breath, "They will act on the Diplomat's urging and it will be horrible... but we need to ensure that the Anselmi people can survive it. Expose them to the Galaxy and watch as their convictions wither."

One of her aides came closer at her urging and Cof took a datapad from them before scrolling through some of the data within.

She handed it to Alex.

"The Anselmi on these lists, their families and their possessions. I find myself in the unenviable task of planning for the best and the worst. I likely will not survive an 'accident' soon, Jedi, and I need to make sure that even if the worst comes to pass and you can't expose them... if you can't bring their crimes to the people and force them to save their beloved 'face'...? Then at least my people will live on." The Chieftess held out the datapad but when Alex would reach for it she would grab the Jedi's forearm in a tight grip, "Promise me this. Promise me that you will be able to provide even some measure of safety for my people until the Nautolans can be cowed."

Within her words and within the Force, Alex would be able to sense the truth of just who Cof was - a desperate woman forced into a position where she couldn't afford to look anything less than entirely composed at all times.

Spoiler: Sith

Diplomat Di might not have cared even if she had been able to see just how much her 'passion' seemed to effect the Sith. As a Nautolan Supremacist, she probably would have viewed it as the weakness of another land-locked species exposed. Of course that would be part of it. Another part of her would rage against the idea of being seen as less in the eyes of this man who represented such a power.

As being seen as not as 'upright' or 'virtuous' as he and his peoples in some way.

Thankfully for the human, and the Diplomat's own feelings, Di couldn't see through his helmet and she had none of his extra training of senses that would enable her to detect his mood or his dislike for her and her ways.

She did, however, understand the power of silence.

The silence between her demands and the response of the Sith was telling in many ways but in the end these thoughts were mostly put to rest when she spoke again. Her own eyes flashed and Wraith would be able to feel her satisfaction in the Force.

"The Nautolan people will join the Empire and together we shall finally bring about a utopia upon Glee Anselm. A planet of the Nautolan, for the Nautolan and ruled by only the Nautolan."

She reached out to shake hands with Wraith.

"I shall allow the Captain to speak first before I announce the will of my people. At which point I shall expect your immediate support."

With the time for the recess running out, the aides of both the Nautolans and Anselmi were called to return their leaders to the main hall alongside the Jedi and the Sith. Captain Broean Chenord and his own supporters would already be waiting back in the centre of the main hall as the supporters of all three sides seemed to crowd into the room. Alongside them, members of the press from the FWA, the Sith, the New Republic and the ISC pressed right up against the side of the hall as they seemed to try and almost encroach on the proceedings.

Only several guards from Captain Broean's command were able to keep them in some kind of order.

The Captain himself sat back in his seat and seemed disgruntled at the idea that the press were even here but seemed to draw the line at actually attempting to bar them from viewing the historic moment. As something of a more emotionally neutral party, Captain Broean had become the unofficial official of these ceremony as it were by unspoken acceptance. He stood from his chair for a moment and addressed the group of diplomats, the assembled peoples and the press.

"In a few moments, myself and my fellow representatives will make decisions that will affect the lives of billions of sentients."

A few people, Anselmi and Nautolans alike, audibly hissed at the idea of being named as equals by the human captain.

"We speak of joining our fates to those of the Sith or the Jedi. Their allies. Their futures. I would ask the representatives of the Sith and Jedi one last moment, one last speech, to help solidify the decisions we may have come to." he eyed both Wraith and Alex rather sternly through his helmet, "No arguing. No sniping or scoring hits against each other. Speak it well, speak it plain and speak it brief; our decisions afterward will be final."

@Altaris @Valen Pelora

 

[Alexandria Voran]

The hum of the Force grew louder in her heart. The passion of the Chieftess rolling off in waves. Alex had made a difficult choice, but it was the right one. Of this she was certain. The Anselmi’s hands were not clean in this war but who was she to judge? Her own hands were covered in blood. Those very hands grasped her forearm as the Morellian Jedi took the datapad. Again, the Force rang in her chest. Conviction. Alex matched the power in Cof’s words. “I promise. I will protect them myself.” In that moment she saw her reflection. A woman who could be nothing but perfect…despite what lurked within. “As if they were my own family.” A promise she would do anything to keep.

And with that, it was time to conclude the proceedings. The Captain urged them each to make a final statement…a final argument to the people of Glee Anselm. She took her place on the dais to speak to the combined crowds. The holorecorders of the gathered press. Alex firmed her face and spoke. “You wonder what I can offer. What can the Jedi offer any of you? We are not the Republic or the Free Worlds or the Empire. We cannot offer you overwhelming fleets and massive armies…but I offer you your freedom.” Her voice rose as she spoke, to fill the room. “The freedom to be who you are. The freedom to live yourself as you see fit. A chance to be part of a revolution. To serve not one government, not one person...but to better yourselves.” Her eyes swept around the room. “And I offer you this. Our dying loyalty. You have seen it across the galaxy. Free Worlds, Republic, Independent. No matter the world we have laid down our lives to protect them without question…without expectations. We would do the same for you.” Alex’s turned to look at the gathered press.

Time to bind herself. “To the people of the galaxy, to the ISCRA, the GHO, Dr. Morata…I beg you come to Glee Anselm.” The plea in her voice clear. “See the devastation of the race war the Nautolan people wrack against their Anselmi cousins. See the horror of their choices. I ask nothing but for you see for yourselves the pain that must be stopped and the aid that must be rendered. This cannot go on.” Again, her voice soared. “This is the Anselmi home, as much as it is Nautolan, and the galaxy can ignore their plight no longer.” She stepped back.

@Nefieslab @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Internally, Jaikus couldn’t help but bristle at the satisfaction that radiated off of the Nautolan woman and her mention of ‘utopia’. Nevertheless, the Axxilan didn’t allow any of those emotions to manifest outwardly and beyond the mask he wore - perfectly concealing what might’ve been plain on his face.

Jaikus extended a hand towards the Nautolan, fingers wrapping tightly around her own as the Axxilan reciprocated the gesture with a firm handshake. “We have an understanding, Your Excellency.” He replied in that smooth, albeit heavily modulated tone. There was nothing beyond those simple words that needed to be said in that moment. An agreement had been struck, and they both understood the terms with crystal clarity.

His attention was drawn back to the Captain as they reconvened, listening for a long moment as the man spoke - suggesting they make their final arguments. He allowed the Grandmaster to take the podium first, wordlessly observing the speech that the woman made and the almost desperate pleading she made to the rest of the Galaxy.

The Axxilan finally stepped up to the podium when the Grandmaster stepped back - citrine eyes fixed straight ahead and towards the auditorium filled with Nautolan, Anselmi and reporters. Cameras broadcasting to trillions would see the unmoving visage of Wraith staring straight into them, his modulated voice projected by the microphone attached to the podium.

“Honored Representatives,” He began, hands coming to grasp the sides of the podium firmly. “The Empire has much to offer those who would align themselves with it. We do not offer you moral platitudes or empty promises - but instead with a proven track record of results.” He leaned forth ever-so-slightly. “We have heard the plight of the people of Glee Anselm, and the Empire offers to usher in a new era of peace and security for its people. So that no new generation need suffer as those before them have.” Words spoken, though their true meaning was only something the Nautolan Diplomat was privy to.

“We offer to bring forth new investment to both Glee Anselm and Kril’Dor - to build upon the industries and businesses that already exist on your two worlds. To bring new trade opportunities, wealth and prosperity to all of its peoples.”

“And whether it is from the Syndicates or any other external threat, we will defend the people of Kril’Dor and Glee Anselm vehemently, and with the full might of the Imperial Armed Forces - just as we defend all worlds within the Empire.”

“This, is what the Empire has to offer.” He finally stepped back.

@Valen Pelora @Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

Flashes from the news reporters as they clamoured and drank in each and every word from both the Jedi and the Sith. As the reporters bayed for metaphorical blood in the waters, the audience of Anselmi, Nautolans and humans alike leaned in as they listened to both representatives give their visions for the future. Laying it all out on the line for all to see and for all to know, to deliberate on.

All in attendance would remember where they were when the fates of Glee Anselm and Kril'dor were decided.

The notes from the Grandmaster's speech, the raw emotion, made certain members of the assembled audience uncomfortable. Anselmi knew that she was right and the odd Nautolan, not quite so caught up in the speciesism doctrine, seemed to squirm in their seats. They knew what might happen with Diplomat Di and her party assuming any kind of control... but they kept silent.

The time wasn't right, they told themselves.

Diplomat Di herself seemed to grin at the very idea that the Jedi seemed to think it necessary to plead for the mercy of the Galaxy to reach out to the Anselmi, as though the idea of any sentient finding the Anselmi to be anything other than worthy of extermination was amusing to her. Captain Broean Chenord shifted in his seat slightly but the reassurances of prosperity and protection offered by the Empire?

He could live with it.

"As the elected representative of Kril'dor, I would like to thank both the Jedi and Sith representatives for taking the time to connect with us like this. For taking the time to bring this to a diplomatic conclusion rather than a military one." he started with as he stood from his seat and approached the podium, "The decision I have come to is almost business-like. It is with the weight of calculus that I announce that Kril'dor shall begin assimilating into the Sith Empire."

Captain Chenord stepped away from the podium and shook hands with both the Jedi and the Sith, pausing long enough for footage of the display to be captured by multiple news networks. In his absence, Diplomat Di stepped up to the podium with her grin ever wider.

"People of the Galaxy - I stand before you today, proud. Proud of my species! Proud of our planet... and proud to take the next step into the Sith Empire!" She declared, receiving the cheers of her section, "With the support of the Sith Empire, we shall bring about a better planet by washing away the filth of the past like a cleansing wave!"

Unable to take anymore, Chieftess Cof Lojoz stormed to the podium and pushed Diplomat Di out of the way long enough to snatch up one of the microphones. Instead of addressing her long-term rival and enemy, she turned to Wraith and stared him down with tears welling at the sides of her eyes.

"I hope you're happy... I hope you're as proud as she is. You've signed the death warrants of my people and I hope that you can sleep, knowing that. Knowing that you've profited from the deaths of millions."

Chieftess Cof Lojoz dropped the microphone to the ground and stormed out of the amphitheatre, brushing up against the Jedi Grandmaster as she left. Diplomat Di mimed dusting off the microphone as she picked it up and smiled down the lens at the trillions watching at home.

"If there was ever an example as to why they have no place in a political forum, that was it." she raised her arms high, "My people; rejoice! The future of Glee Anselm is Strong! The future of Glee Anselm is Beautiful! The future of Glee Anselm... is... NAUTOLAN!"

Half the amphitheatre erupted into rapturous applause.

Others quickly left to gather their possessions and make arrangements to leave.

Some merely sat and sobbed.

The tides of change had come to Glee Anselm - and washed away the recognized order of the past.

/Last Storyteller Post

@Valen Pelora @Altaris

 

[Alexandria Voran]

The rest unfolded as she suspected. Kril’dor chose the greater military power and Diplomat Di screeched into the void. His true colors bursting forth in a horrific display. She was already sending word to the Council. They needed Shadows on the ground to protect Loz and her family. She would not watch a genocide without acting. The Diplomat’s last words boomed in the chamber. Alex raised her voice again. The Force easily carried her words in the dome. Her eyes locking onto the holorecorders once more. There was no mistaking the Diplomat's words. He was clear in his meaning. “They have shown you what they plan to do. What they will be allowed to do.” The Sith would turn their backs so long as Glee Anslem answered to them. Millions would die as the price.

“President Throne (@Sreeya), former Prime Minister Belasi (@lizziie)…I beg you to live to your reputations. Selflessness without expectation. Good without reservation. I ask nothing in return. Only the safety of the Anselmi. We must not allow what happens next.” Alex’s eyes shifted side to side. “We will be here. As long as we can. Please come.” With that, Alex left the room. She did not fear for an assault. The Empire would not be so foolish with the news so dangerously close. The Jedi would embed themselves on Glee Anselm. She had a promise to keep, and she damn well planned to keep it. The galaxy would see the Empire for what it was. A power-hungry maw that would allow the greatest of horrors if it increased their power.

OOC; Exit Thread