Open Galactic Senate Onderon Congregation of Planets and Nations

[Korre Belasi]

[OOC NOTE: This thread is, as usual, open to FWA/NR/ISC/JO political representatives. You may join with your character at any point. Agenda items can be found here.]

Onderon. It was a jungle planet, but it had a temperate climate and vast blue oceans that reminded her somewhat of home. She wasn’t here to sight-see the planet’s natural beauty though; yet another session of the Galactic Senate was about to begin.

The Senate building was located in the planet’s capital of Iziz, a city known both for its fortified walls and the massive Unifar temple, which was home to the planet’s royal family. The building of interest to the Belascan native was located in the heart of Iziz, not far from said temple. It blended in more with the surrounding buildings. As Korre entered the building and set her blue eyes upon the interior, it became clear why the outside of the building appeared so diminutive compared to other senate houses.

Once senators, representatives, and governors from the various galactic governments passed through security (scanning for weapons, illegal items, etc. as well as screening for AMS), they would also be able to see the massive staircase which led straight down into a much larger complex. The level in which the stairs led was clean, modern, and furnished to resemble that of a spacious lounge. Three sets of doors led into the senate chambers, so Korre disregarded the furnished area to head straight to the location of that night’s events.

Similar to other chambers, Onderon’s chambers sat representatives in moveable pods which could extend out and allow their occupants to address the room. The room itself had a half circle shape to it, with the majority of seats curving out and upwards from a middle point on one side. Three pods were located higher up on the opposite wall, and the Speaker’s podium was located just beneath them. A skylight let daylight flood the room with natural light, though the room itself was still lit by various, semi-hidden lights.

Korre exited through a side door and took a small set of stairs up to the three pods and re-entered the room to take a seat in one of them. She was the first of the leaders to arrive so far. The Free Worlds Prime Minister always seemed to err on the far side of caution when it came to arriving on time. She was quite early.

Would you like me to grab you a glass of water? Korre looked down at her watch to see a message from her assistant Florin pop up on the digital screen. A pale finger lifted to tap a reply in the affirmative, but she paused at the last second when she recalled the events of the last Senate session. Water had caused a bit of an embarrassing incident for the New Republic Chancellor.

I’ll be fine without it. Thanks though. The woman sent the reply and settled into her chair, using her hands to smooth down the fabric of her pants and jacket as she did so. The Belascan native had come with her ginger hair pulled back into a braided bun and she wore only her digital watch and a simple pair of pearl earrings. She knew some amount of attention would be on her because this was her first Galactic Senate where she would be sitting in the Prime Minister's seat. Korre was going for put-together, smart, classy… just not glamorous, and just not flashy.

As she waited for people to file in and for the session to begin, the events of the recent FWA senate and her recent meeting with the grandmaster of the Jedi began to replay in her mind. Her blue eyes scanned the agenda as she did so, noting the item put forward by the Jedi grandmaster which might touch upon that.

Tonight would be interesting.

 

[Phineas Hawthorne]

After getting past the multiple check ups and screenings to make sure Phineas wasn't some terrorist suicide bomber or something, the Ord Mantell senator was free to go up a large a beautiful staircase that soon led to a large and beautiful open room with similar moving pods to that of which the Galactic Senate used. Phineas was still trying to get used to being a political figure as he was brand new to all of this sort of thing- but he was prepared to speak about what he wrote in his journal that night in his starship in Ord Mantell's orbit.

As Phineas gazed around the fancy room he was going to soon be speaking in, filled with representatives from all over the galaxy, he sighed nervously. Everything was so much bigger and Phineas would no longer be speaking to fellow commoners who needed a good moral boost- he would be speaking for his entire planet to others who spoke for their entire planet. He took a few deep breaths and took a seat, bouncing his leg haphazardly while he tried to calm himself down.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the Prime Minister herself! Phineas almost immediately stood up and straightened up, keeping his half-smile on that always seemed to mask his true emotions like a poker face. "Good, uh, afternoon? I'm not sure what time it is, actually." He noted sheepishly. "Mind if I join you?" This could spark the chance to talk about the dire situation his homeworld was in before the official meeting started and maybe could also help himself out as far as networking went with other members of the FWA.

"My name is Phineas Hawthorne. I'm the new Senator for Ord Mantell." He offered to shake the Minister's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am." He was dressed in a simple looking suit that was cheap enough for the Senator to afford but still gave some class to his appearance. Even as a politician, Phineas was only able to achieve becoming middle class- and that was by Ord Mantell's standards. He could probably pass as a server for a restaurant on Zeltros if he wanted to.

@lizziie

 

[Emryc Thorne]

“Technically I can probably call in sick and have one of the executive council members pitch my proposal instead,” He said with a grin, totally delaying for no real reason. He was set up with a hotel in Iziz in preparation for the meeting. He had communicated with @Jaikus Altaris well in advance to allow the other man to sync up their schedules so he could stay with him a few days. The pair had spent the time leading up to the senate session exploring the city and sampling local foods (much to Emryc’s chagrin).

The half Sephi was running on little sleep since he stayed up watching a Huttball game despite Jaikus warning him several times it was a terrible idea. Emryc got up before the crack of dawn as always and did all his training before preparing to head out. He was presently in the kitchen that came with his large suite, having just finished up a plate of fruits. Emryc avoided caffeine, and simply powered through his exhaustion.

He grinned down at his partner, playfully nudging him back till his back was against a counter. The half Spehi placed a hand on either side of him on the counter behind him, “They all think I have AMS anyway. I can just stay here all day and keep you warm,” He leaned in to trace feathery kisses against Jaikus' jawline until his comlink began to beep repeatedly. There was a Holoscreen on nearby with news about the session preparing to take place.

“-And President Thorne is expected to make a proposal which we haven’t seen him do since the early days of the Galactic Senate.”

The half Sephi with super hearing pretended to hear nothing until Jaikus quite literally shoved him to get him moving. Emryc sighed, pressing his forehead against Jaikus’ before he drew back. The half Sephi put on his coat and scarf before looking down at his wrist, “I’m wearing your chrono,” He declared with a smile, “It goes better with this suit,” He said simply before casually grabbing said chrono, adjusting it and placing it on his wrist. He paused to give Jaikus a kiss on the cheek, “Love you,” He whispered before he strode from the room. By the time he left, his face was set back into that infamous frost and stoic, all traces of a smile gone.

The tall half Sephi was adorned in attire fit for winter, a coat and gloves layered over his suit and tie. He was accustomed to the cold, but the air was frigid even for him, his breath escaping in foggy wisps as he walked. Emryc strode into the chambers just barely on time, taking in sight of those in presence. He gave a nod towards Korre across the hall as he took his place. It was clear he didn’t have the same severe expression on his face as the last session, just his normal blank.

Yellow mottled silver eyes scanned over the room before looking towards where the Jedi sat. As he waited, he did what he often did during these sessions and to get the gears moving inside his head. He pulled up Qwent and discreetly began to play.

@lizziie

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

The past week was rather long after a certain mission, but finally Ceris was able to take a break. Too exhausted to return to her grandparent's home, she decided to just spend the rest of her vacation on Coruscant. The vacation, and her sleep, would be quickly interrupted with a sudden smack to the face. Ceris quickly sat up in her bunk, sheet of paper had been tossed onto her face. Fleet Admiral Kasal of the Coruscant Defense Fleet stood at the edge, "Get your ass up, you're coming with me." Ceris let out a groan and got up. If she knew what she would be doing she would have prepared more, instead she looked like a complete wreck.

It was the second time meeting the Grand Admiral, but the first wasn't like this. Ceris sat in an office room with both the Fleet and Grand Admiral. Still unsure of why she was brought along, but both men were going over some sort of agenda list. Until finally Grand Admiral Brum addressed her "Captain.... uhh," he looked down at his datapad "Odrosess. Funny name, anyways you'll be coming with us just to write down and keep track of things, got it?" He handed over a Smartpad. Ceris was agitated "Funny name huh? Coming from a man named Brum" she said in her mind. Holding back, she said what she should say "Yes Grand Admiral, but may I ask where are we going?" Her jaws dropped when she received her answer.

"Shit shit shit shit shit" Ceris muttered while furiously brushing her hair. She would have never thought she would be attending a Galactic Senate session, especially this early in her career. Although she wasn't a representative, merely an 'aid' for the admirals. Ceris was able to make her hair look good enough to not be seen as a complete bum, and luckily her uniform was clean. She followed the admirals through the security checkpoints, giving up her blaster; they allowed her to carry the datapad.

The senate room was magnificent, beautiful, and peaceful. Ceris was star-struck looking around the room, especially when she caught a glimpse of Emryc Thorne. "Oh my god he's even hotter in person... wait he can't see me like this I didn't even get to do my makeup!" Ceris thought. The back of her head was smacked by the fleet admiral, "Pay attention fool." She followed Grand Admiral Brum and sat in a pod with him as instructed, the seats weren't as comfortable as she thought they would be. Either way she was still here to do a job and would do her best to remain professional.

@lizziie

 

[Hergalor]

Onderon. Why did it always have to be Onderon? First the FWA session, and now, a Galactic Senate meeting . It's not that Hergalor togTherador had a problem with jungles, more that he had a problem with Onderanians. Always an attitude with them, whether they were the wilder folk who lived beyond the walls or those pent-up nobles who never strayed from Iziz. A superiority complex came from the fact that they willingly settled, and refused to terraform, the most dangerous jungle in the galaxy. A jungle that was now cold in the planet's seasons. A tragedy.

Of course, this was only his second visit, so he really didn't have the capacity to judge. Not that it would stop him.

Hergalor sported a rather conservative work look; a button-up shirt, slacks, and a warm sweater tailored for him. Perhaps more conventional for near-Human fashion, sure, but it fit all the same. In the chambers, Hergalor found the seat for Taanab, to find his aide Gonoval waiting. With a hot cup of tea, ready for him to drink. It was really the little things that made him feel appreciated. He sipped it from a long straw into both of his mouths with an audible slurping noise as he settled into his box. At least, this session's agenda items had some interesting topics.

@lizziie

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl walked through the corridors of the Senate building in a bad mood. If it wasn't enough for the various journalists surrounding her like vultures, looking for more information about the reasons that made Brentaal leave the New Republic and join the ISC, the governor also had to deal with a bunch of guards searching her at the entrance, as if she was a criminal. This was absurd!

However, the Brentaalan woman had arrived in Onderon already furious. These last months have been difficult. With Brentaal transitioning from the NR to the ISC, she had more work than normal. Her office was in chaos, all of her aides were a bunch of complete incompetents. They just warned her that this meeting was about to happen at the last minute. The only factor that had kept her career from turning to complete anarchy was that his protocol droid, Dongwa, still managed to maintain some order.

A part of her was starting to miss Tristodd. Even with all of his annoyance, the young man was efficient. Sadly he was still on leave, without a date to return. “Cheer up, this is the first time that you are going to participate in a Senate meeting as the Governor of Brentaal.” Dongwa said to her. “It’s the beginning of a new phase for you.”

Sibyl turned to the droid, one of her fake smiles appearing on her lips. “Are you satisfied?” then she continued walking, sometimes even her Dongwa was annoying. “This is going to be like any other Senate meeting, with the same people. The only difference is that we changed sides and that I’m wearing a new dress.” although she sounded disinterested, the Brentaalan didn’t regret having convinced her homeworld to defect to the ISC.

When the two arrived at the pod, Sibyl sat to read at her Datapad the items of this month's agenda. “Well at least it seems that there will be some interesting things to discuss.” soon the pod started to move, going to take its place among the others representatives of the ISC.

@lizziie

 

[Lon Tendree]

Lon Tendree was a staple face of the senate, but one that most people probably hadn't interacted with. He mostly kept to himself, watched out for the interests of Cato Neimoidia, and typically wasn't one to make waves.

His trip to Onderon had been uneventful and he'd arrived ahead of most of the rest, treating himself to a fine meal before heading to the Senate building. People were already pouring in from all over the galaxy, the chilly winter air making him bundle up all the more.

The greater leaders of the senate had already arrived and taken to their pods, and Lon moved to take a seat in his own pod. He had no personal bills put forward in this particular session, but he waited patiently for the first to be put forward as he scrolled through his emails.

He reached over and took a drink of his diet cola, wishing it were something stronger. It was five o'clock somewhere, but he'd rather keep his wits about him for the actual session for obvious reasons.

 

[Emil Ro]

For Supreme Chancellor Emil Ro, the Galactic Senate meetings were beginning to bleed together. The Senate met once a month, but each session felt like a month long and usually devolved into squabbling more often than not. He was only mildly convinced that this one would be any different. The agenda for the meeting looked promising, but that was the only real hint that the meeting would be a productive use of his time. He and Jin Vaisra had flown to Onderon together after their recent venture Uviuy Exen, which was sure to drum up whispers in the press that neither of them found pleasant.

Even so, Emil entered the Senate chambers alone, spotting Sybil Lassiter almost at once. The now former New Republic Senator was seated on the side of her new caucus, though she was anti-social as always. President Thorne was already at the dais where Emil would soon be, and the rest of the Consortium delegation had yet to arrive, granting Emil a rare opportunity to say a few words to the Senator before taking his place among the leaders of the galaxy.

"Senator Lassiter," he said formally, using her professional title instead of her name. The two had met outside of work, but only on rare occasions. Plus, he knew what had prompted her to leave. This was absolutely personal. "You're looking well." She didn't. In fact, she looked sleep-deprived and frazzled, but she knew that. And, more importantly, she knew that he knew that. "The lighting on this side of the chamber suits you. And, is that a new dress? I must say, you change styles almost as much as you change sides."

He smiled. His sparring with Jin Vaisra had made his sabaac face practiced and without a crack. "Next meeting, though, you really should go with a designer that operates in whatever nation you belong to then. Really show your patriotism."

Emil spun on his heels and walked away, intent on leaving the Senator without being able to get a word in edgewise. Arguing on the Senator floor would be unbecoming, and the press that would bring even more so. He proceeded to the pod that would bring him to the central dais, alongside both President Thorne and the newly minted Prime Minister Korre Belasco, and took his place between them. Not for the first time, he felt keenly aware of the height difference between him and the Consortium president, but did his best not to acknowledge it, only nodding respectfully as a way of greeting. The last thing he needed was another glass of water in his lap. @LouJoVi

 

[Alexandria Voran]

The Jedi had long been absent from galactic politics. They had abused those privileges in the ancient past. To rectify that mistake, the Order had swung too far the opposite direction. Oota and the Council had entirely removed the Jedi from galactic life. An error that gave rise to the Empire and discontent. Max had slowly started to repair that damage, but Stolas took his life before the job was done. Alex vowed to continue the work. She had spent months meeting with members of the Republic, Free Worlds, and Consortium. She pushed the Jedi to focus less on the Sith and more on helping the galaxy at large. Slowly, these efforts made a difference. The Order was not meant to direct galactic politics, but they could offer aid. It was time they left the sidelines.

Alex arrived without fanfare. One young Jedi Knight who served as her legislative aide walked beside her. She wore plain Jedi robes with her saber hilt dangling at her hip. They would face criticism, as they always did, and they needed to face that criticism. No more hiding in the Temples. No more ignoring the galaxy at large. What had that gotten them? Alex was here to present her own proposal to combat inequality on a galactic scale. She knew that would entail questions coming her way. The Grandmaster was ready.

She walked swiftly to the typically empty seat. Emil, Emryc, and Korre were all already seated. She knew them with the exception of President Thorne. Alex took her seat and waited for the meeting to begin. Her mental walls were carefully folded together. Her mind the flowing river. Her face calm and serene.

 

[Galek Ordalos]

It really wasn’t a mystery that Galek was displeased with Onderon being selected as the planet of choice for this Senate session. Hailing from a tropical and wet planet, the Induparan simply wasn’t accustomed to the frigid chill that hung in the air – turning his warm breath into lazy clouds as he exhaled through his nostrils. He moved like a man on a mission – keeping a noticeable quick pace as he made the journey from his transport and to the Senate Chamber.

He pointedly took no questions from the media, completely ignoring them as he went. Which really wasn’t much of a surprise. Ever since that incident with Livi back on Indupar, the prince had purposefully avoided random questions from reporters, but his primary motivation for doing so now was a simple desire to get somewhere warm as quickly as possible.

Galek strode into the chamber just after the Chancellor, flanked by his two Senatorial aides and arriving just before anyone could excuse him of being tardy. As per usual, the Induparan prince had in the regal and elegant style of his home planet, donning a cream-colored sherwani with jeweled buttons that went up the chest, alongside a crimson dupatta trimmed with gold that draped across his shoulder. The fabric was a bit heavier than usual, befitting the chillier temperatures of the planet. His ensemble was complete with a crimson turban on his head and an assortment of gaudy rings on his fingers.

Hazel eyes began to travel across the chamber, silently picking out all those who had arrived by now. He was silently grateful to see that the majority of people were still filtering into place. President Thorne and the FWA Prime Minister were already positioned above the rest of the crowd, leaving only the pod reserved for the Chancellor vacant.

Galek wasn’t left wondering where the Chancellor was for very long. His gaze eventually drift over to the section of the room reserved for the ISC delegation, spotting Emil having what was no doubt a very unfriendly conversation with Sibyl. He only heard a portion of what was said, but given recent events, he didn’t need to hear to know there was bound to be an abundance of daggers being thrown.

Quickly deciding not to leave the Brentaalan women to fend for herself, Galek straightened his posture and began to cross the room, making his way towards the pair. By the time Emil spun on a heel and started to walk away, Galek had already closed in – stopping a few feet away and standing directly in the man’s path. His two Senatorial aides blocked the rest of the aisle, effectively blocking the Chancellor from progressing any farther away.

Emil could simply shove his way past them, but Galek was almost positive that the man wouldn’t risk a scene to do so.

“Chancellor Ro,” Galek greeted the man with a polite smile, his voice tinged with that characteristic singsong accent. He pointedly kept his arms folded behind his back, as opposed to extending a hand to shake. “I have to agree – the lighting on this side of the aisle really is better, isn’t it? Not at all bleak and dreary.” He tilted his head to the side slightly. “Or perhaps that is simply the declining state of your economy that makes the Republic side seem so depressing?”

He shrugged slightly, hazel eyes flicking past Emil to settle upon Sibyl not far behind. “Ah, Governor Lassiter, looking radiant as ever.” He smiled brightly towards her, demonstrating the sharp contrast between the frigid expression he was giving Emil. “I must say, Consortium purple really is your color.” He gestured to her dress.

Galek snapped his attention back to the Chancellor after that. “Ah, I do hope there is no hard feelings, of course. Such is the way of politics.” He waved his hand a bit. “Of course, perhaps if you were able to inspire as much loyalty in your members, as you do with that lapdog Vaisra, you wouldn’t have centuries-old Republic planets flocking to the Consortium.” He shrugged his shoulder casually. “Though I suppose it is keeping with the trend. It seems you neglect your members just as much as you neglect the billions of AMS refugees who are now rushing into the arms of ISCRA.” The success of that refugee program was well known by this point, and it was a low blow that the prince simply couldn’t resist. “How fortunate for us all that, in both cases, the Consortium is here to pick up the slack.” His smile grew a bit wider, snark practically dripping from every word.

Only then did the Prince finally step to the side – his aides moving in single file to follow him and allowing the Chancellor to advance in the other direction. “But please, don’t let me take up any more of your precious time.” He gestured up to the section of the chamber that had been reserved, where Emryc and Korre already sat. “I am sure you are itching to stand tall with the rest of the leadership.”

With that, Galek continued on his path – proceeding towards his pod and taking a seat amongst the rest of the ISC Delegation – positioned nice and close to their newest member.

 

[Jade Archer]

Fine shoes clacked on the senate floor as Governor Archer made her way to her very own pod, a fairly simple black coat with thin fur collar moving in the air behind her. As always those sharp eyes of hers took stock of the room an its occupants while her head stood still, habits born from someone who'd grown on Llanic. Her entrance wasn't flashy or sass-filled like some others. Jade preferred to watch before speaking.

Her coat was removed and placed on a coat hook before she sank into her seat, ever-present datapad delicately placed atop the table. Immediately notes were begun using a stylus. Reading a room was important in her system's local politics and that talent transferred well to the galactic stage. To be fair, it helped when people spoke their opinions out loud.

The largest factions were obviously not the most of each other. And why should they be, after all? Politicians playing friends were just lying to one another's faces, after all. They were all rivals in some way. Jade was briefly distracted by someone wandering their way freely into the new Prime Minister's pod, for some reason. Who did that? She rolled her eyes and ignored them. Not her problem.

In silence she set a noted sentence to full-stop and put down the stylus, fingers folding in front of her. There was much to discuss today, as there was every time. It was always something. She'd best pay attention to be on top of her game.

 

[Korre Belasi]

Before Korre could reach the side door which led her up to her reserved seat, she heard an unfamiliar voice grow louder as someone approached her. The Prime Minister turned around to see Phineas as he extended a hand for her to shake. The ginger woman reached out to grasp it and gave him a firm shake, then returned it to her side.

"Nice to meet you, Senator Hawthorne. Why don't we speak more after the session tonight?" It was a polite way of her indicating that he couldn't exactly follow her up to her seat, but nothing in her voice indicated that she was bothered by him either. In fact, he received the same bright smile that the Belascan woman was happy to give out to just about anyone she spoke to. The Prime Minister reached into her pant pocket, pulled out an aluminum card, and then handed it to the senator from Ord Mantell. Upon inspecting it, Phineas would see her name and her email listed. With that, Korre continued her way up to the platform above.

-----

As Emryc entered his pod nearby, Korre would give the stoic man a smile and return the nod she had received from him. Though he was certainly one of the more intimidating figures in the Senate, her interactions with the man had been nothing short of polite. At times, they had even been friendly. Her role to play now was much different than her role was when she was a senator, but Korre disregarded the notion that polite friendliness would ever become a problem for her.

Korre went to address the man, intending to comment on his attire or perhaps just acknowledge his presence with more than an expression, but her attention was diverted by a scene which just barely caught her eyes. The woman's head turned to follow her gaze to look down upon an interaction between Sibyl and Emil, and they widened in amusement. It was no secret to anyone in these chambers that the former senator of Brentaal was now the governor of Brentaal. Famously--or infamously, depending on one's viewpoint--the New Republic planet had defected to the ISC. Korre assumed that the New Republic Chancellor had something to say about it.

Soon after the exchange, Emil joined her an Emyrc in his pod between the two. Korre gave the man a polite nod. They had positive interactions in the past, but after his recent stunts, she was less impressed with the man's character. She had no intention of starting beef, though. The man had her respect before; that wasn't simply going to be forgotten.

The appearance of the Jedi grandmaster was perhaps the most surprising appearance of the night. The Jedi had never arrived at the Galactic senate since Korre had begun her career as a politician. Alexandria would received a smile and a nod of acknowledgement as she sat down, though there was a spark of curiosity in the Prime Minister's eyes.

Before Korre had the chance to strike up conversation with any of the other leaders, a hush spread across the chambers as the Speaker entered the room.

The November senate was about to begin.

tags: @Charles @Sreeya @Mockingjay @Valen Pelora

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

A hush fell across the room as the Speaker entered the Senate chambers. The lurmen woman made her way to the podium in the center of the room and waited patiently as it extended upwards a few meters to allow her to be more easily seen by the entire senate. In her left hand she held the Speaker's staff, and with three solid taps upon the floor of her podium, she indicated the start of the session.

"The Senate is now in session." With those words, all pods within the chambers would ping as the official agenda was sent to each one. The items on the agenda where listed in order, beginning with a proposal by the New Republic Senator, Vilgur Sapent ( @DutchYoda ). For this particular item, an outline of the proposal would also be pinged to each pod.

"The first item on the agenda is a proposal by Senator Sapent, the Galactic Outreach Program Act. Senator Sapent, please take the floor." The senator, who had now been prompted, would be free to extend his pod to defend his proposal.

tags: @lizziie @Charles @Sreeya @Altaria @Fine Dining Set @LouJoVi @Phoenix @Mockingjay @Valen Pelora @Altaris @Mr. Teatime

 

[Cassian Graves]

Late, as usual. And on his home planet, too.

Cassian slipped into the senate chambers through one of the many secluded side doors scattered across the room. Wordlessly, he slid into his assigned pod and took a seat. The Zeltron spared his fellow Free Worlds Alliance representatives a glance, just to see if they'd noticed his late arrival. Probably not. All eyes were on the lurmen woman at the center of the room.

He breathed a sigh of relief and pressed the tip of his right shoe against one of the inner panels that lined the repulsorpod. The panel opened to reveal a hidden compartment. His stash of snacks. This meeting was bound to last for ages, and the Zeltron had no intention of starving in the process.

From inside the compartment he retrieved a bottle of Dr. Douku. An off-brand, unfortunately, but everyone had to make sacrifices in times like these.

Beside him sat Senator Hergalor, bundled up in a sweater and sipping a cup of fresh, hot tea. Cassian leaned toward the Ithorian and whispered, "You wouldn't happen to have an extra straw lying around, would you?"

Their repulsorpods pinged, and the lurmen's voice sounded throughout the chamber walls. "The Senate is now in session."

"Uh— never mind..." Cassian offered the Ithorian a smile before settling in.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin had hoped to contribute to the little scuffle between Chancellor Ro and Governor Ordalos, but the session was starting soon, and with Venka looming over his shoulder like a haunting specter, all he could do was serve as a witness to the murder before his eyes. Queen Leyti had warned him about getting too involved in the political spectacle of the Senate, but he could not help it. Drama, and the vaguely insulting quips that was customary to most senators, were the sole reason Jin looked forward to each assembly.

But, like the good Senator he’d always dressed himself up to be, he kept his mouth shut. The most he did was offer Governor Ordalos a raised eyebrow, as if to say—Really? Lapdog?—before striding down to his respective pod. There would be a time when he could provide his own input to squabbles like these, perhaps at a later party, but on a planet like Onderon, Jin seriously doubted more than a safari into the wilderness, where the world’s most dangerous predators lurked in the shadows.

Beyond those in this very room, of course.

Jin raked his gaze over the many representatives seated around the Senate chambers. Starved politicians, all of them, waiting for the first hint of blood in the water. He knew the opening agenda would be little more than an appetizer, but the following proposals? Jin looked onto the newest face among the crowd, Jedi Grandmaster Voran, and held it. He wondered how long before she'd run out of the room with her tail behind her legs.

Venka smacked him upside the head. “Stop looking at everyone like you’re about to eat them, Jin. Focus. Senator Sapent is about to make his proposal.” Jin rubbed his temple. “Okay, I'm listening,” he muttered, only for his eye to immediately wander elsewhere, this time to Senator Graves, who was eagerly collecting his secret stash of snacks and drinks. Lucky bastard.

@DutchYoda @llamallove

 

[Carrick]

Onderon as a location was nice enough, he supposed, but Carrick could have really done without needing to visiting it. It was not on his bucket list and this meeting was the only thing to have put the planet on the Galactic map for several centuries... oh well, he was here now.

Sipping from a cup of coffee, he eyed the FWA and NR senator groupings mildly, seeing who looked like they had been stewing on something. There was always one senator ready to pick a fight over some made-up grudge after all, though he hoped it wouldn't be a member of the ISC group.

Of course one thing he noticed was that Alexandria Voran had showed up... points for more effort than the entirety of the Jedi Order in recent years he supposed.

The Galactic Outreach Program Act eh?

"Lets see how we can over complicate 'we should help people' this session I suppose..." he muttered to himself as he itched and resisted the urge to draw a cigarette from his coat, "Karking no smoking indoor rules..."

Didn't have to worry about that in the Outer Rim usually but he supposed he was just irritable... he reminded himself that he should take it out on the senators instead.

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl missed most of the conversation between Emil Ro and Galek, passing by just as the latter made a thinly veiled comment regarding the New Republic chancellor's stature. Almost subconsciously, the Wookiee drew himself up to his full height, towering a full foot taller than the Governor of Indupar; a subtle reminder that there was always a bigger fish. The Wookiee was distrustful of the New Republic's Chancellor- no tabloid would be able to claim that the Wookiee was part of Emil's harem- but he had privately reacted with outrage when he heard the news of Brentaal's secession from the New Republic. In Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's eyes, the move had been cowardly; a selfish decision to avoid a problems that Brentaal had once been responsible for trying to solve.

Continuing his way towards his assigned pod near the other FWA senators, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl glanced around at the other assembled politicians. The Jedi were represented by Grandmaster Voran, and the Wookiee made a mental note to speak with Alex before leaving Onderon. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl hadn't forgotten how then-Grandmaster Yoda had personally aided the defense of Kashyyyk before the rise of the Empire. However, he had once criticized that same Jedi Order for their deep connections to the Republic; concerns that he was beginning to feel again as the Jedi stepped back into politics and the galactic spotlight. The agenda item concerning their presence within the Galactic Senate would be most interesting indeed...

Upon reaching his pod, he allowed T-8R to link to the interface and put in a single earbud to directly receive the miniature protocol droid's translation. The pod's archives would expand the droid's library to understand over six million forms of communication, and would also let T-8R directly upload translation of Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's speech to other senate pods.

A few minutes later, the Speaker's voice floated through the Senate chambers, announcing the beginning of Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's first Galactic Senate session.

 

[Vilgur Sapent]

Vilgur entered the chambers with a load of datapads in hand. His pitch was filed on two of them, but the others were loaded with economic figures and demographics. It was very important that his Act was passed: It was the epitome of the Senate's willingness to combat poverty and refugee crises.

Because he had been looking down on his datapads, he did not notice the different people that were in the room until he sat down at one of the tables. Looking up, he spotted several people: Emil Ro, the Supreme Chancellor; Korre Belasi, the PM of the FWA; and Emryc Thorne, the leader of the ISC. He disliked Thorne with a passion: the Consortium had been tearing holes in the fragile FWA and the Republic for some time now. It reminded him of the CIS that his great-grandfather had fought in the furlong Clone Wars. But Vilgur was determined to keep the peace between the three galactic powers somewhat unified: the real enemy was the Sith. And this Congregation should point their heads all towards them.

He looked as the Secretary opened the session and announced his name. With a small sip from a cup of Corellian Ale, he tapped the pod and moved forward. He looked around, nodding to some Senators and to Emil Ro, before holding up his hands.

"My fellow Senators and Representatives. Esteemed members of this Congregation. It is with humble, yet pressing plea that I speak to you here today. As we all know: this Galaxy, after a century of peace, is once again, at War. I am not here today to discuss with you on the subject of this conflict, for that issue has been long and extensively debated betwixt the members here assembled. What I am here to discuss today is the consequence, that which in my view, is the most dire of all conflicts: the utter ruin of the people and their fortunes. For wherever violence and bloodshed strike, the end result is neither temporary nor easily fixed: lives are torn, properties are destroyed, the very foundation of family and enterprise is reduced to nought. The only instinct to any sane person would be to flee. And whither they may go, it is with their dire hope and their last wish, that when they come thither, there shall be made for them the assurance that such atrocities, such hardship, and such catastrophe shall and could not befall them again."

He waved his hands around a few times to give his words more power, looking around as much as he could, but landing his eyes more than once on the pods of Thorne and Belasi.

"My colleagues. The duty of any Civilized Nation is to provide for their people the protection, dignity, and prosperity that they inherently deserve. Our Worlds, our Nations, all the representatives here assembled: they represent that civilization. It is in my view, but I am certain that it is the view of many, that we here have the means and the purpose to meet that calling. Let us transform these means into the duties and the power to do just so."

With a push of a button, he opened the bill on his holographic display. The words were a bit to small to be readable from afar, but Vilgur was not going for a demonstration of its contents, rather the image of it would suffice.

"My Bill, which has been received on your pods just now, but which I have with great length submitted to the Holonet and expressed multiple times, is the most sure means of giving answer to those cries of help, shouted by million of refugees across the Galaxy. It is the intrinsic commitment put forth by us to extend those living conditions which we as a society have deemed reasonable, to all people. These refugees need little: they are not demanding for golden-laced drapes; Wroshyr Furniture; or X-wings. They are requesting the most basic of resources: food, water, shelter, blankets. These people have been dislocated from their home. It is in the best interest of everyone here if we can maintain their dignity and good health so that in due time, when circumstances permit, we can begin either rebuilding the old communities of these refugees; or create a new one."

With another push, he showed images of a refugee family, children refugees, and impoverished tents in a refugee camp.

"Refugees are no different from the poverty-stricken. Both groups require the basic needs, but to make them rise out of poverty, into prosperity, they need to have access to services that will permit the full realisation of their personal and social potential. Many call for the members assembled here to give heed to their needs. The duty of any Senator of the Republic, and of any Representative of the Free Worlds Alliance or the Independent Systems Consortium, is to look beyond the borders of their own planet, and see the greater issues plaguing this Galaxy."

With a final push of a button, he showed the image of a new refugee camp.

"This, is Camp Sapent, on Dyfus V. I have asked them to rename it, because I don't need the attention, but this camp is an example of what my bill can do. I made a donation of 5 million credits into this camp of roughly 1,000 people. When I say 'I did', I actually mean that the Huosnoughow Foundation and I looked over the application of little over 40 refugee camps in the Inner Rim, and chose this one. We have provided this camp with food shipments, medical equipment, and shelters. Moreover, we have managed to persuade professionals to join them: Doctor Boaza leads the current vaccination program and provides medicine to the camp; And we have found a willing Togruta and a Coruscanti to be teachers, giving the more than 200 children elementary lessons in Basic language, maths, biology, history, physics and geography, vital to these children's education; but also music, drawing, crafts, and PE, teaching them social skills they desperately need to return their childhoods to them."

Shows one last picture, of a small shop.

"With our donation, we have made it possible for multiple families to return to their old profession, in their new home. Two have taken up the family business, which was destroyed on their homeworld, after we gave them supplies and building materials to help create it. With this Act, we will be creating hundreds of success stories like this one: where refugees, who have lost everything, can return to their dignity and actually create a blossoming local economy. I thank you for your attention. If there is anyone who wishes to inquire about my bill, I will answer you to the best of my abilities."

He turned of the hologram and sat down again, moving his pod back to its position. His aide Doolu smiles, and Vilgur nods back politely. L-3PO does his best to imitate humanoid clapping, making Vilgur laugh at the noise of the droid's servos.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc set his game down when others began to file in. He spotted the Chancellor right away, his keen ears picking up the dialogue exchange with Lassiter. Ordalos, of course, was quick to retort. The half Sephi’s face held its usual blank expression, even as he realized a few Senators glared at him. He silently enjoyed being the recipient of their angst, usually stemming from the fact that he danced circles around them and watched their economies plummet.

The half Sephi turned to nod at Emil in greeting, a knowing look in his frosty gaze that betrayed he heard the exchange below. Nevertheless, Emryc wasn’t in a petty mood today, and he focused ahead as the agenda topic was announced. The wordy Senator rose to make his pitch, painting the proposal with a lot of flowery words and fluff. Emryc listened to it silently, chin resting on curled fingers as his icy silver eyes fixed on the man.

There was a moment of silence after Sapent finished speaking, but it was Emryc who spoke first, “While I commend the thorough and detailed plan, much of it parallels existing efforts put forth by ISCRA , the GHO and quite frankly, the Jedi when they do their jobs. The ISC was the first body of government to put forth an initiative to assist AMS refugees to rehome them and ensure full vaccination. ISC was also the sponsor for MorataCorp, the group that ultimately created the vaccine. ISC is also currently distributing that vaccine leveraging existing trade routes that connect Thyferra to the rest of the galaxy.”

Emryc paused for a moment before he continued, “Since then, ISCRA has expanded its efforts to assist war torn planets well beyond our borders. We were first on the scene after the Firrerre attack. We have rehomed millions of survivors from Firrerre and have set them up with new jobs and a second chance at life. The GHO also exists to assist refugees and impoverished groups to provide essential and easily available healthcare. Between the two organizations, I see very little reason to fund an entirely new effort from scratch that appears, quite frankly redundant."

He looked over at all the others in the hall, “Your credits should be funding the GHO to expand its scope. I would even go as far as to recommend helping fund ISCRA since the organization is already operational and has a proven track record of rehoming civilians well beyond ISC borders. However, if that gives people heartburn simply because it has ISC in the name…” He paused with a faint grin, knowing the comment would make the other diplomats look petty and salty in front of the entire galaxy.

Emryc looked over at Korre and Emil before turning towards Sapent again, “One last point. You have this structured as a FWA and NR effort, yet I do not believe this was ever presented to the Republic Senate or even brought in front of the Prime Minister. You have put this proposal together in a vacuum without any buy-in from your own body of government and Chancellor. I assure you, Prime Minister Belasi would have been the first to point out the redundancies in your plan.”

The half Sephi looked at the other diplomats as he summarized his points, “This proposal is entirely duplicative when ISCRA and GHO efforts are considered. I see no reason to inject crowns and credits into something from scratch instead of bolstering already operational initiatives.”


@lizziie @DutchYoda @Mockingjay

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Alex remained seated as the chambers slowly filled. She nodded pleasantly to a few senators, even catching Korre’s eye. They shared a brief smile and nod. It wasn’t long before the meeting began in earnest. She couldn’t help the butterflies. Long had she styled herself a capable diplomat, but she traded pretty words for saber duels. The Grandmaster had not solved many of the Orders issues through diplomacy. She knew this was the chance to change that. Unfortunately, this required listening carefully to a lot of talking. As Senator Sapent spoke, she read the proposal. Alayna briefed her on the subject before the Senate convened but she did not want to miss an important aspect. President Thorne took up the topic next. Alex nodded along…yes he was absolutely correct. The galaxy needed outreach and that outreach was provided.

The Grandmaster took a deep breath. She stood and took her place at the lectern. She waited a moment once President Throne was finished. Time to rejoin the galaxy. “President Throne speaks wisely. The galaxy is in need of humanitarian efforts but the structure to provide that aid already exists. The ISCRA and GHO have worked tirelessly to provide for the galaxies less fortunate. Our primary goal is balancing inequalities for all peoples. As President Thorne rightly points out, the Jedi have not always been successful, but the ISCRA and GHO have. They have carried the slack when we have not done our part.”

She briefly paused, her eyes flicking towards President Throne. “I would make an amendment to the proposal. Rather than fund a new venture, we turn our attention to more thoroughly funding the ISCRA and GHO. The funds proposed by Senator Sapent should be directed to those two organizations who already better the galaxy.” Now she shifted to Emil and Korre. “We do not have the spending power of The Republic, Free Worlds, or Consortium but we will contribute what we can. Chancellor Ro was kind enough to return the Temple on Coruscant to our Order. With the Republic's agreement we would convert the Temple into a refugee center and hospital for the GHO. Any refugees the ISCRA or GHO relocate would be welcome at any Jedi Temple.”

One last bit then Alex. “Because our financial contribution would be considerably less. We would offer any other aid requested of us.” She briefly looked around the room. Carrick had suggested they get off the sidelines.

@lizziie @Sreeya @DutchYoda @Mockingjay