Open Coruscant Diplomatic Overtures

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek couldn’t help but snort through his nostrils when Cassian made his retort, earning the faintest twitches of the Induparan’s lips towards a grin. Hazel eyes finally flicked away from Jin in order to regard the Senator of Onderon properly, drifting up and down for a moment before meeting the Zeltron with an unblinking stare. “Riding the coattails of Emryc Thorne’s success..” He repeated, his lips tugging a bit wider. As if the better part of the Galaxy wasn’t guilty of doing the same.

“It’s difficult to tell who you intend to insult with that - me, or the multitudes of FWA and Republic worlds flocking into the Consortium’s arms.” Galek tipped his glass towards Cassian, flashing the Zeltron a wink. “Like the good people of Mon Cala, for instance.” The acquisition of that world in particular had been a long-term goal of the ISC, and he knew it would likely still be a sore spot for members of the Free Worlds.

“Though I suppose you are something of an authority on riding on the success of others - considering the most substantive thing you’ve accomplished over the course of your career is to direct funding to an agency I created.”

With that, Galek allowed his gaze to return to Jin. The smile didn’t fade from his lips when the Senator of Fondor made his backhanded compliment, knowing full-well that the success of the ISCRA had proved to be the envy of many within the Galactic Senate.

He gave a small nod when the topic turned back to Emil, listening as the Senator of Fondor pessimistically remarked about the prospects of a future Chancellor. “Not that they were particularly large shoes,” He mused, giving the faintest shrug of his shoulders. Perhaps that was a bit of a low blow, but Galek couldn’t much help himself. Galek briefly glanced over to Tristodd when the Brentaalan aide made his own retort, though otherwise said nothing on the subject.

“Sadly I did not,” He said towards Jin, sighing heavily. While the Induparan’s attire was equip with pockets, he unfortunately hadn’t come stocked with anything that the Fondoran was likely to find appetizing.

Well, except for perhaps the Crowns that filled his wallet. Given the way that the Credit had plunged in value recently, Galek couldn’t really fault JIn if he began to salivate at the sight of the Consortium currency.

“I must confess that I agree with you, though. The comforts that the Senator of Umbara has to offer has left something to be desired.” The Induparan prince paused, tilting his head ever-so-slightly to the side. “Though I suppose that sentiment really could be applied to the FWA as a whole.” He shrugged, briefly glancing over to Cassian for a moment before returning his attention to Jin.

“Or the Republic.”

Galek brushed the thought aside with a wave of his hand. “I am pleased to hear my homeworld made such an impression. You ought to pay another visit, when time permits.” He raised his glass, tipping it towards Jin. “Perhaps then you will be able to sample everything that Indupar - and the Consortium - has to offer.” He grinned. “You may find that it suits you.”

@Sreeya @Song @llamallove @LouJoVi @Nor'baal

 

[Cassian Graves]

Governor Ordalos' snort, intended to discompose the Zeltron, sounded much more like a pig than a victory. The sound reminded Cassian of a Gamorrean he had once known, a great boar of a fellow with yellow teeth and an upturned snout, and the flare of the Induparan's nostrils only added to the comparison. There could be no relation, however. Galek was far from intimidating enough.

Well, at least the Governor wasn't choking on his own drink, as Cassian had originally believed. The thought of performing abdominal thrusts, or—forbid the thought—mouth to mouth resuscitation was an idea far too unbearable.

"Flocking?" Cassian echoed, a humorous edge to his voice that didn't quite meet his mocking eyes. "One world abandons the Free Worlds Alliance for the Consortium, and you call it flocking. An interesting choice of words, Ordalos. I wonder at you, thinking that the New Republic's choice to flock to the Consortium has anything to do with you. After all those administrative positions on Indupar, I would have thought you'd llearned your place by now."

The Zeltron's blue eyes strayed across the room, the meaning clear. Galek Ordalos belonged directly behind President Thorne. "From what I hear, it was Governor Lassiter that persuaded Senator Tendree and the others to join the Consortium. Do be a gentleman and give credit where credit is due."

After a long sip, he continued. "And speaking of Mon Cala, how does your war with the Syndicates fare? It must have been embarrassing, to learn that one of your own governors had ties to organized crime." Cassian shook his head. "Such a shame. And to think that the Royal Crown of Onderon welcomed the Governor of Kessel with open arms, assuming that his credentials within the Consortium were reliable enough to recommend him."

Turning, Cassian's slow and steady gaze settled on the Senator of Fondor once again. "Here you are," he spoke in a friendly voice, offering the senator a bag of Calamari Crisps from one of the pockets that lined his dark suit. "I realize you prefer live prey, but I suppose this will have to tide you over in the meantime. I even managed to keep them dry." His blue eyes sparkled when he added, "Don't worry Vaisra. I'm not trying to poision you. I conduct my business face to face."

The Zeltron would have enjoyed sparring with Vaisra a little while longer, or even to ask him what he'd been up to the last few months other than growing his hair out, but he wasn't about to stand there and listen to Governor Ordalos' sales pitch. He would leave these two to devour one another alive, all while smiling. Poor Tristodd lacked the ready wit and the spirit of deception necessary to keep up with them, but he was, naturally, welcome to accompany Cassian if he preferred.

"Gentlemen, you'll have to excuse me. Governor Ordalos. Tristodd." He nodded respectively to each of them in turn. "Oh, and Jin," he flashed the senator a smile, "If you're ever in need of a barber, let me know. I know a guy that could do wonders for you." Perhaps the pair of rivals would speak later, but for now Cassian sought out their host.

Across the room, Cassian approached the Umbaran. "Senator Moore," he greeted with a smile, extending a hand. The pair of Free Worlds representatives were not well acquainted and had hardly ever spoken. "I must thank you for the invitation. It is good to see you." Then, he turned to face the Half-Sephi standing beside the Umbaran.

"President Thorne," he smiled, a playful expression passing over his face. "I hope you've been keeping your nose clean since we last met." The Zeltron referred, of course, to Cantonica.

@Song @Altaria @LouJoVi @Nor'baal @Sreeya

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Hedarial nodded along to Moore's deliberations. Even if the Senator progressed into a different line of thinking, he mentioned some valid points, even if the widespread of their themes surprised Hedarial. The man was interested in such a vast array of subjects, and Hedarial could not see too many reasons why a Free World Senator would profile him. It was apparent he was trying to form a personal opinion. Yet still, Raycom could do nought but wonder to what ends.

As the Umbaran was coming to a close, and Hedarial just juggled the last pieces of his reply into order, a surprising third party involved themselves in their little dialogue. Xerxes Alexander, the third born of the King and Queen of Hystensia. A new political shining star on the capital planet and too new to the scene yet have any mistake that would drag him down.

With a smile and nod, Hedarial regarded the man, listening to his points. Yet as the young prince spoke, Hedarial's smile faded. Raycom had been called an opportunist at times, at the very least fluxional in his policies. But he was still a man with pride and his very own sense of honour. And in the ears of any citizen from Byss, Xerxes' "suggestion" to "simply switch" government was appalling.

Yet the smile reappeared. Hedarial had spent enough time apart from his homeworld to think less harshly of wavering personas, and as the young prince still spoke, more Senators, aides and servants were beginning to fill the halls. As much as Raycom hated to see men waste their potential, Xerxes had just thrown all chances for a high office inside the New Republic in the foreseeable future. Rumours spread, and he could already see a tabloid written about the Senators little "thinking out loud".

Some of these senators joined them even now, the smartly dressed Senator of Onderon, followed by none other than the current Prime Minister of the Free World Alliance, Korre Belasi. Dressed rather plainly for high statesmen. As she made his way over to their group, Hedarial decided that matters with Moore as he wished to discuss them had to wait. As the former mentioned Onderon Zeltron greeted them, Hedarial leaned towards Moore. "I'd think it wise if we were to catch up on our discussion later, Senator. I think we might have some things to discuss. My Assistant Vayna will get into contact with your people."

With a smile, he excused himself, just as the Prime Minister introduced herself. On his way to greet her in turn, the arrival of two Consortium Senators, and their Commander and Chief Thorne stirred up the chamber. Hedarial smiled at the newly arriving guests. He remembered faces from debates, it had been too long, the time he'd spent away. Yet he seemed to be remembered, at least Thorne himself. To answer the question of the statesman, Hedarial just replied with a simple, nonchalant expression of wellbeing. Small fires on Byss were of no interest to the ruler of the Consortium. He raised his glass in turn with everyone else and spoke some words of grief.

Yet in his thoughts, he disagreed. It would be best if the legacy of Ro died with him. A chancellor that had made catastrophic political decisions, agitated the Galactic Senate against the republic and was more mentioned in tabloids than honest newspapers was no chancellor fit for this crisis. Certainly, he had not deserved what had befallen him, certainly him being alive would have been politically better for the Galactic Republic, but he was no great politician to go down in the epos of the republic as a shining beacon of nothing. One could only hope this assassination turned him into a martyr, at least for the solace of his family.

Yet the moment of the toast was short-lived, and soon the room collapsed into a myriad of smaller discussions. Raycom was just about to get back to his plan of greeting the PM, yet he was too late. She had forestalled him and already came closer with a charming smile.

Shaking her hand, he required little effort to smile himself. "No need for introductions, Prime Minister Belasi. I may have been gone from Coruscant, but you will hardly find an aide in the Senate that hasn't closely followed your rise to office." Yet as she spoke on, his smile slightly diminished: "I was on Byss when the tragedy occurred and witnessed the shock first hand." He shook his head at the memories of the aftermath. A terror attack of this scale rippled through society. From condolence marches to candles lit in the streets, one could not have missed the assassination if one had tried to. "But our people are proud. They are now calling for action in the face of the disaster. And that is why am here. I need to get back into the fray now, to show, not just the people of Byss but the people of the Republic, that we members of parliament do more than just cash in our checks and sleep through debates." As he spoke, an inner voice within him lamented at the hypocrisy of him saying this on a meet and greet. The truth was, he had seriously thought about not coming here. Further, however, he was well aware that it was also true that without such meet and greets, Senators couldn't become active. And speaking with the PM of the Free World Alliance, he felt at least that he could maybe make tonight count.

"Yet I believe, that this is not just a crisis for the Republic. Whatever happens now, should be a unified reaction. Free worlds, Republican worlds, even Consortium, the Galactic Senate needs to address this in unison. It would help if the Republic was faster at filling government position, but assume the shock of the moment has the Senate in paralysis." He shook his head at the sorry state of the Republic and sighed. Yet his wandering mind came back to the here and now just a moment after his small thought train.

"How are things in the alliance, and for yourself? The aftermath of this must-have thrown a wrench into your conduct." As he looked her in the eye, for once he truly needed no composure to seem earnest. He was. He just focused on the work aspect, as he knew she would prefer not to get asked if she was doing well personally in front of so many hungry politicians looking for weakness. She was ahead of government and in his opinion more capable than the Chancellor. Whoever conducted this attack had to know that too. And the event and worry would need to have her worked up. Not that he saw a sign of that in her posture or demeanour. She seemed as composed as ever. A good sign that she was right in her spot.

@lizziie @Sreeya @LouJoVi @Song @Altaris

 

[Tristodd Brentioch]

So far, Tristodd considered his first interaction alone with senators and governors as being very fruitful. He now could better understand that politics was like nature, where only the strong survive. The exchange of words between Ordalos, Cassian and Vaisra showed it perfectly.

Seeing the three talk with each other, the aide felt as if he was watching a nature documentary. The politicians were acting like three animals, trying to impose their dominance over each other using their words. If Sibyl was there, she would be doing the same. This explains why she acted this way, doing offensive comments without any reason. She wanted to show that she was also dominant. Everything there was fascinating.

His silent critical analysis of the scene was interrupted by Cassian’s saying that Vaisra preferred live food. The Brentaalan controlled himself to not laugh. Imagining the Fondorian as a type of serpent would fit perfectly with his conclusion that the political scenario was like nature.

When Cassian said that he was leaving, Tristodd nodded at him. Now he was alone with Jin the Serpent and Galek the Rider of Coattails. This wasn’t a place that he wanted to stay alone. He wasn’t like Sibyl, he would not be able to display the same eloquence and creativity with words like they were doing.

Then, he noticed that Prime Minister Belasi and Senator Hedarial were talking with each other near to where Cassian had gone to greet President Thorne and Senator Moore. He didn’t know the politician of Byss that well, beyond the fact that Sibyl hated him. However, it wasn’t much because the woman hates everyone. Korre always seemed to be nice when she was a Senator. Perhaps he could talk with them and learn how someone like her survived in the same environment that the Serpent and the Rider of Coattails.

“If you excuse me.” he said, before leaving Ordalos and Vaisras to perhaps continue their dispute. Tristodd approached Korre and Hedarial with a smile on his lips. “Sorry if I interrupt, but I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister for your work regarding the pandemic that is ravaging the Galaxy. Your efforts with Doctor Morata are without any doubt saving the lives of billions.” he probably sounded a bit excited, but he couldn’t avoid it. The Prime Minister's actions were really admirable.

@Song @Altaris @lizziie @llamallove @ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Sreeya @Nor'baal

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc overheard clearly the exchange that took place in the group that prattled on like gossiping housewives. While he would never participate in a million years, a few things certainly left a bad taste in his mouth. The half Sephi silently took a sip of his drink, glancing over as Cassian walked over to join his group. There was no smile this time, his usual aloof expression remaining on his face when the Zeltron greeted him.

“Clean enough,” He stated as he took another sip of his drink. His silver gaze was as piercing as ever as he surveyed the man for a moment, “I am disappointed, Senator,” He said to Cassian as he focused his attention fully on the man, “After the sanctions against the Sith were passed only because of my single tie-breaker vote, a move the ISC absolutely did not benefit from, after ISCRA has run to the aid of the FWA in its war against the Sith time and time again without any obligations…I expected you to have more decorum than to make light of a war the ISC faces alone that has left our civilians dead. A war we never bring up in the Galactic Senate chambers to force you or the Republic to partake in the way you have called upon the ISC to fight in your battles. A war we fight, and will continue to fight, on our own,” His face remained stone as he spoke.

“If you wish to know how we are faring, know that we are holding our own. We are taking losses, we are taking wins. We are standing as one, we are banded as one to combat our enemies and the faith and pride of our people in who we are has never been stronger. With the insurrection you have from inside your very borders from the Mandalorians, can you say the same, Senator? Do you truly have the luxury of concerning yourself with petty scandals of my Governors above the very real threat of an entire warrior culture taking your planets?” He paused for a moment, “If you have any grievances with how the ISC operates or any criticism of my leadership, I invite you to take them up within me directly. I am always open to learning and improving,” He reached a hand up to point to his fluted ears, “These aren’t just for show,” There wasn’t a single trace of anger in his tone the entire time he spoke, nor did any manifest on his face. There was no smugness or self-assuredness, just that same calm stoic that was his usual expression. However, there was not a single shred of doubt that the half Sephi genuinely cared about his government and its people.

Emryc clinked his glass against Cassian’s, “Cheers,“ He took a sip.

@llamallove

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Please, Cassian. I would rather take a razor to my own scalp than meet whatever visually challenged hairdresser you have stored in your basement.” And that was the wholehearted truth. He didn’t mind undercuts, but the Zeltron’s looked atrocious, easily challenging the mop Emil had worn as the worst hairstyle to grace the pages of the Hyperlane Herald. Jin was perfectly content with his side curtain style—more than he had been when it was slicked back like an eel’s. Perhaps all those comments about being ‘slimy’ had convinced him to try something new.

Once Senator Graves had made his retreat, Jin cut his eyes back to Galek, watching as the man tipped his glass toward him as if in a celebratory toast. He gave him a bemused smile. “Perhaps I would be more ready to accept your offer, Governor, if only you’d brought those snacks.” He glanced down at the bag of Calamari Crisps that Cassian had gifted him. Jin hadn’t really been hungry—he had simply been dispensing with pleasantries, hoping to hold a conversation that did not involve himself being dog-piled, strapped to a social pyre, and burned alive.

He could afford insulting Tristodd, but Galek, too? No, thanks. Still, he would think on the man’s offer. He couldn’t deny the pull he’d been feeling lately, worsened by Emil’s death, the threat of war, and Sibyl’s constant nagging. The Consortium was safe. Full of opportunity. Fondor would thrive more there than it would in the cesspool that had become the Colonies.

It would also save him from Emryc Thorne’s stone-faced stare.

Jin caught wind of what was happening on the other side of the room, watching as the half-Sephi ripped Cassian apart like wet cardboard. He didn’t have to hear every word to know the Senator had truly, and quite superbly, fucked up. In any other instance, he might not have cared about the Zeltron, but the two had forged a valuable partnership. He couldn't have him go about mucking it up by crossing blades with President Thorne.

Jin briefly considered getting involved—well, really by locking him into the bathroom suite before he escalated things further—but that would only make matters worse. And weirder. He’d already dealt with enough rumors when Emil was around.

No. He'd have to say put.

Jin sighed and returned his attention to Galek, waving the tension away with a forced laugh. “Ah, as I was saying,” he continued, “Purple does suit me. But I wonder, what else is on the menu?” He swirled his glass curiously. “Spiced food and an outfit change isn’t quite enough to whet my appetite, if I'm being honest.”

@llamallove @Altaris

 

[Phanius Moore]

Unfortunately his reception was rapidly turning into a tit-for-tat bicker-fest between some of the more catty Senators. Moore sighed under his breath, and briefly stepped back from the gaggle of Senators before moving off to one side, where a small podium was resting. There was a reason they were all here after all.

Taking a copy of his speech from his aide, he stepped up to the podium and gently tapped his glass to call for silence.

"Mr. President, Senators and Governors, thank you all for coming. In my first engagement here in the Galactic Core, I am humbled by such a solid turnout of leading states beings from across the Galaxy."

"I have hosted today's reception to bring people together, to discuss a new proposal, one that builds on one of the most successful collaborative projects between the Galactic Senate Governments. Now, in these hard times, perhaps more than ever, I believe quite firmly we can, and should expand on this important work."

"Our fight against the AMS Virus has bought planets together, some of which would never have conceived of working together in the past. We have seen the real and active pressure that this has had on the virus, driving down caseload across numerous worlds, both inside and out of the Senate worlds."

"Partner this with the work conducted under the leadership of President Thorne, through their refugee work, and we can see one of the largest humanitarian efforts in recent history. What I am proposing is that we expand this work, together, to merge the work of the AMS taskforces, with the refugee work of the Consortium, bringing the two together."

"What if we could bring together the resources of the Free Worlds and the New Republic, expand them with the Consortiums fiscal powerbase, to expand their refugee movement, and allow for the expansion of the movement to the Alliance and the Free Worlds. On top of this, we provide AMS Vaccine Stations, alongside greater capacity for shared medical work, such as pain relief and more."

"This is an ambitious ask."

"But I believe if we can discuss the concerns, and merits, here, we could potentially produce something that builds on the enormous successes we have already seen."

He took a deep breath and waited for the crowd of Senators to either support him or for the knives to come out.

 

[Korre Belasi]

Korre was glad to hear that the Republic was ramping up to do something after their period of mourning. She could only hope that whoever took the mantle would be willing to cooperate and unify where Emil had hesitated to do so. If she were to believe Hedarial's sentiments, she would hope he might step up to the challenge. She still remembered Emil's willingness to negotiate with her over the Ranger, calling on her for her opinion when she was just a senator. That was the last of that. "I do agree that a unified response would be ideal," she commented.

Unfortunately, Korre did not need Sephi ears to catch the exchange between Graves and Emyrc when they stood so nearby. She had not overheard the exchange between Graves and whoever, but according to the ISC president's reprimanding, he'd made light of the ISC's war with the Five Syndicates. Her head tilted just slightly to the side, blue eyes searching for Graves', but she turned her attention back to Hedarial when he asked her about herself.

"We move forward," she answered after a moment. "As for myself, I am well." Did the thought of death plague her from time to time? Of course, but there would always be those who would jump at the opportunity to shoot her in the back of the head. It was simply illogical for her to live in fear when there were so many that depended on her ability to lead, and it was impossible to lead to the best of her ability if she was scared all the time.

"Busy, as well. I would usually wear a dress to such an event, but I did not have much time coming here. At least I fit the theme." She added the last bit with a chuckle, referring to most of the men wearing suits here.

"Thank you Mr. Brentioch, I-" She was interrupted by Moore tapping the side of his glass.

When Moore spoke, Korre turned to face him, listening quietly. It sounded like he wanted to bring refugee movements into the GHO... Or something like that. It wasn't an impossible task, though it would either require more funding or collaboration with the ISCRA? It did seem to rely on the ISC's "fiscal powerbase", so she would hold her opinion for the moment while she waited for Emyrc or Ordalos to comment, as one inevitably would. She wasn't entirely sure how or what his plans were with this. Unless he explained further, she didn't expect much of a positive response.

tags: @ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Nor'baal @Sreeya @llamallove

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc looked over when Moore took the stand and began pitching a proposal that was better served shared on the floors of the Galactic Senate. He was particularly entertained by the references to the ‘ISC fiscal powerbase’. The half Sephi calmly listened to the entire thing, but at the end of it, his gaze flicked over to meet Korre’s. She would see the hints of a mildly perplexed look on his face, a sentiment she no doubt shared, before he looked back at Moore.

“An admirable suggestion,” He said, his baritone echoing loud enough for everyone to hear, “The GHO exists to help facilitate such cross-collaborative efforts. The ISC has confidence in the infrastructure and task forces we have established thus far and will not be expanding anytime soon. The nature of the GHO and ISCRA is that they are both opt in. The Alliance and Republic are both always free to repurpose their defense or other spending and channel them instead towards what you recommend within your own worlds and donate to further expand ISCRA and GHO efforts. I am thrilled to see what additional contributions you make.”

The half Sephi was not naïve. The ISC was charitable, but it wasn’t a charity. The GHO was stood up with that in mind and considered the best interest of every body of government. If FWA wanted to expand on existing initiatives, they would fund it themselves and set up the proper infrastructure within their own borders. The ISC had done far more than either governments in these efforts so far. He wouldn’t be guilt tripped or bullied into this and his voice carried a tone of calm finality.

@Nor'baal @lizziie @Altaris @llamallove @ThisIsHowLibertyDies @LouJoVi @Song

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander was quickly engulfed within the cattiness and tort replies from senators who had a past much deeper than any the Hynestian had with his fellow politicians. So he stood back and smiled, listening to the quips and huffs, certain lines bringing more of a smile to his face than others. At one point he needed to hide his grin behind the rim of his quickly emptying champagne glass as to avoid the ire of his colleagues.

Like himself Moore had taken a backseat to the conversations, but quickly pulled the attention back to himself as he took the ‘podium’ why was there a podium in a reception room? And spoke about his desires to expand collaboration between the ISCRA and the GHO, it was admirable and he did not miss the comment about the ISC’s fiscal powerbase, one that had only gotten stronger since the recent departures from the New Republic to the Consortium.

Senator Moore’s statement/address/proposal, was indeed a positive one and one that had merritts in his ambition and desire to do good. However Alexander could quickly see where the problems would arise, the foremost being the distribution of power and responsibility over said combined initiative. The GHO and ISCRA were controlled by two entirely different entities, one a joint effort from the three political powers the other had been created and nearly one hundred percent funded by the Consortium. He doubted that most Republic and Alliance worlds would appreciate their taxes sent to an organisation which, even though collaborates, is solely organised by the Consortium. Nor the Consortium despite their ‘fiscal powerhouse’ status to be happy to finance both the ISCRA and the GHO.

“Senator Moore, your statements and words are indeed admirable. However perhaps a little too formal for a meeting involving champagne and liquor.” He said, raising his own near empty glass. “Hynestia is willing to do what it can to help out the galaxy. I have even arranged a subsequent meeting with Representative Brentioch to discuss our own contribution to the ISCRA. However if we are to discuss the grander resources and finances of the Republic, Alliance and Consortium. Then we should discuss this in the Senate with President Thorne and Prime Minister Belasi in attendance.” He finished, making a point to call out the Prime Minister who Moore had missed in his own address.

@Nor'baal @lizziie @Sreeya

 

[Korre Belasi]

Xerxes could not have said it better with his comment about formality and champagne. She liked the idea of Moore's proposal, but there was a difference between what was good in an ideal world and what was better left to such fantasies. Said ideal world included no war with the Sith to take up half their budget.

"Perhaps this is something better suited to be discussed at another time and place. Perhaps, as Senator Xerxes suggested, in front of a Senate. Whether it be the Galactic Senate or our own." They, in Korre's opinion, would be better served trying to prevent any more humanitarian crises brought on by the Sith than simply budgeting to react to them.

"As President Thorne already said, these programs are opt-in, and the GHO is already funded by the Galactic Senate. Individual sectors are more than welcome to bolster their stations with more funding, if they so please."

tags: @Sreeya @ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Braden @LouJoVi @Nor'baal

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Nodding at her remarks, Hedarial mentally readied himself his overture into the realm of politics. Her collectedness and calm further convinced him that she was as competent as her reputation made her out to be and further solidified his intent to work with her staff shortly, should things go according to plan.

As she came to a close, he cleared his throat and nodded. "I understand, though you ought not to worry, Prime Minister. Given the rest of the attendants..." He'd never finish the compliment, much less be able to get the political request off his chest. Some well dressed young man joined the two of them and intermitted Hedarials propositions before they truly began.

Raycom had never spoken to the boy before, but he seemed to be an acquaintance of the Belascan Princess. He made a mental note; to have one of his aides find out who Mr Brentioch was at a later date. For now, he just stood there with a smile, acknowledging the young man's excuse with a nod. He'd not approach the Free Worlds leader about his propositions in front of a third party's ears. Maybe another chance would reveal itself else he would try to get an appointment with her at a later date. There was no point rushing politics.

Of course, the conversation of the two was cut short by the distinct sound of clinking glass. Following the sound's source, his eyes spotted Senator Moore standing elevated on a podium. Bracing himself for the inevitable toast to come, or maybe a minute of silence, Hedarial waited for Moore to speak.

"Mr President, Senators and Governors, thank you all..." Hedarial had to look beside him to the Prime Minister, was there some rivalry between the two? Moore did not seem the type of person to overlook his head of state's presence.

"...collaborative projects between the Galactic Senate Governments. Now, in these hard times..." As the Umbaran spoke on, Raycom felt taken aback. At first, he was not certain what Moore was aiming for, in the end, he was flummoxed by the proposal. Looking around himself he once again did a mental count of the Senators present. "...we could potentially produce something that builds on the enormous successes we have already seen."

Hedarial took a sip from his glass, waiting for the two heads of state to make their answers. Since this had become a formal meeting with the chink of glass, he thought it best to keep some routine. Furthermore, in these times he had to watch his mouth and words more carefully. It would do him good to feel the mood of the room first.

As Thorne began to talk, and he saw the nodding faces around the man, he knew the room agreed with him. This was no matter for a small late evening gathering. This was a bill for the Senate. Something one prepared before, yes, but slowly. Moore just hit a small networking event with the sledgehammer of a too-large policy. and worse, he did it at the most inopportune time.

Xerxes, no matter what impetuous he had made in his earlier statements today, hit the nail on the head. And Princess Belasi also brought in some valid, and polite points. After she ended in an explanation about how individual sectors could help, a small silence remained. This was a window of opportunity. Clearing his throat, the Senator of Byss decided to speak up.

"Senator Moore, I truly understand your desire to help. Had this been a fundraiser event, I'd have come with a ready check to cash in, but as this is," He paused, "I do not want to sound like a broken holotape, reuttering my peers. So I shall not comment on the setting of tonight or the grandeur of your bill. I suggest you mingle with the crowd, see who is interested and get this into a formal bill for the Galactic Senate."

He looked up at Moore on his podium and cocked his head. "Yet I must add, this may not be the time for such grandiose projects. As much as has been accomplished already, and as much as needs to still be done, these times are troubling on a great many fronts." He shook his head as he looked around. "The Sith are in open war with many of our worlds, the Mandalorians just attacked an FWA world and there is no reason not to believe they will not do it again. The economic ripples of these crises shake the galaxy and the Chancellor of the Republic was murdered. I do not say any of these issues outweigh the suffering of the ill, I am saying the republic in its current stand is a ship without a course. It will need strong leadership before it can address these issues. And once we can act on a Galactic stage again, we may even dare becoming more aggressive in our handling of these problems, instead of being a mere reactionary body."

He looked through the room, before he shrugged slightly, focusing back on Moore. "Senator, I truly do understand your wish to aid. But I suggest you come down into the crowd and pitch your plans to those interested. I am certain you will find like-minded representatives down here and can start to build support for a bill."

Having finished his little address. He turned towards the Prime Minister and Mr Brentioch, remaining silent for now. Moore should have a chance to continue his proposal if he so wanted. But Hedarial hoped he had read the room. Moore would need some very good points to turn the atmosphere around.

tags: @lizziie @Sreeya @Braden @LouJoVi @Nor'baal