Dahonis City, Indupar
“Your Highness?” Nadira spoke up after what seemed like minutes, breaking the silent that had fallen upon the office of Galek Ordalos. “How do you wish to respond?”
The news of Emil Ro’s assassination had only just reached the Induparan prince minutes ago. Galek didn’t immediately acknowledge what his chief aide has even said - continuing to stare down at the mahogany wood surface of his executive desk, fingers knitted together pensively. His silence was mimicked by the other aides and advisors that stood at the far corners of the room - each of them somberly glancing between each other or staring at their Governor - waiting to see how he would react.
The papers strewn out in front of him were largely forgotten. Official documents from his recent meeting with the King of Mon Cala waiting to be signed, alongside written reports of ISCRA arrivals from the very same planet. The tragedy there had all but consumed every minute of Galek’s life over the past few weeks, and he had only been back on Indupar for under a week before this most recent disaster struck.
As he sat there, silent as a crypt, Galek couldn’t help but wander within the confines of his own mind. He and Emil were little more than acquaintances, and they had spared with each other on multiple occasions within the confines of the Senate chamber. In some ways, the Chancellor’s death served the ISC’s purposes. A Republic plunged into chaos would weaken the already shaky faith of several Core Worlds, and perhaps even see some of them flock towards the Consortium. Just as Brentaal had. Just as Cato Neimoidia had.
And yet none of that crossed the prince’s mind, in that moment. As he sat there, Galek could feel nothing but sympathy for the late Galactic leader. Above all else, Chancellor Ro was a colleague. He was a fellow Galactic leader and politican. Someone who had dedicated his life to trying - successful or otherwise - to guide the Galaxy towards a better future.
And for that, the man had been murdered in cold blood, for nothing more than dedicating himself to billions of citizens at his own expense. Perhaps that was the price they had to pay, as Senators and Governors and Presidents. A potentiality that they would always face, as each and every one of them garnered enemies of their own through their policies. The work of a politician was always heavily scrutinized and often came with little gratitude from the populace, who often saw their officials - elected or otherwise - as nothing but corrupt.
Today was a sorrowful reminder of risks that were also associated with their profession.
Galek couldn’t help but glance to his left, hazel eyes fixating onto the open-air balcony that was attached to his office. He stared out at the sheer, silk curtains that hung from the archway, bending and curving with the slightest breezes. He stared out at the lush gardens and blooming vines that hung from the edge of the balcony, cascading down to the streets below. He breathed in the fresh air, picking up on the faint floral scents that were blown in.
The prince couldn’t help but wonder if Emil had done the same, in his final moments.
He shook his head, as if attempting to dispel the thoughts that clouded his mind and jostle himself back to reality. Nothing about that train of thought was useful in the current situation, and there was no productive reason to dwell on it longer than the prince already had. Instead, Galek turned his attention back to Nadira - exhaling through his nostrils.
“A press statement will need to be made,” He said finally, his words measured and calm. Galek reached down and began to neatly organize the packets and stacks of documents on his desk - aligning them on the surface of his desk. All of them would need to be dealt with and viewed at a later date. “Make the preparations to go live within the next fifteen minutes. It is imperative that we address the situation with no delay.”
“Do you wish to have a statement prepared?”
“No. I know what I wish to say.”
The command was given, and one of the many aides in his office shuffled away to fulfill it. Galek pushed off his desk and rose from his chair, reaching up to run a hand through his black hair. He straightened his jacket both hands, and proceeded to walk from around his desk - making for the exit of his office and towards his chambers to change.
“I want flags on all Consortium embassies and government buildings lowered to half-mast for the next thirty-days.” He said, not bothering to glance back at the small swarm of assistance who followed behind him.
Another order, another aide off to see it done.
As he strode down the hallway of his villa, Galek finally paused mid-step, drumming his fingers against his thigh. “One last thing,” He started, furrowing his brows as he stared ahead. “Contact the royal palace. I want the bells in Dahonis City to be rung every minute, on the minute, for an hour - in official mourning of the Chancellor’s death.”
There was collective silence amongst his aides, each of them glancing between each other. One of them finally spoke up after a few moments, a look of confusion spread across his face. “But Sir.. Isn’t that a right reserved for members of the Induparan royal family–”
Galek raised a hand, glancing back over his shoulder. “That was not a request.” He snapped back curtly, his tone frigid as a glacier. “Issue the directive or I will find another aide who will.” The prince had little tolerance for argument at that moment, and thankfully the dissenting aide got the message - quickly nodding and shuffling off to do what was asked.
With that, Galek finally stepped back into his chambers - closing the door behind him in order to change and prepare himself for the cameras. While the prince was notorious for putting a tremendous amount of time and effort into his appearance before the Galaxy, there was a pronounced sense of urgency in that moment. Within minutes, the prince changed into formal attire and made his way towards a large audience room within his villa - a podium already set up and camera’s being aligned for the press release. A few finishing touches to his black locks were made by his hairdresser and Galek took his place behind the podium.
After a few more moments, a nod from Nadira indicated that they were ready. Galek gave a silent hand gesture and straightened his back, taking in a breath as the cameras started rolling - the broadcast projected across the HoloNet for billions to see.
The logo of the ISC was proudly displayed across screens, though the accompanying, patriotic music was omitted this time. It lingered for only a few moments before the cameras shifted to Galek himself. The Induparan stood behind a podium, flanked by twin ISC banners on either side of him. Galek was dressed in a simple black sherwani with a matching dupatta draped across his shoulder. There was none of the gaudy jewelry or finery that typically adorned the prince for public appearances - his attire meant to reflect the official mourning that he had declared.
Galek exhaled, clicking on the mic of his podium. “People of the Galaxy,” He began, his singsong voice solemn and sorrowful as he spoke - hazel eyes fixated straight ahead. “It is with an immensely heavy heart that I stand before you today. Like many of you, I am shocked and griefsticken at the tragic death of Supreme Chancellor Ro of the New Republic, and I wish to extend my deepest condolences to my colleagues in the New Republic, Balmorra, and the late Supreme Chancellor’s loved ones.”
“Words alone cannot hope to easy the pain felt by the family and friends of Emil Ro, but know that my prayers - and those of all within the ISC, are with you all. Know too that the ISC stands ready and willing to aid in any investigation into the Chancellor’s tragic death, in order to bring the perpetrator - whoever and wherever they are - to justice.”
Galek paused for a moment, taking a moment to allow his words to hang in the air before continuing. “As a member of the Galactic Senate, I knew Emil Ro as a colleague and fellow member of the Galactic community, and was one of the finest men I had the privilege of working with. Emil Ro was someone who tirelessly dedicated himself to the causes of freedom and democracy. He believed strongly in the core tenets of the Republic which he selflessly committed himself to as a public servant and leader, and he strived over the course of his life and career to work towards a better Galaxy for us all.”
The prince shook his head before staring back towards the camera. “With the death of Emil Ro, we have lost one of the finest and brightest beacons of liberty, and this Galaxy is a darker place in his absence.”
“While we mourn the tragic passing of the Chancellor, let us all pay tribute to this great man by living up to the legacy that he has left us. Let us strive to further the causes of freedom and democracy as he did, and to work tirelessly to make this Galaxy a better place for all sentients - regardless of faction or creed.”
Galek extended his hand upward, and the camera feed briefly cut away from the prince. Instead, the broadcast began to show a live image of a Arquitens-Class Command Frigate hovering in low orbit - one of the flagships of the ISC’s Three-Fold-Fleet. “In honor of the late Chancellor, we christen this vessel as ‘Emil’s Hope’. Wherever her voyage may take her, let this ship serve as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to all those who see her - just as the Chancellor did in his life.”
With that, the broadcast finally came to an end - cutting back to the ISC logo before fading to black.
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