Cassian Graves sat in his office on Onderon, his fingers impatiently tapping against the surface of his desk. Behind him, rain beat against the window and lightning flashed across the sky, its blue release highlighting the city of Iziz beneath. Eager to get this over with, he straightened his tie and cleared his throat.
"Good evening," the Zeltron began as soon as the green light on the holorecorder lit up.
"As I'm sure all of you are already aware, talks between the people of Felucia and representatives of the Free Worlds Alliance recently broke down. The decision for the planet to return to the Sith Empire was almost unanimous.
"As a result, the Free Worlds Alliance has been vilified in recent days, and a growing number of people rally behind the notion that the Free Worlds Alliance is solely responsible for the battle that occurred on Felucian soil. I will not insult your intelligence by attempting to deny that the Free Worlds Alliance played a role in this invasion, but I would like to remind you that it was the Jedi that led the assault on Felucia, not the Free Worlds Alliance.
"The Battle of Felucia was not an attack on the good people of Felucia but rather an attack on the Sith Empire that continues to expand its borders, no matter the cost. I speak for the whole of the Free Worlds Alliance when I say that we deeply regret and mourn the loss of any life on Felucia, but I believe our track record speaks for itself."
The Zeltron pressed his fingertips together and continued. "The Free Worlds Alliance is not in the business of invading planets that do not belong to them. We did not attempt to invade Felucia or to take it by force. If aggressive expansion had been our desire, we would not have entered peaceful talks with the Felucian Elders. It is only right that they be allowed to make their own choice, and we will abide by the decision that they have made. Each planet should be allowed to choose for themselves.
"Planetary autonomy and independence has always been core to our beliefs." A smile played across his lips. "It's in our name.
"This sets us apart from the Sith Empire, who continue to invade planets right and left. Ossus, Byblos, Kabal, Spirana, Taris, Denon. And who could forget the devastation of Firrerre? The Sith Empire bombarded that planet without mercy and without warning or provocation. They left its surface and its citizens to die in flames while they fled to the safety of hyperspace.
"Can you truly condemn the Free Worlds Alliance for attempting to look after its borders when the Sith have proven themselves to be in favor of aggressive expansion? We have borne the unsolicited attacks of the Sith time and time again, and it cannot be allowed to continue."
A deep sigh escaped his lips before he continued. "I do not attempt to paint the Sith Empire in one broad stroke as nothing but murderers and war mongers. The citizens and operatives of the Sith Empire are as diverse and unique as the planets and people within Free Worlds space. The Sith Order cannot always be held responsible for the actions of one or a few.
It was not long ago that Lord Andruil offered an olive branch. A great deal has transpired since that olive branch was extended, but I hope that it is not too late for peace between the governments of the Galactic Senate and the Sith Empire. The Free Worlds Alliance desires peace, not bloodshed.
"We have come to terms with the rejection of Felucia, and I can sincerely say that I hope the people of Felucia will live happily and find prosperity within the Sith Empire.
"I do not know what the future holds, but I can assure you that the Free Worlds Alliance will stand strong to protect its citizens and to safeguard freedom."
With that, the broadcast ended.
"Good evening," the Zeltron began as soon as the green light on the holorecorder lit up.
"As I'm sure all of you are already aware, talks between the people of Felucia and representatives of the Free Worlds Alliance recently broke down. The decision for the planet to return to the Sith Empire was almost unanimous.
"As a result, the Free Worlds Alliance has been vilified in recent days, and a growing number of people rally behind the notion that the Free Worlds Alliance is solely responsible for the battle that occurred on Felucian soil. I will not insult your intelligence by attempting to deny that the Free Worlds Alliance played a role in this invasion, but I would like to remind you that it was the Jedi that led the assault on Felucia, not the Free Worlds Alliance.
"The Battle of Felucia was not an attack on the good people of Felucia but rather an attack on the Sith Empire that continues to expand its borders, no matter the cost. I speak for the whole of the Free Worlds Alliance when I say that we deeply regret and mourn the loss of any life on Felucia, but I believe our track record speaks for itself."
The Zeltron pressed his fingertips together and continued. "The Free Worlds Alliance is not in the business of invading planets that do not belong to them. We did not attempt to invade Felucia or to take it by force. If aggressive expansion had been our desire, we would not have entered peaceful talks with the Felucian Elders. It is only right that they be allowed to make their own choice, and we will abide by the decision that they have made. Each planet should be allowed to choose for themselves.
"Planetary autonomy and independence has always been core to our beliefs." A smile played across his lips. "It's in our name.
"This sets us apart from the Sith Empire, who continue to invade planets right and left. Ossus, Byblos, Kabal, Spirana, Taris, Denon. And who could forget the devastation of Firrerre? The Sith Empire bombarded that planet without mercy and without warning or provocation. They left its surface and its citizens to die in flames while they fled to the safety of hyperspace.
"Can you truly condemn the Free Worlds Alliance for attempting to look after its borders when the Sith have proven themselves to be in favor of aggressive expansion? We have borne the unsolicited attacks of the Sith time and time again, and it cannot be allowed to continue."
A deep sigh escaped his lips before he continued. "I do not attempt to paint the Sith Empire in one broad stroke as nothing but murderers and war mongers. The citizens and operatives of the Sith Empire are as diverse and unique as the planets and people within Free Worlds space. The Sith Order cannot always be held responsible for the actions of one or a few.
It was not long ago that Lord Andruil offered an olive branch. A great deal has transpired since that olive branch was extended, but I hope that it is not too late for peace between the governments of the Galactic Senate and the Sith Empire. The Free Worlds Alliance desires peace, not bloodshed.
"We have come to terms with the rejection of Felucia, and I can sincerely say that I hope the people of Felucia will live happily and find prosperity within the Sith Empire.
"I do not know what the future holds, but I can assure you that the Free Worlds Alliance will stand strong to protect its citizens and to safeguard freedom."
With that, the broadcast ended.