Dahonis City Hall, Indupar
After weeks of planning and coordination in the background with his counterparts at the ISC, the day had finally come for Galek to make his address to the citizens of the galaxy. And what better way to do so than with a live press conference?
Crowds of Induparan citizens and journalists gathered at the base of the steps of Dahonis City Hall, the space having been cleared for the occasion. The floor would be open for questions following the address, with many reporters appearing amongst the crowd via holonet. Stepping up to the podium, Galek was dressed in a finely tailored white-and-gold suit, an embroidered black sash laid across his shoulder. Flanking him on both sides was a row of ISC flags, purple banners fluttering gently in the breeze.
Placing his hands onto the podium in front of him, Galek greeted the assembled crowd with a polite nod - a smile beaming across his features. With the camera feeds broadcasting the scene from the Outer Rim to the Core, the eyes of the Galaxy were on the prince and he knew it.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” He took a breath, beginning his speech. “It is my distinct honor to address you all today to discuss a great matter of importance, and to announce promising new developments from the ISC.”
Pausing for a moment, Galek’s voice took on a more serious, somber tone. “For years now, we have all been subjected to the heartbreaking images pouring in from systems across the galaxy. Images of worlds devastated by war and AMS, driven to the brink of collapse. Images of men, women and children forced from their homes and fleeing across entire sectors. Images of worlds from the Core to the Outer Rim, overflowing with starving refugees, unable to shoulder the burden of so many on their own.” He shook his head. “Without a structured system in place to handle this influx of refugees, the governments of the galaxy have floundered to come up with a response, allowing this crisis to go unaddressed.” Galek planted a hand firmly into the podium in front of him.
“I stand before you now to proclaim that changes today. No longer will the ISC stand for inaction while billions of men, women and children suffer.”
“To that end, I am proud to announce that the ISC has begun to take the first steps toward the establishment of the Independent Systems Consortium Refugee Agency. Under the leadership of a select committee, this agency will be dedicated to promoting the interests of refugees that come from all corners of the galaxy, providing a structured pathway to seek asylum on ISC worlds.”
Galek paused briefly, allowing his announcement to hang in the air before continuing on to the details. “Under this new system, refugees will be directed to established ports of entry at designated locations across Consortium space where they will undergo the proper quarantining periods and other basic screenings. After passing through these ports of entry, refugees will then be resettled to worlds across ISC territory, from Indupar to Tatooine, all of whom have agreed to take accept them based on varying levels of capacity.”
“This system will serve to relieve the burden from worlds such as Naboo and Christophsis, whose resources have become strained by the overwhelming influx of new arrivals. Additionally, by spreading the load across many worlds, individual refugees will have better access to infrastructure and support networks until such time that they return home, or choose to make a permanent life in within ISC space.”
Galek allowed the smile to return to his face. “Under I.S.C.R.A, no longer will those displaced by this crisis live in squalor, but instead they will have access to the resources they deserve. With the establishment of the ISC military and infrastructure projects being planned across planets like Lok and Lahsbane, new arrivals will almost immediately have meaningful employment opportunities available to them. Additionally, as more new arrivals are settled upon planets, the demand for housing complexes and new, permanent infrastructure will continue to serve as generators of new jobs and wealth, something benefiting both recipients of this program and their host worlds.”
“Through this program, we can finally begin the hard work of addressing this calamity that has gone ignored for far too long.” The prince paused, turning to face the camera’s directly. “We at the ISC continue to commend the good works being done by MortaCorp and others, and I am optimistic that a vaccine is only just around the corner. But while we wait for a permanent solution to this crisis, it is my hope that I.S.C.R.A will serve as a beacon of support to those who are in need of it most."
“In the days to come, I look forward to being able to share with you all more details about these efforts as they are made available.” Galek gestured an open hand to the assembled journalists. “With that, I now open the floor to questions from those in attendance both here and via the holonet. I shall do my best to answer.”
Open to reporter characters both in-person or via holonet. Other characters may react as usual. Write up for the refugee program can be found HERE