Ask [Indupar] Personal Apologizes

[Korre Belasi]

Indupar was a beautiful planet, and Korre wished the nature of her visit could have been for a much more pleasant reason. She didn't expect the visit to be wholly negative, but one of the reasons she was here was to personally apologize to the Induparian governor for the events which had transpired over Kashyyyk involving his ISCRA crew and one of her senators.

It wasn't all negative though, but she wasn't just here solely as the Prime Minister of the Free Worlds. She was also here as a member of the Belascan government. The ISCRA, though a refugee agency, did not just stop there. They went further. Refugees weren't left to gather dust in camps, but they were relocated so that they could continue their lives elsewhere. Part of the screening process included medical. Belascan scientists would be invaluable there.

~~~~~​

Korre's transport ship entered the atmosphere and descended down to the meeting location. When they landed, Korre would make her way down the ramp into the warm, Induparian air with nothing short of her pleasant, resting smile. It would not be immediately obvious to anyone not close to the woman that she had been stressed day in and day out for a while now.

tag: @Altaris

 

[Galek Ordalos]

​

Galek couldn’t say he was entirely surprised to have received the transmission from Korre. It had only been a few days since the entire disastrous ordeal on Kashyyyk, and the Induparan prince had seen the Prime Minister’s recent HoloNet address to the Galaxy that followed - going on the record to publicly denounce the actions of her own Senators, while also dedicating funding towards ISCRA to compensate. It was an undeniably intelligent move politically, and the Induparan couldn’t help but believe that there was some genuine remorse on Korre’s part for how events had unfolded.

Regardless of whatever position the Consortium had taken in recent days, Galek still maintained a great deal of respect for the Prime Minister on a personal level. And if he was being honest, felt no lack of sympathy for the position she found herself in.

Quite frankly, if corralling Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was part of his job description, he would’ve retired months ago.

Galek stood at the very end of the landing platform where Korre’s transport touched down, posture straight and hands neatly tucked against the small of his back. As per usual, the Induparan prince was dressed in the elegant and regal styles of his homeworld - wearing an

embroidered, white Sherwani and black dupatta that draped across his shoulder. His black hair was neatly combed and styled into place, while the air around him was heavily scented with the prince’s expensive cologne.

Rather than meeting Korre within the hustle and bustle of Dahanis City, Galek had arranged for them to meet at one of the Prince’s private residences in the Induparan countryside - the very same location where they had met for the very first time, years ago. The decision was partially motivated by Galek’s own desire to escape from the busy capital, but was also made in hopes of avoiding a great deal of the media attention that the Prime Minister’s arrival was bound to attract.

As the Prime Minister approached, Galek took a few steps forward to greet the woman - extending a hand to shake as a friendly smile brushed his lips. “Prime Minister,” Galek said smoothly, his voice tinged with that characteristic sing-song accent. “It is always a pleasure to see you, again. Welcome to Indupar.” He offered a gesture of his hand, motioning for Korre to follow him back towards the estate entrance. “I trust your journey wasn’t too unpleasant?” He said, hazel eyes turning to fixate onto the woman.

While Galek certainly had his assumptions of why Korre had made the journey all the way to the Mid Rim, he didn’t intend on vocalizing them. He would wait for Korre to elaborate and state whatever it was that she had come to say.

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

"Governor Ordalos, thank you! You as well." The Belascan would reach out to accept his hand and give it a study shake. "And - not at all." Indupar wasn't lightyears away from Belasco.

Alright, standard, obligatory "how are you's" were over.

"Governor, I am here for two reasons: firstly, to extend my personal apologizes for Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's behavior during the events of Kashyyyk." She had already made a Holonet announcement, and the Wookie had apologized for himself as well, but she felt embarrassed enough by his behavior that she wanted the Induparian to know for certain that she didn't condone it to any degree. "Unfortunately, there is only so much I can do, but I have done my best to make it known that I don't consider that acceptable behavior. The ISCRA's help at Kashyyyk was absolutely invaluable. Thank you."

It was insane that this was a necessary action to take, but alas. She was incredibly upset about the whole situation, because it was so innane. The Belascan kept her apologetic smile up though, refusing to let any lingering irritation creep through.

tag: @Altaris

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek offered Korre a smile, tucking both of his hands against the small of his back after shaking with the Prime Minister. “I am glad to hear it.” He said warmly. While the Induparan was nothing short of pleasant, he didn’t linger long on the obligatory introductions - hazel eyes fixed onto Korre as the Prime Minister began to elaborate on her purposes for coming to Indupar in the first place.

Ah. Kashyyyk.

The Induparan prince had guessed this might be where this visit was going. The events surrounding the attack on that planet, and the subsequent political upheaval that had occured in its aftermath, had remained dominant in the minds of many. Even more so, as the ISC formally declared its neutrality and withdrew ISCRA operations from FWA space.

Galek would be lying to himself if he claimed he wasn’t still angry about the entire incident - having put the lives of both himself and his men at risk, only to be spat upon by the ‘leader’ of the very people they were attempting to save. And yet, the Induparan couldn’t hold any of it against Korre personally. He had seen the speech she mentioned, and the way that the Prime Minister had gone out of her way to denounce the Senator of Kashyyyk and his actions, while praising those of ISCRA. It was part of the reason that the Induparan retained a large degree of respect for the woman, even if he found himself affording little - if any at all - to her Senator’s.

Galek took in a deep breath before nodding, offering the Prime Minister a small - albeit surprisingly genuine - smile. “Thank you, Prime Minister.” He began, “While I was able to listen to the speech you made, I appreciate your willingness to speak with me directly about what occurred on Kashyyyk.” It spoke volumes to Korre as both a person and a leader - certainly more than the Wookiee Senator’s own bizarre HoloNet announcement shortly thereafter. “While I will not lie to you, and claim that I was not - and in many ways, still am - frustrated with what occurred on Kashyyyk.. I do not hold you accountable for the actions of the Senator. I am only glad that, whatever else occurred, ISCRA was successful in bringing multitudes to safety.

He turned back towards the hallway that led deeper into the estate, gesturing with a hand for Korre to follow him inside. The Induparan waved a hand once they were inside - dismissing the pair of Royal guards that had trailed the prince up to this point. He was silent for a long moment before glancing back over his shoulder. “Know that the Consortium’s decision to withdraw ISCRA from FWA territory, and to declare neutrality, was not one that was made lightly. Kashyyyk was the final straw for a majority on the Executive Council, but it was only one of many slights that has brought us to this point.”

“And while the door remains closed to any formal alliances between our two governments, I believe there is still room for cooperation between individual planets.” The FWA operated with a tremendous amount of autonomy, and there was nothing to prevent the Consortium from dealing with some planets directly, if the terms were favorable.

After a few more steps, Galek stepped through another door - leading out onto an open-air pavilion surrounded by tropical vegetation.There was an assortment of long, cushioned seats and circular tables that had been set out, fitted with several hookah pipes and trays of refreshments for either of them to sample. The roar of the planet’s many waterfalls could be heard in the distance, while a cool breeze cut through the pavilion. It was a bit less formal of a setting, a bit less sterile than the offices that they were both accustomed to, and Galek expected it would be a welcome change in scenery.

He gestured towards a place for Korre to sit. “You mentioned you were here for two things.” Galek said, settling himself into one of the plush seats opposite of Korre. He reached forth, picking up one of the tea-filled glasses off the table and bringing it to his lips. “What was the second?”

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

They began to walk, and Ordalos began to speak. She nodded solemnly when he voiced his remaining frustrations, but she said nothing. The Prime Minister wasn't in the business of making excuses - only solutions. Even if she wanted to though, there really weren't any to be made. Korre wasn't entirely sure if the dislike of the ISC in FWA senators came from a difference in ideology, personal gripes...or just jealousy. Of course, as he said, the doors to a formal alliance were tightly shut, but again as he said, it did not mean business between the two entities had to come to a halt.

They eventually made their way to a cozy room decorated in red and livened with scores of potted plants. The open air, mixed with the distant rumble of falling water and the bite of fresh air, was a welcome feeling. The ginger Belascan took a seat before she answered his question.

"Belasco is one of many scientific hubs in the galaxy, but our specialization in microbiological technologies and experience dealing with diseases is something that makes us stand out. The ISCRA deals with refugees. Every planet has its own microsystems of bacteria and disease, and large movements of refugees will result in the spreading of those systems. Your refugees will be exposed to bacteria they are unprepared to deal with, and the people they move in with will come in contact with theirs.

"Belasco deals with a septennial plague of bacteria, almost on the dot. Our scientists have developed systems of filtration - both water and air - that deal with this. Our scientists - myself included, actually - have access to some of the galaxy's best microbiology programs."

Korre gestured slightly with her hands as she spoke as if she were demonstrating the process in a sort of way. It was clear this was a topic she was intimately familiar with.

"Belascan scientists often collab with others. Recently, for example, Belascan scientists went to Fondor to improve filtration systems there to improve the quality of life for the shipyard workers. In return, Belasco received a handful of ships that I eventually redesignated to the GHO."

Korre's smile overtook her features as she spoke, and her eyes remained in unbroken eye contact with the Induparian as she spoke to him.

"I came to offer this, to see if something similar could be worked out between Belasco and the ISCRA."

tag: @Altaris

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Taking a seat just opposite to Korre, Galek allowed himself to get a bit more comfortable - reclining ever-so-slightly in the plush, satin cushions of his seat as he took a long sip from his tea. The crisp, humid air and the distant roar of waterfalls brought a renewed sense of tranquility to the Induparan - each and every sensation a welcome reminder that he was finally home. As much as he hated to admit to it, it seemed that he had less and less time to appreciate his homeworld - growing far more accustomed to the interior of his ship or the cold, sterile ISCRA offices.

Nursing the glass of tea in his hands, Galek leaned forward ever-so-slightly as Korre began to elaborate on what she was proposing - hazel eyes fixed onto the Belascan woman with growing interest.

Almost immediately, Galek could see the way that Korre’s eyes almost seemed to light up - betraying a passion and interest in what she was talking about - far deeper than anything he’d seen when the topic revolved around politics alone. Moreover, the Induparan couldn’t help but consider the value of what she was saying. As ISCRA expanded its scope to other systems, they came under increasing risk of spreading some unknown disease or bacteria. While the Induparan was fully confident in the abilities of their own scientists and the medical experts on Thyferra.. He wasn’t arrogant to ignore the value and skill that Belasco had to offer.

Galek nodded softly when Korre concluded her pitch, running a finger across the rim of his glass. He paid close enough to the mention of previous, similar deals that the Belascan had made in the past, mulling them over in his mind for a long moment.

It was a good offer, and one that ISCRA certainly would benefit from. “You make a tempting offer, Prime Minister.” He began, his hazel eyes lifting to fixate onto hers unwaveringly. “You mentioned that Fondor reciprocated a similar deal with ships. What would Belasco ideally ask for in return, in this instance?” The Induparan could think of a couple different things that could be offered, but he was curious to see what Korre had in mind.

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

"That, if Belasco is attacked, that the ISCRA will help evacuate Belascan citizens." Korre stated it plainly, paused a moment, then continued. "I know the ISC has retracted the ISCRA from the FWA, but every planet within the FWA is independent of each other. Belasco is its own government - its own Prime Minister and its own King."

Korre folded her hands in her lap. "Prime Minister Celeste is just as irritated as I am with the comments from certain FWA senators, as does she hold the same respect I have for the ISCRA. Plus, this exchange will benefit the ISCRA immediately. Belasco may never need the ISCRA's help, but there is too much scientific genius and data on Belasco. Neither Prime Minister Celeste, King Armond, nor I wish to risk its loss."

The Belascan was confident Galek would see things her way. Belasco had been absent from the political stage, sans her term as senator. They were already somewhat known for being a bit isolationist - hell, their borders were closed for years upon years of AMS. They were far from anti-ISC. In fact, they regularly traded with Mimban.

tag: @Altaris

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek certainly had his suspicions of what Korre might want in return for usage of Belasco scientists, and what the Prime Ministsr said next essentially confirmed what the Induparan had already - silently - been guessing at. Given what ISCRA brought to the table, it wasn’t exactly a request that he could fault Korre for.

There was a prolonged moment of pause from Galek as he mulled over the deal - weighing the pros and cons of it all. ISCRA had formally withdrawn from the FWA at large, and never again would the agency or the Consortium as a whole suffer the kind of disrespect they had been subjected to on Kashyyyk. Even still, Galek couldn’t help but consider multiple points the Belascan made.

Even if they were united under a single government, the worlds that made up the Alliance were largely independent and autonomous in the way they operated. No two planets operated exactly the same, and diplomacy between them equally diverse. Even after the withdrawal, the ISC had maintained close relations with Tanaab as part of their partnership. Moreover, unlike many of her Senators, it was no secret that Korre herself had maintained a comparatively stellar relationship with the Consortium - one of the few people within that government that Galek respected personally.

After a long moment, Galek finally ceased the tapping against his glass and leaned forward, eyes fixed onto Korre. “Very well, Prime Minister,” He began, “In exchange for collaboration between Belascan scientists and our own experts on Thyferra, ISCRA will once again extend its operations to Belasco. in the event of disaster. Under the banner of neutrality, our convoys will provide medical aide and refugee assistance to your people.” It was not a promise of military assistance or Consortium intervention in any armed conflict.. But it was a guarantee of safety for her people should the worst come to pass.

As soon as the terms were spoken, the pleasant smile returned to Galek’s expression, his words airy and light as he waved a hand. “If you find those terms agreeable..” He gestured to one of the trays, and a bottle of brandy unopened. “A toast, to the continued friendship between Belasco and the Consortium.”

@lizziie