Ask Coruscant New Republic Chancellor Debates

[Voren Dhur]

New Republic Chancellor Debates​

Voren Dhur reached for his glass of water. His hand was shaking, slightly, ahead of what was, without a doubt, the biggest day of his career so far. Taking a sip, he returned the glass and checked that the autocue was working. In front of his desk, a short distance away, podiums would be seen, behind which the candidates in this hotly contested election stood.

He nodded to them both, as the light above him turned on, counting down from five.

They went live.

"Citizens of the New Republic."

"The campaign to decide who will be chosen to lead the New Republic, as Supreme Chancellor, is well underway. Candidates have been out, across many worlds across the expanse of Space, seeking your support and setting out their vision for the New Republic with them at the helm."

"Today the Core News Network is proud to bring the candidates to you at home. On today's program, questions from citizens of the New Republic will be posed directly to the candidates, who will then have the same amount of time each, to provide their answer."

"The New Republic stands in a swirling sea of change, with a virus still at large, conflict within and on our borders, and those of our allies and partners. Tonight, you get to hear what your candidates, propose to do."

"Gentlebeings of the New Republic, welcome to the New Republic Chancellor Debates."

He paused as the audience clapped, for a few moments, the camera panning over the candidates.

"We shall start with our first question from Choom Van-Choom of Choom, yes, you sir in the red shirt." he pointed to a sweaty looking Twi'lek in the audience, who stood up nervously clutching his question, written on a datapad that visibly shook.

"Errrr. Yes. Errrr thank you. There's a lot of people worried right now, about the Sith, err, about the Sith Empire and the Mandolorians. What do you plan to errr, to errrr, to do about a potential war with these factions?"

The Twi'lek sat down as fast as he possible could, and Voren gestured for the first speaker, to answer.

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

The lights beared down on the Hynesitan’s face, he could feel a trickle of sweat pool at the base of his neck. His body had adapted overtime to deal with the extreme cold of his homeworld, not to stand with a thousand spotlights trying to burn him to cinder. But needs must and he would have to push though, hopefully someone in his team will turn on the air conditioning sooner rather than later.

Alexander’s eyes snapped to the Twi’Lek in the Red Shirt as Mr Dhur pointed him out of the crowd, the alien was visibly shaking as he gave his question to the two Chancellorship candidates. He tried to give the man a reassuring smile but he couldn't seem to catch his eye. Voren then turned to him and gestured for an answer first.

“Thank you Mr Van-Choom for your question. Unfortunately we are already at war with the Sith Empire, however as any who have heard my initial declaration when putting my name forward for Chancellor, my first act would be to arrange a ceasefire with the Sith Empire. Darth Andruil’s government has on many occasions informed representatives of the New Republic that they have no quarrel with ourselves only that of the Jedi who hide within our midst.”

“In terms of the Mandalorian threat, we still do not have all the information on their targets and desires, but what we do know involves their past with the Free World Alliance. A war I intend we have no part in joining.” It was a simple quick speech, but he was first so he only needed to put out his points. His stance for the entire campaign was one of peace, people do not like war and all the atrocities it brings. Why go to war over a philosophical debate which they had no part in anyway?

@ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Nor'baal

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Senator Hedarial stood smiling, hands resting on his podium. He was grateful for the opportunity to present his campaign in a discussion. Debates had always been a great delight among the many less illustrious tasks that came with elections, and at least in the past, they had served him well. He would need to gauge his words carefully. According to his morning brief, he better not forget his opponent's qualifications and skill.

When Voren Dhur pointed out the first audience question, Hedarial listened with an attentive smile and a cocked head. He nodded at the enquirer's words and mentally juggled together the last pieces of news he had heard about the Mandalorians. He had no problem allowing Xerxes to answer the question first, especially as he already knew the answer.

As Xerxes quickly came to an end of his short speech, Hedarial adjusted the microphone of his podium to raise it just a nudge higher, clearing his throat to answer the first question of the day himself:

"An excellent question, Mr Choom Van-Choom of Choom, and assuredly on everyone's mind in these trying times." Folding his hands, he looked through the crowd as he gave his answer. "As for the Mandalorians, too little is known about the war and their goals to give any certain answers, I can only say that I would work closely with our FWA contacts to assess the information and formulate a response in the interest of the Republic."

"As for the Sith, well the enemy is at our gates, and unlike my peer, I do not share the enthusiasm that those willing to brutally murder millions with the press of a button will prove most reasonable on the negotiating table." Hedarial was referring to the recent attack on Kashyyk, a horror broadcast to every corner of the Republic and fresh on everyone's mind.

"It shall be my stated mission to forestall any bloodshed and suffering to Republic citizens to the best of my ability, be I Chancellor or a Senator. Yet I would not desecrate the values of our Republic. A ceasefire with the Sith would have to be on our terms, and I will not abandon any member of the Republic. May they be of any planet or class, profession or calling. Of course, this also includes the Jedi within our boundries."

Pausing to reinforce his words, he looked through the audience, trying to gauge their reactions and the general mood of the room before continuing: "The Jedi Order may have blemished in their intergalactic conduct, but Jedi have always shown themselves at the forefront of the fight for democracy and human rights and proven a valuable asset in the containment of tyranny."

A small sigh escaped him, as he unfolded the hands from the podium, standing more open towards the crowd, readying himself for the next point. "I understand the fear radiating on many worlds, after the ultimatum by the Sith. But our government can not bow to terror demands. Today the Sith ask "merely" to forgo one of our greatest allies in the fight against them, promising the sweet recompense of peace. But what will they demand next? End of trade with the Free Worlds? Censorship of our news? Sith "adjutants" in our armed forces? If we show ourselves unwilling to stand up to these first threats, what hinders them from dismantling our nation piece by piece, until there is nothing left but an empty carcass for them to take in a foul sweep."

Hedarial drew a deep breath, and put his hands back on the podium, nodding towards Senator Xerxes. "Now, I know Senator Xerxes and I do not see eye to eye on these points. And I truly understand his desire to avoid military actions. None of us here wants war, no one wants to send people to their deaths. But I must remind you all, the Sith are not like us. Their philosophy differs greatly from ours. Peace to them is merely the short interval between conflicts, the opportunity to rearm and strike harder than one could at the moment. And they have shown willing to break compromises when it befits their need."

Shaking his head, Raycom gestured towards the querist Twi'lek and spoke on. "Your people, Mr Choom Van-Choom, had to first-hand incur the oppression of Sith governance already when the Galactic Empire took the reigns and occupied Ryloth. They were not the first foreign force to subjugate you, and would not be the last as history has shown. But they have always known when to stand and fight. Numerous of the Rebellions war heroes were Twi'Leks, and they remind us of a sad truth. The Empire was not beaten on the negotiating table, it was broken by women and men that stood in for justice, freedom and rights. Now it is our turn to take this torch and defend our Republic, so our planets may never fall victim to such hardship again. And I shall sign off on no ceasefire that guarantees anything less."

After this, Raycom gestured back to the moderator of tonight's debate. "Mr Dhur, that would conclude my answer."

@Nor'baal @Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander was given the opportunity to respond to Raycom and he took delight in doing so. “Senator Hedarial, says he understands the fear, but then uses said fear against us in his speech. He claims that the Sith would, Censor our news, place members within our armed forces, that they would tear us down from the inside. But what evidence do you have to support such wild and outrageous claims? I have evidence to the contrary, look at the Consortium who stand within our Galactic Senate, an Administration founded on the same republican values as our own, yet stands apart from the Jedi and as such the war with the Sith.”

Pausing he took a deep breath, before continuing. “Not a single bomb dropped upon their soil, I have also not seen the Sith demand trade deals or censorship to President Thorne and his council. Proof that this war is not about territory or power but this philosophical debate which has brought only war to our galaxy for Millenia. So I ask why entangle the people of this great republic in a war that does not concern them?” Alexander looked Raycom dead in the eyes before turning back to the crowd. “The question Mr Van-Choom asked is how we plan to deal with potential war with the Empire and the Mandalorians. I give a simple answer, we end it. We do not continue it on for the sake of people who are not our own or through fear and manipulation of our population about an outcome that cannot be proven will happen!”

@ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Nor'baal

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Senator Hedarial cocked his head at the small speech of his peer, who now more clearly than ever before showed himself as his opponent. A stern face in the face of debauchery, he listened along as the representative punched low with his words. Yet Hedarial left the man to speak, and mentally prepared his answer. When after about a minute and a half of speaking time Xerxes came to a halt, he answered:

"Honourable Senator of Hynestia, I would prefer you do not defer to me in the third person whilst I stand beside you. I would also like to correct your statement about my "fearmongering", as you called so. I merely stated that it may not be the best idea to submit to foreign extortion and threats of terror. I just do not believe in bowing down to bullies, and nations that murder millions of innocent civilians as a negotiation strategy, are just not the sort of diplomats I want to sit around my negotiation table. When we look back on millennia of Sith wars and deceptions, that all end in severe civilian tragedy, pardon me for believing that today's murderous cult may not be better than historic examples. Please feel free to lecture me on how Kashyyk's slaughter was in any way more morally acceptable than the actions of past empires at any time after the debate, but do not use my words against me in such a manner. My examples were merely that, examples. Examples of what I could see coming if we are bowing down to the threats of tyrants without any hesitation."

Hedarial had delivered his monologue in a calm and almost friendly tone. Now it was his time to regard the Senator with an icy glare. "I also like the simplicity of your solution. Just extradite the Jedi to their enemies to save our comfortable seats in the Senate, and let others deal with galactic problems. I am especially thrilled to hear the details of your master plan, semantics and nothing else of course, but still, I hope we will hear them tonight. The legal basis on which you wish to operate. Certainly, I could see no problem with our democratic and free government suddenly prohibiting a religious order from operating within our bounds that has been an integer part since its very beginning. Will we just strip the Jedi of citizenship and deport them? Or do you plan to arrest them domestically if they refuse to leave their order? Shall we confiscate their personal and institutional possessions and nationalise them? Will we just arrest members of the Agricultural Corps that have thus far offered their services mostly free of charge if they wish to continue their good work in the wake of failed harvest and famines? Do we terminate any Jedi that are within our defence forces or closely associated with them? Shall we prohibit the training of beings linked to the force within our borders completely, or will you allow some Sith instructors to fill the place and train these young and scared beings grappling with their powers? Oh and, will all that be enforced solely by our authorities or will you allow Sith into our territory to supervise it is happening. Certainly, the Sith Empire will need assurances?"

Turning to the crowd, he raised both hands and spoke on. "Now, I might have a thing or two to say against constraining the rights of our citizens just because they are part of a "certain group". I might say that selling out a large community active within our borders to our enemies, the empire we are in a war with may set a bad precedent. But I am certain you will have all these answers satisfyingly, that shows there is no issue against our Republic's inalienable rights with this exclusion based on personal beliefs and ability and that sacrificing the few for the many is morally acceptable. I am thrilled to learn how this deal with Darth Andruil's government will cover these factors. After all, Darth Andruil's government has an impeccable record when it comes to adherence to galactic law and there isn't any incident I could name that might hint at that suggest otherwise."

He placed his hands on the podium and shrugged. Yet his face bore a gander of grievous severeness. The Sith massacre was a serious matter, one that even shocked Hedarial with its utter brutality, and he frankly had to delve into some sarcasm to tolerate his honourable peer talking about the men and women responsible for it as if they just were any other statesmen, and the price he promised them, even more beings with dreams and aspirations, just any other bargaining chip one might throw onto the table.


@Nor'baal @Braden

 

[Voren Dhur]

"Thank you candidates, thank you." Voren interjected, ensuring both of the candidates stayed as close to their allowed speaking time as possible. "We've certainly heard a mix of opinions on this contentious issue already. So, let's head on to our next question, this time from Morax Huppanuup of Ithor," the camera roamed around the room, until a found a severe-looking Ithorian, whose face looked like it was mediating a border dispute between the Ithorians nostrils.

"Ahem." the large man, Morax, stood, causing his chair to practically breath a sigh of relief, and took the microphone "Professor Huppanuup, thank you." he began, with as haughty an expression as an Ithorian could give "Candidates. Over the course of my distinguished career, I have focused quite exclusively on various intense and complex subjects, which you can read about in my self-published book series 'The Galaxy: By Professor Huppanuup', available from all good bookstores. As such, I am something of an expert on foreign affairs. What will your platform be on foreign affairs? What kind of relationship will you have with the ISC or FWA?" he sat down on his somewhat distressed seat, waiting for his answer.

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Now the first designated to respond, Hedarial leaned slightly forward, meeting Professor Huppanuup's glance with a smile. "Foreign policy is certainly one of the most important parts of any candidate's policy, and I am glad to have a professional present. I see the republic's future as a link to the economic stage, with major trade routes going through the core, I intend to further actuate intergalactic trade through bilateral trade treaties with our partner governments of the Galactic Senate. How these will turn out exactly, is left to negotiations. Yet it shall be my mission to cement and foster trade with our partners."

"I will also try to strengthen ties in the Galactic Senate, and promote cooperation on a political level. If possible aid in mediating the recent tensions between the Free Worlds Alliance and the Independent System Consortium. I am firmly in the belief that together with our governments can reach much more, than each on their own. We still need to build up new infrastructure and agreements to cover the lack of manufacturing materials that have been apparent ever since the sanctions were put into place. A long and united effort could make the democratic systems of the galaxy less dependent on despots and tyrants, cleaning our economy and making us more self-sufficient."

Coming to the end of his short answer, he mentioned the third point. "I also believe, that if no satisfactorily end to the Sith War can be found, we will need to further coordinate our war effort with the FWA. I can see a conjoint command, to plan coordinated operations and strengthen our defence, limiting the chance of a second Kashyyyk,

@Nor'baal @Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander nodded at Raycom as the opposing Senator ended his comments. Turning to face Professor Hyppanuup in the crowd he began. “I, like my Honourable colleague here believe that the expansion and growth of our ties with both the Free World Alliance and Independent Consortiums is paramount to our growth as a strong and free Republic.”

“I have already discussed in passing with the Prime Minister of the Alliance about the opportunity to grow our already established top down Trade links, to ones that will touch every aspect of life here in the Republic. So not only the large corporations but the everyday working people of the Republic can see the benefit of such deals.”

Taking a quick sip of water to ease his throat he continued. “After the recent departure of key Republican worlds to the Consortium, time is of the essence to secure new trade deals and lines to make sure worlds which have been cut off by the new borders do not suffer any more than they need to. Worlds like Commenor, Byblos and Kuat have seen many of their past trading partners now sitting on the other side of the Galactic Senate. Re-linking these worlds with their past trade partners and new ones both within the Republic and without will be a key policy within my first one hundred days of office.”

“Speaking of the Galactic Senate, strengthening our position within the chamber is paramount. We have seen that recent bills that have been put forth by other member states have grossly impacted our worlds and we have been forced to live with it. I believe by having strong communication and understanding between all members of the Galactic Senate we will be able to avoid such things in the future.”

Alexander ended his statement there, this wasn't a contentious issue or one that either of them could disagree on if they wanted to win.

@Nor'baal @ThisIsHowLibertyDies

 

[Voren Dhur]

As the candidates wound up their answers, Voren took another sip of water and contemplated the futility of his meagre existence, which was as nothing in the greater span of the galaxy unfolding saga, before he turned to the next questioner. "Thank you Candidates," he briefly wondered why he had thanked the candidates for asking questions as part of a process through which they wished to get elected "- for your next question, we're speaking to Sachem Sandril of Chuubil, Master of one of the Houses of Chandila, via holo-link."

He gestured to a holoprojection of a woman dressed in white robes which appeared on his table. Her lips moved as she dove into her question, and he rolled his eyes. For Gods sake.

"You're on mute Grand Sachem." he audibly sighed "It's the silver button on the top rig - no, top right. My right, your le -"

"-AND THEREFORE, DO YOU THINK THERE SHOULD BE A FORMAL ALLIANCE WITH THE JEDI ORDER?"

She shouted, her volume turned up far to high, as Voren buried his head in his hands and turned on the candidate's microphones for them to reply.

@Braden @ThisIsHowLibertyDies

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

He couldn’t help but smile as the Grand Sachem struggled with the mute button. Before his face quickly dropped as he heard the question she asked. This was perhaps the most contentious of all the issues that divided himself and his political opponent; it was tied hand in hand with their stances on the war with the Sith. The fact he had to answer again first, thus giving Senator Hedarial an edge as he could counter his arguments was not lost on the Hynestian.

“Many already know both mine and my colleagues' stance on this matter, we have already partly touched on this early today.” If anything Voren or the producers only picked this question for the fiery language it may induce not to actually get an answer from the pair. Instead Alexander chose to be calm, stoic even in his response. “In a basic answer Madame Sachem, No. I do not believe there should be any formal alliance between the New Republic and The Jedi Order. Any weight or merit they may bring to our Great Republic is outweighed by the political and philosophical baggage they bring. Countless wars have been fought between the Sith and the Jedi throughout their combined history and always The Republic has been dragged into it and always The Republic suffers.”

He paused for a moment, before continuing. “So for that reason among others I have already stated earlier today, I believe we should not ally ourselves with the Jedi and instead should look to secure true and equal alliances with the Independent Security Council and Free World Alliance. These can better protect our people and secure our prosperity into the decades to come.”

@ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Nor'baal

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Hedarial remained serene as the woman struggled with her microphone, suppressing any attempt at a smile. He knew the dangers of technology, and it had been on more than one occasion it had failed him in a likely matter. He listened to his colleague's reply, even nodding along at the start of it, yet more than once shaking his head as the man condemned the Jedi. When Xerxes' speech ended, he took a small sip of water from a glass on his podium and answered.

"Please excuse it, grand Sachem, yet having heard merely the latter part of your enquiry, I must allow for a little bit of conjecture. I will state once again that I think coordination with the Jedi is key to prevailing in this war. Yet I do not believe in much beyond that. I think that whilst military coordination and cooperation are vital, the Jedi and the state need to remain separate on many other levels. The Jedi need to fall under the jurisdiction of the Galactic Senate, like any other institution, and they need to be held accountable for their actions. Yet we need to give them a legal platform to do their good work."

Looking through the audience and back to the moderator, he said: "This is all that needs to be said if we do not want to get into the legal technicalities."

 

[Voren Dhur]

Voren stared into his glass of water as if in a trance, before being jolted back into focus by his producer through an earpiece. Quickly, he plastered his fake smile back onto his face as the camera snapped back onto him. "Both very thought-provoking answers, candidates. Now we are coming onto our next question, which this time comes to us from Coruscant."

Gesturing over to an even larger holoprojector, a huge flickering image of a Coruscanti business being fluttered into life. "Hello Coruscant!" the holo-projection boomed as the larger than life man spoke "It's great to be here as part of this important process to decide who next will be leading the New Republic. We've all seen the holos," one would have thought the man was auditioning for a play "- we've all seen when many worlds moved from the New Republic over to the Consortium. What kind of relationship do you intend to maintain with these worlds, and, what will you do if more vital Core worlds make the choice to defect?"

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander waited, eyes locked on Hedarial, it was his turn to answer the question first. But for some reason the Senator from Byss seemed stunned into silence. Was he struggling to formulate an answer, or was he waiting for Alexander to make his own so he could shout it down. The silence dragged on for a few moments longer, the Hynestian let it strain just enough for it to look bad on the other Senator before interrupting and giving his own statements.

“We are a democracy, we cannot force people or planets to stay if they believe that they would be better off under another Government. They have the right to vote to leave if they so wish. I hold no grudge to these worlds and hope that once new trade deals are agreed with the Consortium's leadership we can continue the excellent interplanetary relationships we had previously into the future.”

“If any future planets leave, as I said we cannot force them to stay. But what we can do is look at the reasoning for them leaving and look to address that in the future. We saw in the statement from Governor Tebdree of Cato Neimoidia, that some of the reasons for them as well as other planets leaving was the war with the Sith and the sanctions which came with this war. To issues I look to address within the first one hundred days of my term.”

“My wish is that in time we can show to all planets both internally and externally, that The Republic is a beacon of prosperity for all peoples and that to come into our embrace is the best course of action for them and their planet.”

@ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Nor'baal

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Hedarial listened to the question of the Coruscanti, his smile straining somewhat at the implications. Before giving his answer he decided it best to just allow for a very quick glance into his notes to not mess this important question up. It would be better to be safe than sorry. Lowering his glance to his datapad he...

The notification of his aid had completely escaped his notice, he had believed to have shut off notifications in the first place, yet there it was. All caps and with excessive use of exclamation marks: "THE JEDI HAVE SCREWED UP, BE CAREFULL". The question was almost nearing its end, and he knew he would have to talk soon, yet there was an image attached... a quick look would not hurt.

Hedarial did however regret opening the image. Not even years of training and experience could have prepared him for that, and for a moment, he almost feared that his facade had slipped. The image of more than a dozen frozen Wookies, bound to the outside of a spaceship was just too much. He had no clue what exactly had happened, but it was bad.

It took him a moment to realise another mistake, a more imminent and personal one. He only noticed it when his opponent spoke, forgoing him in his turn. Composing himself he stood behind the podium readying himself for his turn to speak. As Xerxes reached the end of his small statement, reiterating his two campaigning points: Promising peace and ISC like situation as well as economic actions, he cleared his throat. With a sad smile, he addressed the crowd.

"I must apologise for my rude behaviour, I have just received an update on a rather personal matter best not discussed before cameras, and I fully well know how unacceptable it was to let myself be distracted from the debate it shall not happen again." Making an apologetic gesture with his hands while talking. He allowed some of the very real sorrow and scare that now filled him to alter his gaze, using his real emotions in his small stunt of deception. Playing for sympathy was the only course of action that came to his mind so quickly.

"To return to the question at hand, I do find it troublesome that so many planets have lately fallen from the Republic to join other systems. As my esteemed peer has already described in his answer, there is no legal reason to negate such a request, and we can only watch as planets leave, yet I fear that this exodus could massively weaken the Republic as a whole. Our nation is by far the most centralised, yet if planets play with the option of secession, all strength that should grant us will vaporize quite quickly."

He sighed "I can not stop nor hold back any planet with a desire to leave, yet I do not see a responsibility to aid planets that do not see their future in our midst. If a planet does decide to leave, I shall treat it as any other member system when conversing with another federation, be it FWA or ISC, but there is not to be expected sympathy if the matter is between the Republic and the sole system. I also intend to strengthen the Republic and its Senate, to parlay the parliamentary system of the republic, and thus I do not believe that such systems will be of great aid in strengthening our rows. Once the Republic truly becomes an actor in galactic politics again, instead of a reactor, I believe we will see less desire to abandon it."

He knew it was not his strongest answer of the night, but he had only recovered during his small speech, and decided he would just have to wait until he could learn what exactly the Jedi had done. For now he had to concentrate on the debate. He rather doubted that a newer occurrence would pop up in a question this early.

@Nor'baal @Braden

 

[Voren Dhur]

Voren nearly jumped with joy when the light came on just on the underside of the desk, indicating they should move to the final question of today's session. "Our final question in tonights rollercoaster of a debate comes from, of for fu -" he shook his head and buried it in his hands before looking up " - from the 'Flat Galaxy Society'."

The camera panned around, and a well-dressed Chevin stood up, a smart bowler hat resting atop his well-proportioned head, and his cleared his (very large) throat. "Yes, yes-yes, yes. Thank you, yes. My name is Mandlax Hippomourn Grondak-Grondak Imselfroot Maldroon VI, son of Mandlax Hippomourn Grondak-Grondak Imselfroot Maldroon V, and yes. Yes. I would like to ask, yes, will you or will you not enforce an AMS vaccine mandate? Yes." he sat back down, as Voren let out an audible groan.

@ThisIsHowLibertyDies @Braden

 

[Raycom Hedarial]

Senator Hedarial had to suppress the urge to sigh. Why was the Flat Galaxy Society given a platform in the first place? These bumbling baboons had done nothing but disrupt the political conduct around the AMS virus, as well as assault politicians and journalists all over the place. He could visibly see the disgust in Mr Dhur's face as he as asked the question, and could only share the feeling.

Clearing his throat he began to answer. "I believe that we need to act decisively against this virus, which has resulted in nothing but trouble for our economy, our private lives and jobs. Too many have fallen victim to the virus already, and things can not continue like this. I am a supporter of any step that brings us closer to normality, yet I am no virologist. My staff is working hard with experts to formulate a suitable strategy to tackle the pandemic as we speak. I would favour a system based on incentive over a system based on force, but should I and my staff be voted into office, you can expect me to set every step necessary to bring back normality to the Republic and its systems."

After what he had said, he gestured towards his peer, so Xerxes would know he was finished.

@Braden @Nor'baal

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander couldn’t help but smile when Voren brought up the presenter of their final question. The Flat Galaxy Society, they were a bit of a crackpot group, but their questions could cause controversy depending on how they were answered. He was happy that Raycom went first, allowing the Hynestian to measure his own response depending on what the Senator from Byss said.

Nodding to Raycom after he was finished, Alexander turned to the cameras and gave his own reply. “The AMS virus is something that has cost the lives of millions throughout the galaxy. The leadership of the New Republic has the responsibility to protect its people in times of crisis like this. However we can only do that with the fantastic work carried out by our scientists and those throughout the galaxy such as those within MorataCorp. Any decisions on vaccine mandates, quratines and such would only be taken with the advice of these people. Once elected to this esteemed office, the continued work to rid ourselves of this virus will become one of my key responsibilities.”

It was a basic non-answer, answer, but that is what was needed.

@Nor'baal @ThisIsHowLibertyDies