Senate Vote: Delegation & Message to the Jedi Knights

[Beta12]

Republic Senate Vote
Delegation & Message to the Jedi Knights

OOC

Though it felt like the Chancellor's day had just started, the Senate had been in session all morning. Motions, sponsored by various senators, had been debated and voted on for the past four hours. The senatorial chamber itself, a large fortified complex, contained a massive indoor rotunda, with a large dais in the middle. Massive windows stretched in a circle behind the farthest seats in the stadium.

"Esteemed Senators of the Galactic Republic..." Charon Chanzot's soothing voice circulated through the audio systems of the Senatorial Chamber. Though the windows had been tinted all morning, they would soon clear way to reveal the majestic landscapes of Chandrila around them. Rolling, pine forest covered hills and valleys reminiscent to Alderaan stretched as far as the eye could see. The capital city of Hanna stood as a beacon within the rugged landscape, housing the the senate chamber at its heart. It was about midday on the planet, with fair wind and a fairly clear sky. In contrast the chamber itself felt very dull and cramped. It had been the first time the Senate had convened in weeks, and with most Senators arriving after long stints in hyper-space, the atmosphere was tense.

"It is a pleasure to reconvene the afternoon portion of our scheduled motions." The entire chambered thrummed with the energy of hundreds of air born hover cameras. Thousands of tiny lights tracked countless senators movement while the session was broadcast to the Greater Republic. Charon herself was surrounded by around at least five, as she stood in the central cupped grand dais. Her red hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, pressed in places to her scalp by the gold plates that made up her head dress. Her blue cape, contrasting the rest of her white outfit, flitted gently in the air-conditioned breeze of her cushioned pod.

An assistant, seated at a control station in the front of the pod, leaned into a microphone and allowed her own voice to be heard. "Gourmet Catering will be operating up until the next hour." Charon filled the pause by finishing a game on her holotablet, concealed in the folds of her cape and positioned in her lap. After the assistant ducked her head back down toward her controls, Charon lifted her head and continued.

"The first motion of the afternoon is sponsored by Temen Antilles." She gave the name a moment to sink in before continuing. "Would the Senator of Alderaan please approach the Dias, and address the greater Senate with your motion?" Of course, asking a Senator to approach the dais in such a massive complex was a laughable proposition. However, the platforms jutting out from the second floor of the complex acted as substitute platforms for approach, as they were easily accessible from all areas of the rotunda.

The general rabble of the chamber lessened as senators settled into their seats, waiting for the sponsor of the motion to stand and make his address.

 

[Temen Antilles]

It took every bit of restraint to prevent Temen Antilles from audibly sighing for the camera when he was called down the dais. Ever since he was a legislative apprentice, he loathed the mindless rules of order that parliamentary bodies were forced to conduct themselves under. He could have just as easily been granted executive permission to lead a delegation to the Jedi Temple on Tython in order to meet with the Jedi Order and deliver a message on behalf of the Republic, a message that was as predictable as any other piece of wartime legislation that had come before this body in recent days. But alas, bureaucracy ruled the day.

"Thank you, Madame Chancellor," Temen said as he arrived at the dais, placing a few notes in front of him. His voice carried a calm and welcoming tone, a sort of charming facade he wore in order to hide his utter disdain for the people around him.

He began his speech. "Since the dawn of the Republic, Alderaan has counted the Jedi Order amongst its friends. We are proud to stand with them as brothers and sisters in this galaxy."

Temen was not above lying, but it helped that this statement was true. Only insofar as the government of Alderaan was concerned, of course. Temen never cared for the Jedi. They reminded him too much of his own upbringing, a strict adherence to tradition that ripped families apart. Children from parents... brothers from sisters. It was sickening, but Temen had a public role to play as the face of the Alderaanian government.

"It is for that reason that I do not propose this motion lightly nor out of fear," he continued, "a fear that many of my distinguished colleagues will surely lean on in their vote on this matter. Instead, Alderaan seeks only to pursue diplomacy in an attempt to end another devastating war before it can begin. Queen Organa and her government worry that if the Jedi Lord and his army provoke these Sith criminals, it will only escalate the tensions on the border. I don't think I need to tell anyone here the dangers of a war between the dark side and the light. How many trillions have suffered over the millennia for their wars? How many more would have to suffer if their wars began again?"

He shuffled his notes as he looked for his exact wording. "With that said, Alderaan moves to convene a special delegation, led by myself, Senator Temen Antilles of Alderaan, to travel to the Jedi Temple on Tython and urge the Jedi Lord to remain neutral and uninvolved in the escalating tensions between the northern territories and the so-called Sith Brotherhood. Should it be so approved, this message will be delivered as the official position of the Republic and the Galactic Senate."

 

[Aren Krass]

It took every bit of restraint to prevent Temen Antilles from audibly sighing for the camera when he was called down the dais. Ever since he was a legislative apprentice, he loathed the mindless rules of order that parliamentary bodies were forced to conduct themselves under. He could have just as easily been granted executive permission to lead a delegation to the Jedi Temple on Tython in order to meet with the Jedi Order and deliver a message on behalf of the Republic, a message that was as predictable as any other piece of wartime legislation that had come before this body in recent days. But alas, bureaucracy ruled the day.

"Thank you, Madame Chancellor," Temen said as he arrived at the dais, placing a few notes in front of him. His voice carried a calm and welcoming tone, a sort of charming facade he wore in order to hide his utter disdain for the people around him.

He began his speech. "Since the dawn of the Republic, Alderaan has counted the Jedi Order amongst its friends. We are proud to stand with them as brothers and sisters in this galaxy."

Temen was not above lying, but it helped that this statement was true. Only insofar as the government of Alderaan was concerned, of course. Temen never cared for the Jedi. They reminded him too much of his own upbringing, a strict adherence to tradition that ripped families apart. Children from parents... brothers from sisters. It was sickening, but Temen had a public role to play as the face of the Alderaanian government.

"It is for that reason that I do not propose this motion lightly nor out of fear," he continued, "a fear that many of my distinguished colleagues will surely lean on in their vote on this matter. Instead, Alderaan seeks only to pursue diplomacy in an attempt to end another devastating war before it can begin. Queen Organa and her government worry that if the Jedi Lord and his army provoke these Sith criminals, it will only escalate the tensions on the border. I don't think I need to tell anyone here the dangers of a war between the dark side and the light. How many trillions have suffered over the millennia for their wars? How many more would have to suffer if their wars began again?"

He shuffled his notes as he looked for his exact wording. "With that said, Alderaan moves to convene a special delegation, led by myself, Senator Temen Antilles of Alderaan, to travel to the Jedi Temple on Tython and urge the Jedi Lord to remain neutral and uninvolved in the escalating tensions between the northern territories and the so-called Sith Brotherhood. Should it be so approved, this message will be delivered as the official position of the Republic and the Galactic Senate."

Ahh Predictable. Aren thought. Antilles had never been one of his personal friends. Coming from the chronically pacifist world of Alderaan, and seeming to hold the entire body of the senate in extreme disdain, both of which lowered him on Krass's list of senators he liked.

With tensions heating up upon the northern border, it was predictable that eventually someone would mention the Jedi. Seeing that Antilles was the one to put the bill in the docket, he knew how it would go.

'oh we just adore the Jedi' the bit they heard every time that someone mentioned the Jedi, 'but we must ask them to not fight because we just love peace more.'

Of course, Aren wasn't going to let that bill pass without a fight at least. Quick as ever, he pressed the speaker button on his mic and began his opening speech.

"Senator Antilles, I applaud you for a well worded, well thought out statement as always, but I'm afraid I have to disagree with you. Each and every senator in this room knows of my disdain for the Border Alliance and how they operate, as well as my opinion on this body's militarization stance. However, I have to say that at least the Border Alliance is willing to stand up to protect their brothers and sisters from immanent slaughter at the hand of the Sith. Because we know that slaughter is what it will be. You and I are living in the remains of a broken galaxy, broken at the hands of the Sith. We have done an excellent job at putting the pieces back together, but there are still fractures and cracks still trying to heal, and you would allow for even a remnant of the thread that brought about those cracks to exist in even a corner of the galaxy in order to preserve your peace?

This entire conflict isn't our conflict. Speaking for myself, and for a vast majority of you, I have no connection to the Force. I understand and respect its existence, but I have never, and likely will never, feel the connection of the Force. This conflict is a conflict of beings that wield and exist in the Force. So I ask you, Senator, why when we have the opportunity to allow the Jedi to fight the war that they started, would you implore them to remain neutral?

We have militiamen with donated tech dancing around the border stirring up conflict as it is. If we can get the Jedi to fight their own war, and spill their blood, rather than that of our well-meaning brothers and sisters in the border alliance, why would you choose to spill our own blood?

No. I implore this senate instead, to send a delegation, lead by myself or Senator Antilles, to the Jedi Temple to implore them to fight their own war, but maintain accountability to the Republic so long as they operate in Republic Space.

Thank you, that is all."

 

[Officiant]

It was a complex game that Arren had to play. Nearly all routes to conflict with the Sith would lead to his desired formation of a new Grand Army but which route was more desirable was a tricky decision. To blindly support and back the Jedi would mean militarization but it was entirely possible that this was not a war the slow moving Republic could win. No, better to send the Jedi first, let them take the brunt, then deal with the Border Alliance and finally rally the Republic to the Jedi to bring down the hammer of the Republic's combined war machine down on the nascent Sith restoration.

Viechelin Farrs rose from her spot in the Senate Rotunda, her staff on either side of her following suit. "The Duopoly of Thyferra concurs with the honorable delegate from Corellia, the Jedi and the Sith should be given the opportunity to fight their own conflict without the intervention of the Senate." Her voice rang out in the Senate Hall as she seconded the motion before she quickly sat down to an eruption of murmuring, shouting and debate among her fellow Senators and observers in the rotunda and the gallery.

It was a minor show of support but it was the only support she would be allowed to give. Viechelin had to tread with infinite delicacy and care when it came to the Border Alliance and the Sith. The Duopoly and Viechelin herself supported the stability of the Republic and the status-quo but it was hard to do so when a seemingly imminent threat loomed. The Duopoly was keen to support the Border Alliance and any potential first strike rather than trust that Viechelin could help Aren and others pull together a formal military to secure, protect and defend the Republic. Not to mention open up a drastically increased market for military grade Bacta products.

If you can't make money during a war, you're really doing something wrong. It was something a Nemmodian acquaintance had said to her once and it was certainly true, ringing back to an old Thyferran adage, "War is good for business."

"But so is peace..." Viechelin mused aloud.

"My lady?" Her young aide asked.

"Nothing." Viechelin said, leaning back in her chair and raising a hand to rest above her breast as she watched the debate continue.

 

[Tan Prestor]

Watching as his fellow Senators took to their feet making pleas in defense of interceding in the between the Jedi and the Sith with their near constant struggles Tan Prestor read through his own notes to make a rebuttle. Rising to his feet, the Senator for Hapes began:

"Senators, it is important that we keep an eye on the bigger picture, on the future and the prosperity of the Republic. A War on the Fringe Worlds would spread, further in." he stated clearly, 'fringe worlds' would no doubt be taken as a slur against the Border Alliance, but he continued regardless "The Republic must take action itself, to shore up its Borders and to stop the conflicts with the rumored Sith, and the Jedi Order, and I agree with the Honorable Senator of Alderaan to a certain extent."

Prestor paused, casting his eyes around the room, measuring the effect of his words, before reaching a conclusion "Opening talks with the Jedi is the first foot on a path to greater security, and whilst the Senator for Alderaan and myself disagree on the direction these talks should take - we both must see the need for these talks to begin anyway. I advise my fellow Senators, vote in favor of the delegation, but prepare to protect the Coloni....Alliance Worlds should the need call for it."

As he once again took to his seat he had no doubt that people would see this as a 'Pro-Alliance' motion by the Hapian Senator - but the truth was far different, and those with the wit to see it, would identify the movement by the Hapian as a long term decision, to shore up the Defenses of the Inner-Rim, and to divert a conflict onto the Border Alliance should such an event arise.

 

[Adèle-Luisa Palliser]

The Senator of Kuat listens to the arguments before her, the Senator of Alderaan has always had a slither of contempt sink through his speech, the Senator of Corellia seems to not be able to put aside his dislike of the Border Alliance to understand how useful they are as a speed-bump, the Senator of Thyferra is being cautious, and Prestor- dear Prestor can't seem to hide his contempt of the Outer Rim, at least she hides it outwardly... She hits the button to speak and is acknowledged promptly by the Speaker.

"The Jedi have always been beacons of hope, legendary warriors, and noted scholars..." She gives a slight pause to allow the words to sink in before continuing. "But we must also consider this, as the Senator of Hapes has stated, the Border Alliance is our shield. Yet, they are not prepared and equipped for a war against those who can wield the Force, if , they even exist. Why should we waste resources chasing possible ghosts? We should approach the Jedi and open channels with them to promote greater cooperation, in the event that these rumours become true, a response can be mustered. The Jedi can augment the Border Alliance and allow us time to prepare a dedicated response. Thus We concur with the Senator of Hapes and the Senator of Alderaan. The Senate must open negotiations with the Jedi Order first, for what reason can be decided later."

With that Adèle takes a step back and awaits more responses.

 

[Grim]

Gavin sat and watched listening to the actual politicians debate back an forth. He was still an outsider on so many levels and in votes like this he sometimes felt it showed. He was young, very young most would say for a senator, and he was raised in the military from a military family. He had been schooled in the military by the military and he felt that always let him see things that those who haven't fought might miss. Though that had to be tempered, just blindly screaming for war didn't do much to help ones cause and as he had learned in his short time in the senate he had learned sometimes talking is just as useful weapon as armies.

He looked over to his aid who was no doubt working hard to make sure the young senator didn't look the fool by telling him who some of the other senators were. Thankfully so far he knew the ones who had spoken, they were the usual suspects when it came to votes as they were usually some of the first to respond. He had to commend both sides, while he felt he understood the pacifist nature to some degree of the Delegate from Alderaan he didn't full agree. He had learned long ago from one of his commanding offers. General Sovik Dodonna, who said to him 'The best battles are the ones that never have to be fought.' A simple saying to be sure, if you could win a battle by bluffing the enemy then it was best battle as nothing was lost in getting that victory. While he agreed that the Jedi maybe shouldn't have free reign he felt that despite what the senate said the Jedi would probably do what he felt best anyways. He felt for sure that talks had to start with the Jedi, though not to tell them to stay away.

Gavin arose and went to his own pulpit and waited to be recognized to speak next. "My fellow Senators, I also find myself in agreement with most of what has been said here. As the Esteemed Senator from Alderaan has stated it is important we open formal talks once again with the Jedi, but I find myself in agreement with what the others have said before me. It would be, in my humble opinion best to not tell them to stay out but to allow them at the least to send observers with our own from the Republic to verify the validity of the reports of Sith. This I feel will allow us to see what direction we should take with the Jedi and hopefully allowing us to gain further insight to what is going on along the far boarders."

He shifted his weight off of his false leg as it had stated to get a rather annoying itch. Despite its its top of the line nature it could still seemed to get uncomfortable at the worst times. "Despite what the some of you feel on the Sith, I think we can all agree that they are never ones to stay dead for long if our history is to be believed. Having said that I fully support opening formal relations with the Jedi at the least and implore the Senate to ask for them to send observers before we decide to ask them one way or another."

 

[Dmitri]

A person can choose their friends, but not their family. A fact rarely publicized, Temen was Viesa Kryze's cousin. However, they had little in common. Viesa had been raised outside Mandalorian society and entered in, whereas Temen had abandoned his heritage for Alderaan. A strange transition, from warrior to peacemaker. Then again, even warriors were capable of making peace. Or keeping it. Temen had noble intentions, but realistic ones? That was yet to be seen. The Sith were rarely the provokees.

The first to respond to her cousin was the incarnation of barf, Aren Krass. She had never liked him, and her opinion of him rarely improved; granted she would admit a bit bitter he had been granted membership in the committee to review the Bounty Hunters Guild over her, a feat she suspected came from bribery. The man was stereotypically Corellian, comically so. He cared little for the odds and felt himself impervious to harm. It didn't help that Corellia was far from the battlefield. The Mandalorian Senator muttered to herself, "You claim us broken yet your planet profited off the last war, feeding off the deaths of millions and need for more weapons and ships. You don't care about peace. If you think war won't happen, you're a fool. All you care about is not helping with the war, except helping yourself to all the manufacturing contracts you can get your grubby little fingers on."

Others voiced their opinions. She was disappointed with how many sought political gain in a topic such as just approaching the Jedi. She cared little of her former brethren, but she had to be pragmatic, if not cynical. "All of you are forgetting one single factor. It is not the Sith we need to worry about. The Sith and Jedi will continue to wage their holy wars until one is fully eradicated. Regardless if empires back them or not, the Sith will always fight the Jedi. They are a dangerous, if albeit predictable force in the galaxy. The ones we need to fear is the true strength of the Sith Brotherhood: the Sacred Band of Ziost. They are our real enemies. They have sought to conquer us for over a century. Their dogma is all about survival of the fittest. And are we fit? We are one of the strongest factions in the galaxy, yet we neuter ourselves. We squabble amongst ourselves, debating if we should support a war that will happen, pretending as if we vote no that they Sacred Band will just respect our vote and leave us be.

"The Border Alliance is the bulwark hindering the Sith dominion from attacking the Core. We claim the greatest of damage and casualties, and you brush it off, but once we fall, who will protect you then?" Sieghart turned to face Aren. "Will Corellia protect the Republic? I think not. Little have they contributed to the defense of the Republic except sell ships to militias, at no small profit. If war finally reaches the Core, look not to Corellia for aid, for it will only seek to fortify itself, believing it invulnerable." Sieghart turned her attention to Viechlin. "And what of Thyferra. Would it fall within a week or a day if the War Leviathans were at your doorsteps?" She turned her attention to the Senate. "The Jedi are fools, but useful ones. They are blinded by their crusade against the Sith. But it is unlikely they will provoke conflict. The Sith have not responded to provoction. No, they do the provoking. I say we send a delegation to the Jedi. They will not surrender their holy war with the Sith, but we must be united in our war. The Jedi have operated in our territory for too long, immune of our laws. I say the time is over. Either the Jedi will bow to our laws and aid in its defense against the Sith and the Sacred Band of Ziost, when they do attack, or they will find themselves unaided in a war not just with their dark adversaries, but the Sacred Band of Ziost. Just as the Force users may be a threat to us, so is the Sacred Band of Ziost to the Jedi. The Sith must be eradicated, and when that happens, either the Jedi better bow down to the Republic so that no more Sith can rise from their rank or they will face extinction.

"War is coming! And in the game of war, either you win, or you die. I for one have no intention of becoming pawns to either the Sith or the Jedi."

 

[TAC]

The young Senator from Bandomeer sat quietly, slouching back in his seat with his chin resting on his hand as he regarded the speakers before him. His posture and facial features displayed obvious and intent annoyance, dissatisfaction while those around him discussed - many in a derogatory manner - the fight that the Border Alliance was having to remain safe and free of the Sith threat.

As Senator Cain of Raithal finished his speech, the young man shot up, all eyes turning to him as the young firebrand made his way to one of the podiums that protruded off of the main level of the Senate floor. He took position at the helm, the microphone before him, and surveyed the Senate coolly. The cameras zoomed around him, their bright lights shining down on the young man.

"Chancellor Chanzot," he began, nodding to the woman across the vast empty space in the middle dais. "Respected Senators of this body," he continued, his words a bit stinging as he calmly looked around. His hands gripped hard on the side of the podium, his facial features displaying no emotion.

"This is an absurd conversation for the Senate to be engaging in," he declared, quite assertive despite his calm nature. He allowed for the room to react, conversations breaking out all over the chamber that resulted in a small din. He kept his lips pursed, staring directly towards the Chancellor.

"For months the members of the Border Alliance have been begging this grand Republic for aid, as we prepare for what was then an imminent threat as the Sith Brotherhood raced towards militarization." His words were quite pointed, and he surveyed the crowd as they stared at him with extremely mixed feelings - some angry for his tone, others interested in what came next.

"Now, as this threat materializes and reports of aggression increase, the Senate continues to deny its responsibility to defend its members. Arguments about rights and responsibility, the true nature of the threat, and the likelihood of the impending attacks have all been used as arguments to sit on our hands, to deny the Republic members the right of defense we have traditionally enjoyed. This Senate has chosen inaction and dysfunction in the place of the common good and fulfilling the traditional and historic responsibility it owes to each and every one of its members."

This argument was one that every member in the Senate had heard from before, at least from Senator Roderick, if not from several different Border Alliance Senators. The BA representation had cited the history of the Republic's response to the Sith a century ago as justification for mobilizing the Republic against the Brotherhood, but the argument had been unsuccessful.

"And now, while you continue to deny your responsibility to this union, you now claim someone else - a group of vigilantes, no matter how established, should instead come into the Border Alliance and 'fix our problems." The Bandomeerian scoffed, looking around with raised eyebrows. "How dare you! How dare you in one breath deny the threat and the necessity for action, while in the next call for the Jedi Knights to 'come to the rescue' of the Border Alliance."

The man shook his head, allowing the murmur that re-emerged with his accusatory statements to subside. "No, I agree with the Senator from Alderaan. The war with the Sith Brotherhood, the war to defend the homes, lives, and future of the Border Alliance and the Republic members that consist its membership is not a Jedi issue. This is an issue for the Republic, for this union, to address."

"While Senator Antilles continues to deny the threat of the Sith Brotherhood, I come to this issue with a different perspective. The Jedi Knights do not bring resolution or clarity to issues they address, and they have no business doing the work of the Republic for the Republic." Turning to his right, while still keeping in front of the microphone, the Senator turned towards the Alderaan delegation.

"Senator Antilles, I find your reasoning flawed and upsetting. I could not disagree with your representation of the issue more. But at least," he continued, returning to face the center of the chamber, "at least we can work together to make sure this issue isn't muddled by the Jedi Knights. I will be voting 'Aye' for this measure, and I call upon my colleagues from the Border Alliance to follow suit."

Without pause, Senator Roderick wheeled on his heels and marched back to his seat. He did not make any eye contact with those he passed or that stared at him as he walked along, simply retaking his seat and accepting a datapad with a brief from an aide.

 

[Ender]

Jettise, shereshir! Scum of the galaxy, second only to the Sith as far as Tionas Skirata was concerned. The Jedi would need to come to heel to the Republic, to abide by its laws and its rules. They lived as if they were above the law, enforcing their own skewed form of the law onto their people. Standing, he felt light and agile, not being in his armor felt foreign. Instead he wore the blue uniform adopted by Concordians when dealing with the Republic in such formal settings such as the Senate. He would, of course, side with the Mandalorian senator, Kryze. This would come under no surprise to the senate, as a Mandalorian would almost always side with another Mandalorian. He approached the podium, his demeanor and posture demanding attention. Even so, he raised his hand respectfully for silence.

"Senators," he began. "Senators, whether or not the Sith have returned is a non-issue. The Jedi have operated for too long without oversight, without restraint and without regard for our laws as a government. Now it is no secret that my people as a whole have a great distrust of the Jedi, it is ingrained in our culture to do so." he let them consider this for a moment. "But now, I speak as a citizen of the Republic. The Jedi must be brought under control. They see themselves as protectors of the galaxy, enforcers of peace and prosperity. Where were they when Concord Dawn, my planet, was besieged by pirates for 52 hours. Where were they the twenty years I spent patrolling the Border, fighting pirates and raiders and hearing whispers of darker forces gathering? Whether or not the Sith have returned, the Jedi MUST be brought to heel. They take children from their families, operate as if they are above our laws, following "the will of the Force". But when they are truly needed, to help defend those of us that truly require aid we are left with nothing. I lead the defense of Concord Dawn, I kept the outer rim safe for so much of my life. If they want to stay out of our fights, let them. But I will be damned if they try to butt into the next one."​

 

[Axia Elizabeth Vanbar]

Senator Skirata had barely left the podium before Axia was on her feet. Any other day she might have allowed a moment’s calm to descend upon the members, but today was too important. Too critical. The momentum was building and only a fool would fail to harness it.

“A passionate contribution” she said, nodding towards her predecessor. “Senator Skirata speaks with conviction, but even more so the member for Bandomeer….” She glanced across at Roderick, almost grateful for the opening he had provided. “A young man who speaks with a fire often lost in this chamber, he alludes to the very question we must ask ourselves.”

“Are we so small?”

She let those four words hang for a moment.

“Are we so small that we are nothing without others? Nothing without the Jedi. The Sith. The Border Alliance. So small that our laws, our democracy, our way of life will die without the protection of others.” She shot a glance at Antilles, her gaze hard and piercing. “Must our first action at whispers of war be to go cap in hand to the Jedi, begging them to stay out of the fight? Or must we do as others would have, and beg them to fight to the end?” She turned her gaze on Aren Krass now, as much a fool as his pacifist opponents. “Must we choose between living in a Jedi-made peace or dying in a Jedi-led war?”.

She held her arms out as if to invite a response, but none came. “I have a passion too Senators, a passion for this our great and glorious Republic! We have united the people of this galaxy from Thyferra to Mandalore, from Onderon to Mimban. We have fashioned a realm and future of our own and it is to our own we must look.”

“The Border Alliance is a wound in our Republic, a fracturing of frightened peoples born out of a failure to engage with their concerns. Together, we can heal that wound.” Axia allowed herself a gentle smile; it was an aspiration only of course, but aspiration was good politics.

“The Jedi, on the other hand, are not of the Republic. Their presence or absence in any battle to come is not, and should not, be our concern. Senator Antilles says go to them, I say let them come to us” She spoke the words with a long-practised authority, as if delivering the crux of her case. “When the Jedi are ready to put the laws of this chamber and the welfare of Republic citizens before the crusading faith of a minority, then our Republic will embrace them. Until then, they should remain in the wilderness to which they have consigned themselves. Any delegation would afford them a respect they have done nothing to earn.”

Axia straightened, hardening herself against the pockets of resentment brooding all around her. “I believe in our Republic, Senators. I believe it stands on the shoulders of history and will endure with or without the tacit support of the Jedi. I do not believe in their Force or put my faith in their efforts. I put my faith yours.”

“I will be voting against this motion and I implore you all to do the same.”

 

[Green Ranger]

Slowly, the Senator of Dathomir took to her podium to speak next, waiting for a moment for the murmurings that inevitably sprang up between speeches to dissipate. After a moment, her hand moved to a control panel, and she activated the microphone. A soft chime rang through the Senate hall, and the noise dissipated as she began to speak.

"Ladies, gentlemen...assorted sentients of the Senate," Malmourral began, her voice deep and commanding, the barest hint of disapproval etched within her voice, "Are you proud of your speeches today? Are you proud of deviating from the original motion put before us, of taking your allotted time to utterly ignore the motion and instead rise to speak, only to grandstand with wild accusations and protestations, to make grandiose proclamations of the validity of the Sith threat, or instead argue for the greater need of support to the Border Alliance?"

The Senator took a deep breath before continuing, straightening her spine to stand as tall as possible as she looked around the hall. "What arrogance has possessed you all today to completely ignore the core issue? What incompetence drives you to attempt to change the motion put before us so informally? You are well aware that there are processes in place to submit amendments to the motion - none of you have even come close to abiding by these processes, and instead you have chosen to waste the Senate's time with your inane and often completely irrelevant tangents.

Immediately the protestations of the other Senators began to fill the chambers as she spoke, her tone now outright accusatory and condemning, her voice raising to boom over the Senators around her. "Is this the Senate that has held this galaxy together for countless millenia? I see no evidence of that today. Instead, I see only evidence of the Senators here grandstanding for the benefits of their own constituents. Now, if you were arguing on behalf of your respective planets' opinions, that would be one thing, but for the Senator of Bandomeer to waste the Senate's time by using his time to argue the so-called plight of the Border Alliance betrays his ulterior agenda, and shows an utter lack of respect for the standing orders that guide this motion," she declared, hammering her fist onto the podium for effect.

"The motion put to us today is that a delegation be sent to the Jedi Order, and to request that they do not participate in the so-called conflict with the Sith. I will not waste the Senate's time trying to persuade the Senate that we are jumping at shadows - however, I would remind all Senators present that we have no jurisdiction over the acts of the Jedi Order. They do not answer to us - a fact that has been made abundantly clear with the fact that the Jedi have in fact established protectorates with systems neighboring their vaunted Temple worlds. This is not a religion we are dealing with anymore, it is a government, with a territory and jurisdiction that exists outside of the influence of the Republic. And we need to treat them like we would any other neighboring administration."

"The delegation should be tasked with assessing and establishing the intent of the Jedi Order, as well as their intent and attitude towards the Republic itself. Now is not the time to be making demands, or asking questions that may antagonize our new neighbor - we cannot determine such actions until we know them and their goals. If it is to hunt these apparent Sith that hide in the Outer Rim, then so be it...but we must know as a matter of fact what their intentions are before proceeding. This is knowledge that we cannot obtain from arguing in the Senate - it is knowledge that can only be gained by action, and that is why this motion should be passed, for the safety and continuing prosperity of the Republic."

As she finished speaking, she let her gaze sweep across the hall, still filled with the arguments, shouts and protestations of the Senate around her. For a moment, her eyes fixed on the Senator of Alderaan, and for the barest moment she let her gaze linger on him before she returned to her seat.

 

[Jira]

Tycho listened intently as his fellow senators gave their opening statements. The rhetoric surrounding the Jedi and the Sith reopened historical wounds that pained him deeply. How long did it take for the Tarisians to pull themselves out of the ruin after the Sith reduced their homes to ashes? Where were the Jedi when his ancestors rebuilt everything that Tycho presently held dear?

"Senators," Tycho slowly raised his hands in order to garner the attention of his colleagues, "How many times has the Republic been brought to its knees at the hands of the Sith? How many times has innocent in this war between Jedi and Sith that has been waged since time immemorial?"

Tycho paused for a moment, and turned his gaze to Senator Vanbar. She was an admirable woman, fanatically loyal to the law, and to democracy, despite her aristocratic origins.

"Senator Vanbar, I agree with you," Tycho continued, "This Republic is not so small that we have no choice but to cower in the face of the Sith. We are not so small that we must prostrate ourselves in awe at the feet of the Jedi. Both gestures are an insult to this institution that we have fought to maintain for a millennia. However, this republic cannot think itself so large, that is an independent organ from its constituents. We cannot claim to value the strength of our laws while ignoring the martial needs of our democracy. The Border Alliance is not a wound, it is a group of our citizens, in the periphery of our space, protecting our liberties. They are dying while we enjoy the luxury of being detached from any bloodshed." As all the eyes of the Senate fell upon him, and he felt oratory power surge from his core. Tycho felt himself becoming intoxicated from this power.

Without losing momentum, he turned his attention to Skirata with a cold, powerful gaze. "Senator Skirata, you are correct. This republic cannot allow the Jedi to operate outside of our watchful eyes. While I have no difficulties differentiating them from the Sith based on their noble intentions, and noble code of laws, they have caused much destruction in their endless conflict with the Sith."

Now Tycho focused his attention directly on the senate hall. He brought his internal momentum to its critical mass, and he commanded their attention with his resonant voice, "Senators, I say to you that we cannot simply ignore the Jedi. Nor can we depend on them to protect us. Should they wish to help us, it shall be on our terms. Therefore, I agree with Senator Antilles, an envoy should be sent to the Jedi. However, it should only be done in order to bring them under the control of the Republic."

With his speech concluded, Tycho quietly sat back down.

 

[Raydo]

This was the first hearing the young Senator Jonas Valrin would be attending. He listened and observed as the morning proceedings went on. He took note of which Senators he may want to align himself with, and which ones he might want to stick clear of for the time being.

He perked up at Senator Antilles motion. He had met with a Jedi a few weeks ago, and they no longer seemed like quite the subjects of fairy tales as he had previously thought them to be.

He had also lost his fairy tale views of the Senate. After his short time in the capital, he had come to realize most Senators cared more about going to parties and hearing their own voices spew utter uselessness than do actual work.

It was his time to speak. He thought for a moment to just waive his time, but thought better of it. So he stood and walked to the nearest platform when it was his turn. A small green light indicated his microphone had been activated and he held the floor.

He looked over the crowd and let out a short chuckle. It may appear he was nervous, because he was. This was a moment he had awaited the vast majority of his life for.

"Brothers and Sisters of the Republic." he said as his face grew serious "It is apparent that some of you have lost your way in these halls. You speak of blights and wounds on this body, when it has no relevance to the topic at hand. Today we are speaking of the Jedi, long standing friends of this Republic, and now we speak of them as if they have already done harm to our people. We speak out of condemnation for things we are ignorant of." he said gesturing with his hands to the podiums of some of the previous speakers.

"If there is even the slightest possibility these murmurings of Sith aggression are true, should we not move to fortify our bonds with those that could offer aid? Peace and negotiation should always be our first action. By encouraging the Jedi to continue peace, we gain more time assess the threats at hand, and seek peaceful outcomes so that all citizens of this Galaxy may benefit. We have much to lose by a premature war with unconfirmed enemies, and everything to gain by meeting the Jedi and encouraging peace." he said placing his hands on the small podium in front of him.

"I encourage my fellow Senators to do the right thing, to put your petty squabbles away for the moment and vote in favor of this motion.." he paused briefly before finishing "..to vote in favor of continued peace." he then walked the short distance back to his seat. He accepted a glass of water from an aid as he sat.

 

[Mauve Codi]

Sitting starkly silent in his pod, Mauve's head swam in the crashing oceans of his colleagues' bickering and accusations. His heart pounded, stress rising as his own position on this motion came under fire time and again, from much older senators than he. Was he just being naive and youthful? Did he just lack the maturity and insight to understand this issue clearly? ... Was he just too handcuffed by his own attachments to see the clear picture before him? To see past his attachment to the Jedi Order via the tall handsome Knight he fell in love with?

He couldn't wring his hands to try to ease his nerves, lest his aids reprimand him and tell on him to his mother. That would surely be horrible, caught behaving like a small child who can't handle adult tasks during an extremely important senatorial meeting. So he sat, trying to breathe slowly and deeply and feeling it work at a snail's pace, but work nonetheless. Standing up as Senator Valrin made his way through his own speech, Mauve gripped the back of his seat as he swayed a bit, waiting for his totally black vision to clear once the blood adjusted to flowing through his body again. His breathing and heart was unsteady as could be, though thankfully his boots weren't heeled. Balance was one less thing to worry about today.

Making his way to the platform and the microphone, shuddering internally as he observed the cameras circling him and all the chamber's eyes on him, Mauve breathed in. And out. He could do this. He was shoddy at public speaking, but... he could do this. He had to. It wasn't himself at stake, it was everyone else throughout the galaxy. And... well, he had to try to beg the Jedi to stay out of conflict, didn't he? He had to try, for Edan.

"Senators." Mauve's heart had begun pounding again, and his voice was small and cracking. Come on, pull it together. "Senators of the Republic," he began again, "I have heard your cases, your viewpoints, your arguments. I have heard your anger and sorrow both today. I have also heard your sound logic. I concur with Senator Malmourral, however, that many of you have become muddled with your own emotions and proceeded to fly into frothing-at-the-mouth tangents. We must focus on the motion at hand, rather than tying ourselves down with our own pettiness. It is not just ourselves we have to worry about. We were put into these positions of giving voice to our people, by our people. We need to think of our people throughout our Republic."

Good so far. Even if he felt as though he was beginning to operate on autopilot, darkness on the edges of his vision and hearing fading. Clearing his throat, Mauve looked at his notes on the holopad in front of him before continuing. "The Jedi have been a cause of trouble for us in the past, surely. However, we cannot deny they have also been an immense help to us, as well as friends. While the Senator of Dathomir is correct in that they should be treated as another governmental body, I do believe the Jedi are also much more solid allies to our Republic than other Senators here believe. Because of this, I vote in favor of the motion we speak with the Jedi Order."

 

[Beta12]

ATTENTION​

Charon payed careful attention to each Senator as they gave their speeches, more out of a sense of duty than a sense of respect. The Jedi had served as an important talking point for the better part of the decade, and now more than ever was coordinated response needed. They believed in the will of their force, and used it as justification to provoke and continue conflicts with the Sith for countless ages. However, the last great clash between the Jedi and Sith had been a century ago, and at that time the Jedi and Republic had worked in tandem to destroy their common enemy. A sort of peace had reigned throughout the galaxy for decades, as the Republic licked its wounds and brought order back to its territories. The horrors faced by a galaxy under Sith rule had long passed, and long been forgotten by many of those who sat within the chamber, including herself.

"Senators of the Republic." She was quick to key her pod's communications unit. While the debate that circulated had been healthy, most of it had gotten vastly off topic. The plight of the Border Alliance was something to be recognized, but the matter at hand surrounded the Jedi. Debate had all but vanished from the floor, leaving most senators to preach their personal ideology rather than dictate a true response to the Jedi. "I am implored to remind you all that this motion consists of whether the Senate should approach the Jedi Order, and if so, that Senate Antilles will lead this delegation and ask that the Jedi stay their crusade against the Sith." Democracy allowed individuals to become long winded, and it was important that some be reminded of the issue at hand.

"Our Grand Republic has existed for tens of thousands of years, along with the Jedi Order and their Sith adversaries. Despite various worlds opinions on the matter, the existence of the Jedi Order is grounded in fact. Whatever we decide, this fact cannot be ignored." Charon paused for only a moment, to let her words stew, before continuing. "What will be decided in this chamber today is how the Republic communicates with other galactic entities. If we demand the Jedi abide by our laws, within our territory, so be it. If we wish to allow them to continue their religious crusade, so be it."

"Discussion has waned, and we all know where we stand. For that very reason, I call for the first vote surrounding this motion. You will now be allowed an addition to your opening speech, or a response to the opening speeches of other senators, followed by your official vote on the matter. The senators who have yet to make their speeches are now limited to their single response and vote. Should the Republic convene a delegation, lead by Senator Antilles, to approach the Jedi Order and demand they stay crusade against the Sith, lest they be provoked? Yea or Nay." Charon tented her fingers on her lap, almost knocking the forgotten holo tablet to the floor of her pod in the process.

"I remind all who have grievances with this motion that if it fails, it will go to a hearing to be properly considered and re-introduced in our next session." Charon took a moment to reflect on her position as Chancellor. It was times like this that she missed her own voice ringing throughout the chamber of the senate, railing against bills or demanding their support. "Voting shall now commence."

(Please bold and underline your official votes so they will be easier to pick out in your posts.)

 

[Dmitri]

Sieghart considered her options. A delegation was very useful in establishing ties with the Jedi. She didn't need to go through official channels. She still had connections to the Order, a chain to reach Bau Zo. She could probably reach him faster than Temen. Still, the intention to neuter the Jedi was not the way to go. They risked defeat if they preventing action now. Were all the Senators here that gutless fools? Atrocious. Just like Aren, she had her connections too. She could pressure her way onto the delegation. But it may be better to go in alone.

Sieghart glanced over to Tionas and made a quick swipe at her neck. A subtle maneuver, it was generally used by some Mandalorian combat schools to indicate not intervening, or staying out of a matter. In this case, she was cluing Tionas that she herself would be abstaining from voting. She agreed with a delegation, but the terms of the delegation were useless. She would become the delegation herself if she needed to. She wouldn't force Tionas to conform, but thought it prudent to inform her of her vote, so that the Mandalorian bloc did not seem in conflict with each other. It also freed Tionas to vote how he pleased, but not having one yea and the other nay.

 

[Adèle-Luisa Palliser]

This bill simply won't do, contingencies must be made, people must be met with. It truly seems that the Border Alliance is worried about something. This is no mere money grab, or attempt to garner sympathy. They are worried about something, and she must figure out what. She feels it would be best to meet with others and get their opinions, test the waters, see if contacts can be made with these Jedi. But for now, she has a job to do.

The Senator of Kuat steps forward, "As this bill stands now, We feel it is best to vote against it. Kuat votes no."

She steps back and takes her seat her expression passive and collected.

 

[Aren Krass]

Aren was noticeably displeased. He quickly stood from his seat and walked to one of the stations by which they could address the senate. Aren glanced around the room, surveying the fellow senators, as well as the grand hall itself. He had heard argument for, against, and apathetic to the issue at hand, but he knew where he stood. He clicked on the mic and began.

"Esteemed Senators, it was a pleasure to listen to each of you speak. With each of you is carried the passions and fears of entire planets or planetary systems, and collective centuries of experience in politics. As far as the senator from Mandalore's comments, yes, Corellia would fight to defend the Republic. CEC along with CorSec would do all it could to prevent the collapse, because we believe in securing this great union. It is for that reason that Corellia must vote no to this bill. While I think a delegation to the Jedi is the best solution, I do not agree with the Senator from Alderaan on what the message should be. No, as I said earlier, the Jedi should be a part of this conflict as it is their conflict. I ask each and every one of you, my peers, to strike this amendment down, or lay the cornerstone for the demise of this Republic. Thank you."

He stepped away from the podium.

 

[Grim]

Gavin stood and took his turn, everyone had spoke well and had left some of an impact on him. As the vote was standing he was not going let it go. It had been seen they wanted a delegation but to tell the Jedi to stay way would be foolhardy at best. "I do not wish to take up more time then need. After plenty of thought as this motion stands I can not support it in its current form. Therefore Raithal votes Nay. I do agree with others that we should open proper channels and I find agreement with the Representative of Balmorra that we should indeed also begin drafting more direct ways to support our brothers in the Border Alliance."

He then returned to his place and rubbed his temples getting ready for the next round.