Senate Vote: Foreign and Domestic Defense Bill

[Fyremage]

Republic Senate Vote
Foreign and Domestic Defense Bill

(This is the Official Republic Senate Vote for the Foreign and Domestic Defense Bill set forth by @Outlander and @Dmitri. The vote notice and signups thread is located here. At this time, open signups are now closed and only those that have been approved prior to this posting are clear to post. If a senator wishes to partake in this thread after this point, please apply in the linked thread above. There is no preset posting order as of yet, except for the stipulation that our sponsoring senator and co sponsor will post first. Thereafter, posting order shall be determined by whenever the other participants are able to post in the first round, which will remain the posting order for the duration of the thread. A 24 hour grace period will be in effect, wherein if a senator does not post within 24 hours of the previous poster, then the next person in line may post.)
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@Outlander @Dmitri @Nor'baal @Beta12 @Arclight @Tank @Caligula @Rector_Ras

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The Grand Chamber within the Senate Rotunda was full of life, with the representing Senators of innumerable planets and star systems gathered for the latest Senate Vote: one that promised to change the face of the Republic as they all knew it today. The many voices of the representing Senators mingled together into a crescendo of conversations, some pertaining to the subject that lay before them, whilst others speaking of more mundane affairs. It wasn't until the Speaker of the Senate rose to his feet and stamped a large staff to the ground. Whether it was through the sheer force of the impact, or more likely amplification devices casting the boom throughout the immense Senate chamber, the sound caught everyone's attention as the conversations soon died down and all eyes peered at the Speaker. Silence prevailed for several prolonged moments until a sole door behind the main dias, which dominated the Senate Chamber, opened. All Senators then rose from their seats out of respect for the newly appointed Supreme Chancellor of the Republic as he entered the room.

And this was the first moment in which Gregory Rhone, the newly minted Chancellor, was to perform the duties prescribed to him. It was all very surreal as he approached the dais and opened his personal portfolio which served as an ornate cover for a datapad, where the day's itinerary was laid out in detail. A paper copy was also contained within the glorified carrying case, as erring on the side of caution was preferable in meetings such as these. The Chancellor cast his gaze upon the occupants within the chamber, taking a few moments to allow the feeling of intensity and ceremony settle in among everyone in attendance. Finally, he broke the silence.

"The Senate is now in session." This served as a statement of dismissal as all Senators settled back in their seats. Gregory paused yet again to allow for the noises to die down of seats enduring the weight of their occupants and the general noises one would expect of a large number of individuals preparing themselves for the day's proceedings. As mentioned before, they were all gathered here for one thing primarily above all others: of which Gregory was quick to address:

"The primary item on today's agenda is the Foreign and Domestic Defense Bill, sponsored by Senator Khoen of Corellia, and co-sponsored by Senator Kryze of Mandalore. The sponsors have waived their right to a formal hearing of the bill prior to a vote occurring, which I have granted. The bill will now proceed into the voting phase of the legislative process. The Chair recognizes Senator Reenah Khoen of Corellia as she reads the bill in its entirety to the Senate Floor, and expresses her closing arguments. Thereafter, her vote will be cast, which will formally start the voting phase of our session where all eligible Senators will then cast their votes in turn after providing their closing arguments either for or against the bill. As Chancellor, I am not eligible to vote except in the event of a tie."

Gregory then nodded to the Senator from Corellia to rise and begin what would hopefully be a convincing argument.

 

[Outlander]

Senator Khoen nodded upwards towards the Chancellor, smoothing out her pants as she stood, flicking on the terminal below her with the requisite prompts. She didn't need the whole document, no good senator did, but having ques to work off of certainly helped when reciting the bill. Not that she had done this before; not outside of practice. The whole thing reminded her of her time as a judge, reading out charges and keeping things in order. But this was the Senate, and a very different beast indeed. Notably, she seemed to get a hell of a lot more done as a judge. The fact a Junior Senator was the first to propose legitimizing the Border Alliance was troubling in its own. The fact she wasn't sure if it would succeed was double so.

"Thank you, Chancellor." She looked down quickly before returning to address the senate as she began reciting the bill.

Spoiler: Foreign and Domestic Defense Bill

"The intent of this Bill is to legitimize the existence and utilization of the Mid Rim-slash-Outer Rim informal organization known as the Border Alliance as an official armed entity serving in the defense of the Republic against threats from outside Republic Space."

"The intent is not to provoke hostilities with these foreign entities if they do indeed wish to sue for peace, but it is to bolster the ranks of the Border Alliance by allowing willing volunteers from all corners of the Republic to openly register for armed service in a legitimized fashion, as well as offering official support from the Republic."

"The specific implementations of this bill are as follows. If voted into law, the following measures will immediately be enacted."

"Article 1. The Border Alliance as a paramilitary group will fall under the immediate oversight of a Republic Defense Committee to be appointed by the Chancellor, wherein the current and future military leadership of the Border Alliance will be beholden to and accountable to said committee. Specific terms of oversight to be determined at a later date by the Defense Committee."

"Article 2. Efforts will be made to open recruitment for the Border Alliance throughout the Republic via the creation of various recruitment areas on participating worlds using funds provided by the defense budget outlined in Article 5."

"Article 3. Training will be provided by a joint group of Republic Judiciary Services members and combatants supplied by the Border Alliance to all volunteers without prior combat experience. This will work in conjunction with the directive supplied in Article 5."

"Article 4. Initiative will be taken in supplying independent corporations operating within the Republic with contracts to produce the necessary materials needed by the Border Alliance. In relation to corporations controlled by Planetary or System governments capable of supplying needed materials to the Border Alliance, contributions will be deducted directly from the required amount towards the FDDB Budget. If the amount contributed exceeds the amount required, compensation will be paid at eighty-five percent of the Market Value."

"Article 5. A defense budget, separate from the primary Republic defense budget and hereby referred to as the FDDB Budget is to be created for all matters pertaining to the Border Alliance in relation to the Foreign and Domestic Defense Bill only. The Republic defense budget proper will be maintained in its current form. The FDDB is to be funded by fifteen percent of the Republic defense budget, with the primary source being the members of the Republic, who will support the budget on a scale relating to their Gross Planetary Product, otherwise referred to as GPP, as to be determined by a financial committee appointed by the Chancellor"

As she finished, her demeanor became far less rigid, less plastic. "My fellow Senators, it should be obvious by now what side I fall on. We sit here, determining the fates of trillions through even the most minor of actions. And yet, this bill comes far too late from a senator only recently brought into these chambers; legislation that truly matters to our citizens. No minor tax fluctuations to go over; no traffic control addendum to force through committee. The difference between life and death for billions on the border hinges on this Bill. And that, my peers, is why I waived my right to a hearing. We cannot wait any longer. There is only one way this vote can go. And we all know what that vote is."

"Corellia votes in favor of this bill."

She stopped, the fire draining some as she sat back down.

 

[Dmitri]

Sieghart was attending the session in person this time, not a common phenomenon. Usually she was too busy with her duties on Mandalore to fly to Chandrila all the time. She actually had duties as a Senator than just drink, party, and vote. However, for something like this deserved her full attention. She had spoken to Khoen and chose to skip the hearing. A hearing would just drag on, gravitating towards opportunistic corruption. Already Accord had tried to insert themselves into the bill, seeking for governmental acknowledgement of sovereignty.

"War has begun in the Outer Rim, and only a fool would gamble the Republic on the fool's hope that war won't spread to us," said Sieghart. "War we shall not seek. But when it rings on our doorsteps, we must be ready to answer the door with the full force of the Republic military. Mandalore votes in favor of the bill."

 

[Fyremage]

The sponsoring senators made their closing statements, followed by their respective votes, of which were tallied by the session record keepers. The Chancellor then rose from his seat and approached the dais once more. "With the sponsoring senators making their closing statements and casting their votes, the floor is now ceded to all senators to cast their votes in turn."

Gregory took his seat behind the dais, with the screens embedded within each Senator's booth informing them when it was their time to rise and speak their peace. While they all in turn were indicated to proceed, Gregory spent his time reviewing the particulars of the bill on his pad, deep in thought as to how the vote would hopefully go.

(All Senators may now vote. First come, first serve.)

 

[Laurentia te Lors]

The thunder of applause, the crackling of magnetism, the glow of euphoria and public charisma. Yes, this was the Senate of the Galactic Republic. It was the haunt of every breed of political animal, a miserable zoo of sloths, vipers, lions, and pigs. How she loved to watch, to gaze at the animals at play; roaring and posturing and snapping and gorging, as likely to eat one another as they were to hiss and circle each other, battling for space at the watering hole. And where did the new Senator of Thyferra fit in to this exhibit of primality? She did not, for she was not an animal, she was a woman, the only one among them, they would learn that soon enough.

Leaning back in her chair, her hand moving, swaying softly like she was conducting, composing, her eyes slowly rolled over the crowd of Senators, seeing if any would meet her gaze as her large eyes cast their heavy inspection over unsuspecting fools. One did. Fifth row, second podium. Young man, dressed in fine gold thread spun into a tight, fashionable tunic. He stared at her for a moment, shifted his weight and then looked away before finding himself staring at her again before once again quickly realigning his regard. It was equally as short a time before the young man was staring at her again, her odd chiromata transfixing him as much as her deep, sunken eyes. After a few seconds her entire face morphed as her bemused expression turned into a wide smile, one a little too large for her face. It was the disarming yet unnerving smile of a nexu cat and it made the young Senator shake as he failed to turn away.

A light at the console diverted her scrutiny but she was slow to turn her eyes away from him, carrying his notice with her as she slowly moved to look at the message that the Chair had recognized her. Looking up at him directly once more, she smiled again, as if trying to cement her hold on his vision and his curiosity.

Unwinding her legs like they were vines, enveloped in ebony fabric, she rose dramatically from her podium seat like she was aerostatic, fighting nothing as her body came to crest. With one long, elegant sweep of her hand she silenced whatever music she had been conducting and stepped toward the edge of her podium to address the animal crowd.

"The Duopoly of Thyferra..." She would give no grand speech, no high statement of principle for why she was going to vote the way she did. She was prepared to deliver the vote of one of the wealthiest worlds in the Republic without delay, the pause between the name of her government and how they would vote through her only a way to grip the crowd in suspense. An indulgence? Perhaps, but at that moment she held the entire Senate between breaths, between blinks, between heartbeats, and the palpability of such control was enjoyment beyond compare. There would be more moments like this and sometimes they would not be moments, fleeting flickering skips in the weave of time. "...votes yes."

She returned to her seat, reversing her movements like she was reversing time, she even moved her eyes and head to the same position to see that her admirer was still captivated with her. She merely smiled once more, this time more disarmingly so, releasing him, making him collapse and recover his body against the railing of his podium.

Satisfied, she turned her head to face forward to the center of the chamber, her hand starting to slightly move again, swaying leisurely as it found another note to play. Many were looking at her now but she did not care to look at them. They were surprised at her vote. "But was there ever any doubt? " She said to herself. "War is so very good for business."

 

[Rector_Ras]

Owen sat patiently as the sponsors made their small arguments, half paying attention. His vote was already made up as where the reasons behind it. The military of the republic was not in shape to fight a war, it slipped to far. However trusting a group who are at the moment running themselves could cause potential problems in the future if they decided to disobey the senate.

"Arkania must agree with Madalore, Its time to bolster the military forces of the republic. That said, we stand unsure if trusting the Border Alliance is the best option. While slower to build forces of our own absolute surety would be more than expected. But with no time to build these forces as the war could escalate at any moment, Arkania votes in favor Foreign and Domestic Defense Bill."

Future problems where of course in the future. The republic needs troops and it needs them now. Whatever consequences which might come would need to be dealt with in the future.

 

[Arcangel]

Senator Vargas Merrik sat, observing the senate. It was of little surprise to him that this bill, a common sense bill in his thinking, was so far passing unanimously. For too long the Senate had bickered while the Sith threat edged closer and closer. Now was time for action. Corellia. Mandalore. All obvious votes for the bill. Thyferra seemed to come as a surprise to most of the Senate, but not Vargas. How else would the primary exporter of the “miracle fluid” vote? Vultures would always glut themselves in times of war. Pressing the button to request acknowledgement, Vargas waited for the Senator from Arkania to finish speaking. As Senator Heese concluded his speech and sat, Vargas stood and approached his speaking podium.

“Fellow Senators. I think we can all agree that this bill has been too long in the making. It should come as no surprise that Kalevala stands with Corellia, Mandalore, and every other planet that votes in favor of this bill. Kalevala will be proud to commit men and materials to the newly sanctioned Border Alliance, just as we were proud to defend the Republic before this bill. Kalevala votes yes.”

With his vote cast, Vargas returned to his seat, where he would continue to observe the Senate. It would be interesting to see if any Senators had the gall to attempt voting down the much needed bill.

 

[Tank]

Saracbecca stirred in her seat, two speeches before her. The second had been hastily written within the last three minutes after the tenth senator, or so it seemed, voted yea. Were they all blind? Could they not read the bill, or had they simply not read it at all? Certainly, she wanted the bill to pass and it seemed it would. The Border Alliance and all its citizens didn't deserve the support of the Republic; they deserved full and total reintegration. And if anyone should be beholden to the other, it should be the Republic to the Border Alliance planets. She glanced to her left, "Kalevala votes yes". The senator sat down. Saracbecca rose in her turn to address the Senate.

"The senator of Kashyyyk," Saracbecca's voice was a loud menacing growl that was quickly drowned out by her interpreter. Sometimes she wished beings would just take the time to learn Wookie. The translator's feminine voice took most of the edge out of a Wookie's growl. "is appalled by the lack of a hearing. The Senator of Kashyyyk is appalled by this bill. These are Kashyyyk's issues with the bill: Firstly, the military of the Border Alliance cannot be controlled by a committee. Why would a General of the Border Alliance feel beholden to a committee filled with members who not one month ago might have left the same men to die at the hands of the Sith? But, now because we've seen the true face of the Sith we decide to take over and pass judgement upon the men that we as a Senate abandoned? This is absurd. Secondly, there are no provisions for the planets, provinces, and territories that are within Republic law, but have for some time now enjoyed a leeway others within the Core do not enjoy. Can you tell me that if Kashyyyk and Thyfera entered a defensive alliance and conducted military excursions outside of Republic space we would not be subject to trade penalties? Will those planets of the Border Alliance, be beholden to the same aforementioned committee to ensure they allow the Republic to take over war efforts? Will they be reintegrated at all or Enslaved? Burned and used as a buffer to repel the Sith? Does the Senator of Mandalore even know? And yet he says yea, without having it spelled out and freedom from repercussions guaranteed. What happens, Senator, when the war is over and your people are charged with treason for defying the Republic in the first place? I beg the Senate and especially those senators of planets in the Border Alliance to immediately set out to protect their people from the snakes within this Senate that would strike when the fighting is over because we failed to take the action needed to protect our cherished members."

Saracbecca took a deep breath. This wasn't a hearing. A small speech was typically customary but she was certain if she went on much longer the Chancellor may step in and quiet her.

"In article two we open recruitment for the paramilitary group, The Border Alliance. Yet the Senator from Mandalore himself says it is the Republic Military. Are they one in the same? Why is this not spelled out in the bill? Why are we not instead opening recruitment for the Republic's own forces? Why do we not integrate the Border Alliance forces into our own military and bolster our own defenses. What happens members of the Senate, members of the core, when we win this war and those same paramilitary forces decide they would rather continue on without the Republic's protection, as they've essentially done for years now? And we've supplied them with arms, credits, and recruitment tools to do so." Saracbecca stopped. Her time was up. She needed to cast her vote.

"These are all issues that may very well have simple answers. Answers that could have been explained in a hearing. I love the members of the Border Alliance and will be advocating for an extra force of Wookie warriors to join their front lines. But there are issues to this bill that are too glaring to ignore. It is apparent that this bill will pass with ease, and another yea vote will fade from memory quickly. It wont gain the attention of the Border Alliance and how they've left themselves open for abuse with a simple bill that doesn't provide for full reintegration with zero repercussions. It wont gain the attention of the senate who is feeding a militarized beast that has every reason to turn on the hand that feeds it. So it is with a heavy heart that a long time supporter of the Republic and the Border Alliance must stand in the gap and force these two sides to at least address the issues raised here today. It is with a heavy heart, the voice of Kashyyyk votes nay. For the good of the Alliance, for the good of the Republic."

Saracbecca retook her seat, the vote would go on, the bill would be passed, and hopefully her words would be heeded. Saracbecca's eyes softened and looked towards the Senator of Mandalore. Hopefully, he would see that she was attempting to protect him and his people. Hopefully this wouldn't drive a wedge between any potential future relationships. Hopefully the Senators were all smart enough to know that this was meant to be an eye opener to the deficiencies of the bill and not a stand against the Border Alliance. Hope isn't always reliable.

 

[Fyremage]

"Before the voting continues, I feel I must interject." Gregory raised from his seat and approached the dais with a calm stride. He smoothed the slight wrinkles that had begun to creep up on his navy blue suit, his red tie with silver stripes glinting in the lighting that surrounded him. After discerning he had effectively gathered the attention of the Senate floor with his voice booming over the speakers, he continued:

"First of all, I thank you, Senator Saracbecca, for raising the issues you feel exist in the bill. In the absence of a hearing, it is logical that such questions come up. I do not wish to digress to a point of debate, as we need to press on to the rest of the vote, but I wish to address some of your concerns with an account of the facts as they stand, which I respectfully though unfortunately feel you do not have a firm grasp of. First and foremost, It is my understanding that the planets which comprise the Border Alliance are still very much a part of the Republic. They have not seceded from the Republic at large, otherwise this Bill would be completely unnecessary in its current form. We would instead be talking more directly of forming a centralized army completely disassociated with the Border Alliance. The men and women who are dying and fighting for their planets are not committing treason against the Republic, as they are answering the call of their individual governments to defend themselves. Every planet within the Republic has that sovereign right, as Kashyyyk would be well within its rights to defend itself from foreign invaders."

"To my knowledge, based on how it has been described, it is a Bill directed to support Republic worlds by insighting other Republic worlds in their fight against an enemy that stands at the gates. I grant you that this bill has long been delayed, and should have been brought forth a long time ago. But I'm sure the Senators of Mandalore and Kalevala can attest to how their respective planets are still very much a part of this government."

"I say this because there is no need to address the subject of 'reintegration.' After the hostilities on the border have ended, they will resume their status as Republic planets which they are still, to this day. The assumption that anything else could become of this Bill is purely conjecture, and unfounded. It should not weigh in on the overall principles of the Bill itself. However, the rest of your argument is well put, and thank you for sharing your insights." With a respectful bow, the Chancellor kept his gaze squarely on the Senator from Kashyyyk to see how she would react.

Not wanting to keep the session of Senate delayed any further, he broke the silence once more before returning to his seat: "With all of that being explained, I apologize for disrupting the vote. Please proceed accordingly."

 

[Caligula]

Kaza L. O'Bizzark tried to control himself as the Wookie spoke. He was sitting back in a lavish chair as he observed the senators around him. He was dressed in his senatorial garment; a leather suit with a sash of wookie fur and various medals and awards pinned to it. He had a small bottle of champagne sitting next to him and his "personal assistant," Pierce, standing nearby with his datapad. He merely rolled his eyes as the wookie's translator continued to drone on and on. He sighed and waited until the Senator had finished speaking. He rose from his chair and was actually surprised to find that the Chancellor himself had decided to intervene. He laid down a few reassuring words and reaffirmed what the bill was about. The reptilian senator waited until the Chancellor had finished before requesting the floor. When it was his turn, he cleared his throat and spoke clearly into the microphone.

"Esteemed members of the Senate," His reptilian accent caused his S's to stretch into a hissing sound. His silver tongue tried to weave its magic through the air as he spoke. "As a member of a Republic planet that is not part of the Border Alliance, I would like to express my great interest in this bill. Should this bill pass, I will personally guarantee that my planet can provide enough troops and arms, not only to defend itself, but to defend other planets in need of military assistance. I agree that this bill has been long past due, and I hope our efforts won't fail." He let a subtle smile creep through. "Trandosha votes Yes."

With that he turned and returned to his seat. In his mind, he knew he had helped to take a step towards the survival of his planet. But sticking it to the Wookies didn't bother him in the slightest. In fact, he'd sleep a little better than night.

 

[Voren Makr]

Whilst the others in the Rotunda made their speeches, Voren remained silent until it was finally his turn to take to the stand. Adorned in his Senatorial robes, in what was to be his first ever Senate appearance as an actual Senator, Voren Makr, Commander of the Border Alliance spoke with a clear voice, rising above the general hubbub of the room to make his own speech:

''This matter is an agonizingly simple one, albeit over an issue which could have consequences for years to come. War is already upon us, we know this, we have all seen it - as have the trillions of people in this Republic. It is not a nice fact, it is not something we may want to commit to, but when the enemy is at your doorstep, hiding will not stop the, - it shall only prolong their victory.'' he paused, remembering his position in the Senate and the respect it commanded, and continued.

''I will not allow the Sith to wash over our lands like barbarians, and as such, the world of Anaxes stands with the people of the Border Alliance against this threat. United, the Republic will not fall to the hands of outsiders! Anaxes, will vote for a strong Republic, Anaxes will vote for a safe Republic.'' he added, his voice rising before finally saying ''Anaxes votes for this bill also!''

Nodding to the Chancellor, and a few of his allies in the Rotunda, he raised his head to look around the crowd, the badge of his office gleaming in the dim-light of the Rotunda ''Long Live the Republic!'' a cry that was echoed by several in the Chamber. Smiling to himself, he returned to his seat.

 

[Fyremage]

With the cry for "Long Live the Republic!", Gregory's heart couldn't help but swell a bit with pride, though the voice that uttered the cry was one Gregory was still uncertain of. The Supreme Chancellor of the Republic couldn't help but feel he had made a deal with the devil when he begrudgingly aligned himself with the Senator from Anaxes to secure the Chancellory. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the man made Gregory feel... off, out of sorts even. It was a given that the Senator from Chandrila ascendant would have to keep a wary eye on the man. But he couldn't help but agree with his stance on this issue, and was thankful for it.

With the time allotted for the Senate vote exhausted, Gregory let out a sigh of relief as he reviewed the totals. 7-1 in favor of the Bill. Although as Chancellor he could not be biased one way or the other during official proceedings, needless to say he would vote in favor of the bill too if he were able to. It was a much needed piece of legislation to aid the men and women that were already laying their lives on the line, and it seemed that finally the Senate saw the import of that as well: whatever their individual motivations. He rose up one final time from his seat and strode up to the dais.

"Senators, the allotted time for voting on the bill has now passed, with an overwhelming majority in favor of the bill. As Supreme Chancellor, I heartily approve of the result, and waive my right of veto. The Bill passes, and I formally conclude this session." With a mighty stamp, not unlike that which opened the session, the speaker pounded his staff into the ground to emphasize Gregory's statement.

(End thread. Concluding posts are allowed by individual characters if so desired.)