Senate Vote: Securing the Border, Assessing the Threat

[Beta12]

Republic Senate Vote
Securing the Border, Assessing the Threat
OOC
​

A light cough rang across the Senate Chamber as Charon cleared her throat. "Esteemed Senators, our last motion for the day shall now be discussed. I hope you have enjoyed your meals so far." Today was a special occasion in the halls of the Senate, as far as the Zeltron was concerned. A rather exclusive restaurant, in an attempt to gain greater notoriety among the elite of Chandrila's capital, had offered to cater their most current session. Many dishes and drinks were made available to the senators upon request, including a wide variety of local delicacies that some senators might find comforting during a rather drawn out day. Charon herself had the leftovers of a bantha steak, and a respectable amount of wine off to the edge of her dais. The meal had been enjoyable, and the leftovers would give her something to pick at during the end-of-the-day speeches that the Senators would surely give for such an important motion.

The motion itself lit across the holo-tablet in her lap as the Senators of the chamber prepared. Oh... that one. The Zeltron internally groaned as Krass' name took up the majority of her device's screen. The man had been at it once again, formulating two motions from the disastrous hearing with the Jedi Order. This motion in particular, as far as Charon was concerned, as the two of lesser evils, which is why it had received its priority status in the first place. "The last motion of the day is sponsored by Senator Aren Krass." The hover camera's that occupied the air of the chamber audibly swung toward the man in question as she spoke. "Would the Senator of Corellia please approach the Dais, and address the greater Senate with your motion?" The words fell from her mouth mechanically, and before she was even finished speaking her eyes drifted back down to her holo-tablet. The games within called to her, but she forced her gaze back up toward the senate surrounding her.

(OOC: Remember, opening statements and votes are included in separate posts, and your senators are limited to 1) Their opening speech post and 2) Their closing speech post and vote, Please keep in mind the weight of the motion about to be addressed, and the stances of your Senators as you cast you make your intros and cast your votes.)

 

[Aren Krass]

Krass tenderly cut a small bite of nerf steak from the finely prepared cut of meat on the plate before him, and plopped it into his mouth, savoring the taste. After having a recent unpleasant experience with catered foods he was cautious to consume it. He had considered it for a moment, before ultimately deciding a meal within the rotunda was likely safe. Having devoured half of his steak now, and consumed two glasses of the sweet amber tea that had been prepared on Chandrilla in an old Corellian fashion. He felt the rich marinade that saturated the expensive meat he so casually consumed squeeze into his mouth as he chewed, listening to the Chancellors dialogue.

This bill will be the easy one to pass. The worst that will come form this are protests or angry comm messages. Not angry saber wavers at my door step.

He stood from his seat, his air of prestige and luxury ever present, but muffled ever so slightly by the paranoia and lingering humility from his trip to 'Hutta. Hutts be damned. I will stand on my head before that fekking world is ever admitted to the Republic.

Krass walked briskly down from the prestigious box that Corellia was awarded as a powerful, and long time, member of the Republic. Entering the small alcove that served as the speaking dais for anyone sponsoring a motion before the Rotunda, he laid his own datapad on the podium before him. He thought back for a moment at the time he had spent on this dais, the bills he had passed, and the way he had placed his own small effect on the galaxy.

After his moment of nostalgia was complete Krass spoke, his voice amplified across the loud speakers embedded along the Rotunda, as well as in smaller speakers in each of the boxes to ensure each senator heard his words.

"Members of the Senate, I am here today with grave business. After humoring the plea of the Jedi during the hearing in which I chaired, my fears about the future of our great galaxy are even more heightened. Despite the clear lack of respect that the Jedi hold for us, and their poor behavior during the hearing, the threat that they brought before my fellow senators and I is a very real one, and one I have been warning of for a long time coming. I am afraid if we do not act, and do not act swiftly, that threat will spill over, and the only thing we'll have left of our Republic are dear memories that we fleetingly cling to as we fight for our very lives.

It is as such that I move that we begin assembling a series of hearings, and investigatory committees to assess the true nature of the threat brewing on the Northern border, and ascertain what legislation will be necessary to address it. While said investigation is conducted, I move that we contract with a PMC, to be determined by a hearing to be appointed by the Chancellor, to combat our enemies at the direct command of the Republic. Upon the the former hearing, the chairman will present us with the legislature that he feels is necessary to form our long lasting response to this aggression. Upon the completion of the latter hearing, we will be presented with the opinions of the chairmen on which PMC we shall contract with.

Remember, my fellow Senators, this is not an issue akin to simple trade disputes, this is a life or death issue for everyone in the galaxy, including those of us in the Rotunda today. Should we drag our feet, should we hide in our arrogance, it will be our undoing."

He stepped back from the podium and gave a warm smile, and so it begins.

 

[Grakchawwaa Rwokirr]

There was certainly no denying that this world was a far flung place from his native Kashyyyk, adorned as it was with metallic buildings: The cruel lash of industry having done away with the blessed touch of nature. Grakchawwaa, with a polite shake of his head, declined the food offered to him (for he had already eaten) and alongside two others from his tribe, the royal tribe of Rwokirr, made his way to his box. Simple and unadorned save for the flag denoting his planet, the box served its purpose well, with out the shameless pageantry of some of the Core World boxes.

Dressed with a simple set of wooden shoulder pads, and a bandoleer adorned with clasps of chromium, finished off with a deep red cape which hung across his back, indicating his status as an Elder, Grakchawwaa clasped in one hand a large staff (known on his world as a 'Battle Staff') whilst his hair was held in certain uniform places by clasps of bronze and silver. His two aids where similarly adorned, with robes of light brown instead of the red of an Elder, so as to denote their lower status.

Together, the group cut an imposing figure, towering above the Guards of the Senate, but yet not putting people at ease due to their passive ways. In many senses of the word, it was this passivity that would serve as the basis for their argument today, for the people of Kashyyyk had often held firm in their belief that one should not attack unless provoked, and when such a time comes, one must respond with the strength of ones own arm, not of another. As such Grakchawwaa shook his head with disappointment as the Senator of Corellia made his motion clear, before Grakchawwaa himself stood.

Heavily reliant on the numerous translation droids, Grakchawwaa spoke in his native tongue:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, other Sentient beings. Firstly, let me say what an honor it is to speak here today, as one of the first of my people in recent years to do so. Secondly, allow me if you will to offer pause, to give time for thought at what is is you seek to undertake - by telling you of my home. Rwokirr is a proud settlement at the heart of Kashyyyk, brimming with life, teeming with culture, but fierce and resolute in the defense of its borders and of its allies. We do not strike unless needed, we hold our hand in friendship unless forced to form the fist of war.'' he said, before pausing and looking around the rotunda, as if assessing the impact of his words.

''But, when the Hunters of Rwokirr are mustered, the very trees tremble at the fury of our warriors, and all Kashyyyk knows that our way must be just, for it is our boys we risk in the undertaking.'' he added, with more force in his voice than before. ''Senators, I understand that the monster is real, I understand that you feel a need to close the shutters, and sound the drums of war, but I ask you this: Are you truly ready to commit to it? This motion to me, and indeed I think to many people out there, outside of this rotunda, reeks of indecision, for how can a body be at peace with its desire for conflict, when it does not wish to place its own blood on the scales of destruction?'' he asked, hoping to see some heads nodding.

''Senators, if you wish to secure the village, use your own Hunters to do it, and show the Galaxy that when you muster, you muster with vigor and are willing to sacrifice your own to protect that which you love.'' he finished. Grakchawwaa returned to his seat, hoping that his point had been made: If you want to muster an army, muster it from your own camp, do not hire it in.

 

[Silas Amory]

Silas Amory sat in his box, sipping at a red Shiraz from Dantooine. The slightly spicy fruitiness wasn't new to the Senator, he wasn't accustomed to red wine as it had been some time since he'd last had one. He placed his glass down and listened to Krass putting forth his motion.

Clever boy... He took his knife in his right hand and lifted his fork with his left. He stabbed down into the seafood in front of him, a large steak of some native creature from Manaan, his fork holding it to the plate as his hands with far too much strength for such delicate movements carved a chunk of the marinated meat.

He placed it in his mouth with his fork, dallying a little as he pulled it off the fork and making a small slurping sound as he tried to keep the juices from dribbling down his chin. He put his silverware down with practice haste and propriety as he grabbed the cloth napkin by his plate and wiped at his mouth to make sure none of the food's residue was left on his face. He listened to the wookie speak, determining how he'd approach the dais. He waited a moment after letting the Senator of Kashyyk finish before keying the request to speak on the arm of his chair. A green confirmation light flashed briefly, indicating that he may step forth.

Amory's aides remained in the Coruscant box, a position that was one of the closest to the dais as it was one of, if not the, oldest planet in The Republic. His datapad was tucked in his left hand as he moved gingerly down the stairs and stepped up onto the dais platform, going up the couple of steps to the podium before placing his datapad in front of him. He cleared his throat, looking around the room and attempting to make eye contact with as many of those Senator in attendance as possible before speaking.

"My dear Senators." He gestured to seating higher up in the rotunda. "Ambassadors whose worlds wish to join our Grand Republic. Today, we know why we are here. If the reports are to be believed, we can no longer deny it; the Sith are poised on our borders. I believe that the real question is whether we cower in here and hope the Sith are satisfied with conquering the Border Alliance? Or whether we admit that the Sith want to conquer our systems, and take for themselves this Grand Republic we hold so dear. I believe that we are not a simple alliance of different worlds. This Republic is a united society, a single people. We are citizens in this Grand Republic, and we should all be ready to defend it. I would mobilize my home to war if I knew my fellow citizens of this republic did the same. I would mobilize my homeworld regardless of whether your worlds would do the same, because my citizens are your citizens, my fellow Senators!" He paused to gauge how his words weighed with those about the rotunda. "But we have other options. A Private Military Company already would fight for the Sith if they got credits out of it. We simply pay more than the Sith."

By this point his hand was pointed with purpose and determination. His conviction would surprise those who knew him, and even more so for those that didn't. He would be damned if he had to run his criminal network under the paranoid gaze of the imperialistic Sith.

"Please, in the name of the Republic, consider what you're risking by leaving the Sith threat unanswered. What would we do if the Border Alliance were crushed and they came for our Capitol, for the jewel that is Chandrila? Would you see this world with smoke-choked skies and the fresh glow of turbolaser bombardments? Would you see this world burn?"

He waited a moment, fire in his eyes. He met the gaze of Krass and nodded. He picked his datapad back up off the podium as he straightened his now slightly crooked silver tie. He stepped down and made his short flight up the stairs to his box.

 

[Adèle-Luisa Palliser]

Adèle walks up to the stage in order to yield the stage.

"We yield our time to Senator Nor'Baal."

 

[Nor'baal Desajilic]

It was odd, most odd indeed, for an Ambassador to be given the floor at a Senate meeting, for many Senators liked to parade around their right to speak, and to vote, with arrogance. However, as previously arranged, the Senator for Kuat - who would he thought, choose to abstain - had chosen to grant her time, but of course not her vote (for that would be against Senate rules) unto the Ambassador for Nal Hutta. As with many things in the Galaxy, with all issues that passed across the Senate floor, the Hutt wished to voice his own concerns and views, those of his people and of his planet.

<Honored Senators, I thank the Senator for Kuat for this time.> he began, booming his voice out in Huttese <Indeed, this issue is a most pressing one, and whilst the Glorious Jewel of Hutta is not at threat from this Sith Order you speak of, allow me to offer some council at this time, for us Hutts have much experience with mercenary contractors.> he said, smirking to himself as he avoided saying 'We hire a lot of thugs to kill poeple' with the usual smear of political drivvle. <You are, if this motion is passed, going to hand over to a PMC the rights to make an army, one large enough to protect several sectors of this galaxy, you are in effect, legitimizing an army - that is under your control, only in words.>

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, and for the translators to catch up <I would thus suggest that you approve this motion, with the addendum that it is a collection of PMCs partnered with 'attachment units' from concerned member states of the Republic, so as to prevent a power rising, that should it chose to, could simply turn on you, and take what it desired. You must ensure that a balance is in place, a check to ensure the PMCs you chose and fund, do not outgrow themselves.>

 

[Malmourral [old]]

"Honorable Senators, are we so quick to dismiss the role of the Border Alliance?" Senator Malmourral of Dathomir said as she began her speech. "How quickly the honorable Senator of Corellia is to dismiss the fact that there are Republic worlds that have already taken up arms against the Sith threat. So willing is the Senator of Corellia to dismiss the lives that are being lost on the frontier, and for what purpose? What benefit does one, or any, private military contractor provide to the Republic that cannot be offered by mending the diplomatic rifts that have arisen between the frontier and the Core?"

"How little faith the Senator shows in the worlds on the frontier - how quickly the Senator is to dismiss them as acceptable losses! Why should the Republic work towards creating a privatised military presence of her own, when we already have such an army that need only be officially recognized by the Senate? The Republic may not have such a 'grand army' of its own to offer, but many members worlds of the Republic still maintain a strong military heritage - have not the factories of Ord Mantell, of Kuat, of Fondor, and yes, of Corellia herself not served capably in the past? Have we not prospered under millennia of trading with one another to be able to support a unified war effort if need be? Why then, is the Senator of Corellia, so adamant towards this proposal of outsourcing our military?"

"This man has given us no information, no costings, not even the barest framework of an argument for such an endeavor - and yet, he seeks to sway the Senate to support his motion - a motion that has so many holes in its proposal that I in fact do not have the allotted time required to detail them all. So I ask all of you today this question - today, in this Senate, do you vote with the benefit of the Republic truly in your heart? Do you vote today in the names of all lives that the Republic claims to protect? Or have you allowed yourselves to be swayed by more local interests, and do you seek the benefit of local companies, or perhaps corporations that you may have a vested interest in seeing their success?

"If you truly care for all lives within the Republic, then you will vote against this bill, as I intend to. And if you believe that we should be preparing for war - then I suggest you consider fully and formally endorsing the role of the Border Alliance, and supporting their efforts against this threat you are so sure of."

As Malmourral returned to her seat, she finally allowed herself to exhale ever so slightly. She had had to tread carefully in this debate - her personal and diplomatic animosity towards the Corellians was a matter of public record, and so she was allowed to be more outspoken towards him than would otherwise be considered prudent - however, outlining her opposition to the bill also meant she had to tread a fine line between supporting the Border Alliance and maintaining Dathomir's diplomatic cool-headedness towards the cause they supported. It was not an easy path to tread - however, in this particular instance, it was better to openly support the Border Alliance than to support the Corellian's flawed proposal.

 

[Jira]

The meal was a welcome repose from the dull work . His request was simple: an assortment of cheeses from various milk-producing fauna across the galaxy, a small selection of fruit, and a salad of greens. He had managed to persuade the waiter to bring him a small carafe of Chandrillian cognac as discreetly as possible. Tycho nursed it slowly with his lunch, hoping his fellow senators wouldn't catch its delicate aroma wafting through the air.

Then came the Senator Krass to the stage, and his proposal nearly made Tycho spit the cognac all over the poor senators sitting one tier below him. The only thing that kept Tycho's jaw from dropping was the brief utterances of reason from the men who had spoke before him. Even Malmourral, who Tycho had little trust for, was shockingly accurate in her remarks. Tycho approached his podium to dispel the absurd proposal that was laid before the Senate. He walked with a slight stagger, and he instinctively propped himself against the podium for balance.

"Have we exhausted all measures?" Tycho spoke with a fire growing in his stomach, "Is the cause of our mutual defense already so lost that we must hire brigands to do what a volunteer army should do?"

Tycho paused and scanned over the senate hall, piercing through any senator unfortunate enough to make eye contact with him. "Billions upon billions of sentient beings across the galaxy have vested their livelihoods to this Senate. They have seen the black clouds of strife on the horizon and they look to us for protection."

Tycho pointed towards the Senator from Corellia while maintaining eye contact with the bulk of the senators. "The esteemed Senator from Corellia has given an answer to the people. He has made it clear that the only thing this Senate can do is throw credits at an army of bandits, and hope that our payment will be sufficient in keeping that army from fleeing from the Sith!"

"Is that all we can muster?" Tycho's question was nearly a shout, "Can the shipyards of Corellia and Kuat not build us a grand fleet? Can we not form battalions from the vast bulwark of citizens of this Republic?"

Tycho paused for one last time. Some Senators cheered, while others called for his immediate removal. Tycho cooled his fire and raised his arms to the podium in a calming gesture, "Senators, I claim that an army unified in mutual defense is the only army that can withstand an assault from the Sith."


Tycho gave a sigh and shuffled back to his seat. He took another sip of cognac and waited for the rest of the drama unfold.

 

[Dmitri]

Sieghart listened with patience. The Senator of Corellia was a fool. Worse, a pawn. A PMC would do nothing except demoralize preexisting militias, like the Border Alliance, along with wasting even more funds. PMCs always cost more than using a nation's own military, as PMCs weren't about defending people, it was about profit. One PMC cost more than an entire platoon.

"The Planet of Mandalore stands with Dathomir," said Sieghart finally. "Using PMCs are ridiculous, too costly, and pointless. By the time we filter through candidates and work out procedures, half the Republic will be conquered, two thirds if we let fools like Senator Krass dictate policy. What has, must, and will defend the Republic is the Border Alliance. Any bill not legitimizing and supporting the Border Alliance in defense against the Sith aggressors will receive no support from the Mandalorian Bloc." A strict eye glanced at Skirata.

 

[Sofiya Pavlovna]

<Sofiya, The remaining members of the guild have decided to leave this issue in your hands. Call back when its over.> ​

"Understood" Sofiya quitely clicked off her earpiece and walked back into her booth. She waited for the bickering to die down before she began to address the senate.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I would like to propose a compromise to the floor. After long pondering I have came to the following conclusion. Although the Republic would easily be able to hire a PMC organization, this war will require more then just that. In order to provide enough manpower to obliterate our enemy I believe we need to create a unified army in addition to the PMC hired. If every senator's planet could provide a number of soldiers, imagine the force!". People began to mumble and talk to themselves as Sofiya continued her speech. "I would also like to add that Fondor can and will assist to provide the Republic with ships to help sustain this grand force if this is passed".

Sofiya sat down and took a sip of the white wine provided by the caterers. More whispers broke out as the senate took in the compromise.

 

[Fyremage]

Gregory Rhone, the Senator for Chandrila sat in his box located near the Dias, listening intently at the arguments presented by his peers. To be fair, he saw the merit in the motion made by Senator Krass, but not in the manner it had been presented to the Senate. The thoughts expressed by the Senators from Kashyyyk and Dathomir had further solidified his first impression, and when it was his turn to speak, he rose up from his chair and cleared his throat. He wore a navy blue suit with a red tie bearing silver stripes, his hair combed and neatly kept, and a pin in his jacket lapel.

His Hazel eyes scanned the group of senators awaiting his comments, and he finally took in a deep breath and voiced the thoughts which had thus far remained caged in his mind.

"Esteemed Senators of the Republic..." His voice resonated through the speakers of the chamber, calm, collected, and confident in what he had to say. "For years, we have stood together as a beacon for freedom and liberty. Right now, at this very hour, we are under attack by an entity that has long been our precious Republic's enemy. We have two choices. Sit here, bury our head in the sand, and do nothing. Or take action. As some of you may know about me, I am a man of action. And Chandrila is a planet of action as well. But we must take the right course of action. Supporting a bill wherein we take the sovereign right of the Republic to defend itself, and give it to a private military corporation is ill conceived to say the least. It is a sign of weakness. We know how the Sith respond to weakness, based on our dealings with them in the past. They will interpret our unwillingness to take decisive action as indecision, and see our Republic as weakened and ready to fall. And they would be right if we sign this bill into law."

"With this thought in mind, I ask that you all stand with Chandrila in voting against this Bill. But that alone is not enough. Let us instead pursue a bill where we support the men and women who are already fighting a war some of us refuse to acknowledge even exists. It's happening right now. As I stand here speaking, courageous men and women are dying to protect their freedom. Legitimize the Border Alliance, and let's find a strong way to support them by funding them and forming a unified force to end this conflict once and for all. We do not need to be the aggressors in this conflict brewing in the Outer Rim, but we must be prepared when it breaks out in full. Only if we take this decisive step will peace be achievable, whether it comes in the form of the Sith becoming more willing to negotiate, or eradicating them from the galaxy once and for all."

Gregory paused solemnly as he loosed those last few words, endeavoring to meet the gaze of those closer to his podium to drive the point home. He knew the argument against this bill had already been well elaborated on. But he had hoped that his voice and the thoughts behind it would drive it home.

 

[Beta12]

"Senators of the Republic." Charon stared up from her holo-tablet long enough to take mental notes on Senator Palliser's dress for the evening. She had only been slightly taken aback that she would allow the Hutt Ambassador to speak instead of her. It wasn't often that Core World born and bred politicians gave up the lime light to someone from the outer rim, more notably a giant green slug. However, ties with that specific one seemed rather prevalent, considering Krass' choice for BHG liaison. Regardless of what the senators did, and who they gave their time to, relative order had been achieved for the first time in a while. Discussion had been heated, but at least Charon had some food to chew on while the others lashed out at one another.

"It seems as though discussion has drawn to a close, so now it is time that I end this discussion and bring it to a vote. The motion is as stands: Shall we assemble a series of hearings, and investigatory committees to assess the true nature of the threat brewing on the Northern border, and ascertain what legislation will be necessary to address it. Shall we also we contract with a PMC, to be determined by a hearing to be appointed by the Chancellor, to combat our enemies at the direct command of the Republic? Yea or Nay." There would surely be further debate in closing statements, but before Charon had even finished speaking her eyes cast themselves down onto the game on her holo-tablet. The cameras would be focused on the Senators for a while, and all she needed to do was sit pretty.

EDIT: Reminder, you are allowed to rebut or debate previous points mentioned in the thread, but you will keep those responses and vote in the same post.

 

[Malmourral [old]]

"Honorable members," Malmourral began, standing tall and resolute as she spoke to the chamber. "I have listened attentively to the arguments of both sides of the argument, and read the transcripts of the debate in sessions I was unable to attend. I have looked at the issue put to us today thoroughly, and in great detail. Having done so, I have failed to be persuaded to change my opinion, or the opinion of Dathomir on the matter. A military contractor is not the solution to the issues we face."

"Senator Krass has accused myself of changing my argument - declaring that my argument is crafted purely to oppose him personally, rather than on the merits or lack thereof of the bill he put to the Senate. To respond to such accusations, I say this: my previous statements do not conflict with my position on the matter put to us today. In my opening statements, I said, and I quote, "If you believe that we should be preparing for war - then I suggest you consider fully and formally endorsing the role of the Border Alliance, and supporting their efforts against this threat you are so sure of." As it is clear that the Senate consensus is that we should, in fact, be preparing for war, it is perfectly reasonable for the my argument to be that we should indeed be using established infrastructure and organizations within the Republic already - organizations that are both members of the Republic, voluntary participants, and have shown to be willing and capable of facing such a threat if need be. As such, my statement that we should publically endorse the Border Alliance, fully complies with Dathomir's previous position on the matter."

With that, Malmourral allowed a thin smile to part her lips ever so slightly as she levelled a gaze at the Senator of Corellia. "I understand that perhaps the honorable Senator's attention has been focused in more...domestic matters, and so it is understandable that he has overlooked such simple logic due to over-extending himself. But that does not excuse the fact that the bill put to us today is flawed, unnecessary and, above all else, clearly unpopular with the majority of the Senate, if we are to judge based on the statements of the Senate on the matter."

"As I stated in my opening arguments, the Senator placed before us a bill with no reasoning, no merit, and not even an argument as to why this bill should be passed. The Senator came to us with a controversial and divisive issue, and did not even feign to justify the motion. I can only think of two reasons as to why this is - neither of which, unfortunately, are very flattering. Perhaps the Senator, in his arrogance, was simply unused to justifying his proposals. As we are all well aware, Senator Krass has, up until very recently, enjoyed a disproportionate amount of power and influence on his homeworld. While I recognize that the Senator has since begun to implement mechanisms to change this, and I applaud his efforts, it seems that the honorable member's unquestioned authority has hampered his ability to make thorough and well-considered proposals. The bill put to us lacked justification or thorough consideration, and the bill was presented with little to no real information. We were simply expected to vote with him on the matter without fully considering the ramifications of such a decision. If this is the case, then I would politely remind the Senator that the Senate is not his Directorate, and offer a token of advice - if this is how he plans on debating with the new Corellian Senate, then the honorable Senator will not last long in his present role. The key to democracy is discussion.

"The second reason I can think of, is that the Senator in fact does not even want this bill to pass. Why else would he come to us with such a poor initial proposal? Why else would he refuse to address valid concerns regarding such a bill? One must honestly ask themselves if this bill is simply in order to waste the time of the Senate, because it certainly seems to be the case for a bill with no real support, no plausible argument given, no response to valid questions and concerns, and a simpler, more cost-effective, more secure and overall more beneficial alternative already plainly exists. Perhaps the Senator does believe in this bill - perhaps he wishes for it to be passed, and has valid reasons as to why we should pursue this particular course of action. However, as he has failed to divulge such reasons to the Senate, we simply cannot be sure whether or not this is the case. Given the lack of argument behind the initial proposal and the discussions that followed, it seems far morel ikely that the Senator simply does not even believe in his own bill."

"Personally, I would rather believe that the Senator simply is not used to arguing his case, of having to persuade others to his position, than believe he is deliberately wasting the time and resources of the Senate and the thousands of worlds we represent, but it is honestly difficult to discern what the honorable Senator's motivations actually are at this stage."

"So I repeat my previous statement once more, for the benefit of the Senate - "If you believe that we should be preparing for war - then I suggest you consider fully and formally endorsing the role of the Border Alliance, and supporting their efforts against this threat you are so sure of." If we feel the Republic truly faces a legitimate military threat from beyond our borders, then we should utilize the forces that have already assembled to face such an opponent. We do not need to turn to military contractors to keep ourselves safe - no, indeed all we must do is instead turn to our own people, our own worlds. If we believe in such a threat - and it is clear that the majority of the Senate do - then look to those worlds that signed up to the Border Alliance, endorse their cause and provide them with the funding and supplies that they have been asking for. Re-open trade and migration routes, and allow volunteers to legally travel to those worlds so that they may join the cause."

"If you believe the Sith are a credible, military threat, support the men, women and assorted sentients that call those threatened worlds home. There is no need to outsource to military contractors. Let citizens of the Republic keep the Republic safe. Dathomir votes against this bill."

 

[Fyremage]

The Senator from Chandrila sat in his box as he listened to the Senator from Dathomir. She had something about her that grabbed his attention, and the attention of everyone else as she spoke. He didn't particularly find her attractive, and being a happily married man made such a possibility unlikely to sway him anyway. But it was the certainty with which she spoke, as if clearly seeing past the apparent swagger of Senator Krass and plainly laying out the facts. He was glad to not be the only Senator who felt uneasy about this Bill, from the way it was presented, to the contents thereof. It was not lost on him how she drew attention to the fact that Krass seemingly felt used to getting his way, and likely was not used to having to be persuasive to the extreme in order to do so.

After Malmourral spoke her peace about the Bill and Issued her vote, Gregory wasted little time rising from his seat within the box and beginning his closing statement when bidden to.

"With such a persuasive argument laid out by Senator Malmourral, I'm afraid i don't have much to add that has not already been said about this bill, except to remind you all of the implications of what passing this Bill would have on our Republic. It has already been said how we already have a group of willing men and women to fight the Sith if indeed the threat is genuine, and i firmly agree with that. And to be fair, i don't think there is anyone in this chamber against the idea of hiring contractors to support the war effort alongside a legitimized army for the Republic. But this Bill is crafted in such a way wherein we would be dedicating the majority of our assets to funding mercenaries to do the bulk of our fighting, which is not something I am in support of. If they could work in tandem with the Border Alliance, then so be it. But I cannot in good conscience leave the Border Alliance to their own devices and vote to finance a band of mercenaries to fight halfheartedly for us. If we can get the legislation to do this on the floor, Chandrila stands ready to fully support the Border Alliance in their fight for survival, and in supporting the means to protect the Republic. And not exclusively in hiring others to do our work for us."

Casting a glance over at the Senator from Dathomir, and giving her a pleasant nod, Gregory continued: "All of that being said, Chandrila votes against this Bill."

 

[Grakchawwaa Rwokirr]

Grachchawwaa rose to his feet, his considerable height making him tower above most if not all in the room, as he made his position known.

"It will be a sad day for the Republic when we seek to hire in thugs to guard our doors, a sad day indeed when we pay the boatman with the blood of hirelings, and not with the sacrifice of our own. Whilst private interests, and the serving of those interests no doubt informed the bill, I hope today it will not be allowed to decide it. The people of Kashyyyk vote nay to this bill.''

He finished, and returned to his seat.

 

[Sofiya Pavlovna]

"Senators, listen. You speak of plans that would only be rolled around for yet another vote. And what does that do? It allows the Sith to continue on without any disruption.
If the border alliance is worth supporting, then why don't we see more positive results from them? In addition, currently the border alliance only supports their planets. What if planets not on the border where attacked? I see this bill as a way to fill the time so that the Republic may create an Galactic Army, which is the only force that will be powerful enough to fix our current issue.

I don't say this for personal gains nor was I forced into saying this. I say this because we need an army to protect the Republic as soon as possible, we need this army to be able to protect all of the Republic, and we need an army that can work with the border alliance until further bills are voted to strengthen our army. On the above terms Fondor supports this bill.
I stated my counter-proposal earlier and surly it will be put up for vote soon. "

 

[Aren Krass]

Aren stepped up to his microphone podium,

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. We have allowed Senator Malmourral to grandstand this bill due to her personal vendetta against me, and so far it has succeeded. My bill is not one of hiring a PMC. It is a two part bill. The first part states that we must form investigatory hearings in order to assess the threat at the North. Now mind you, I know what threat is in the North. I know that the Sith are coming. However, Senators such as the honorable Senator from Dathomir refuse to accept the facts and recognize this threat. Therefore I am moving that we investigate, and interview, so that the entire body of the Senate can agree on the nature of the threat. Once that hearing is done, the ranking senator on that hearing will bring before us permanent legislature to handle that threat. Meanwhile, while we are debating what threat is there, and what to do about that threat, we will temporarily hire a PMC in order to combat the threat. This PMC will only be temporarily hired until the Senate can agree on permanent legislature, likely to legitimize the border alliance, or found a grand army.

I do not understand what this body's opposition to the temporary PMC contract is, as it would only be a temporary measure to stop the bleeding until more permanent law can be passed. I will remind you all that my financial records are public knowledge. I own not a credit in stakes in any PMC.

Honorable Senators, it is not too late to change your vote. If you vote for this bill you are voting for the future, and the defense, of the Republic. Corellia votes aye."

He stepped a step backwards, and locked his hands behind his back formally.

 

[Nor'baal]

Having the floor yielded to you carried with a great many benefits, namely that you could still speak - if not vote - after the voting was called. Nor'baal liked this, he liked it a lot. Moving to the center of the Rotunda, and spreading his arms wide, the Hutt spoke loudly, hius voice carrying without the aid of a microphone, as he stated:

''Senators, how blessed we are this day, to add another to the ever growing list of Senators with a supposed vendetta against the honorable Senator Aren Krass of Corellia! Indeed, it seems that any and all who do not agree with the Senator thus named have a vendetta against him. How blessed are we to live in such an age, in which a man such as Krass might cast upon his wisdom, so profound that all who stand against it must be standing against his person, not his ideals. Senators, I urge you all to heed to wisdom of Senator Krass, for what do any of us know about the threats that face this Galaxy, what do any of you know compared to he - the Senator for Corellia? Despite that he stands to gain billions from the formation of any army, billions from the hiring of a PMC, I urge you to cast out these thoughts from your mind - for the Senator is above such repute, for we know him to be a wise man.'' he boomed, sarcasm heavy upon his voice.

''I know Senators that I am but a vile rim-worlder, a cad, a vagrant, a scoundrel even. But Senators I urge you to heed the words of the illustrious Senator Krass, and cast away your doubts about his vested interests. Cast away the fears of using a private army to fight in your name, be gone the specter of doubt, and be illuminated by the words of Krass. I urge you all to vote the right way, to cast your vote behind the beacon of Senator Krass, who has shown us all that vested interests are fine, if they are held by a Core Worlder, that handing over armies to private companies is fine, if you happen to have a bigger one on Corellia, and are best pals with the PMCs owner. Vote Aye, Vote Krass!''

His spiel finished, the Hutt hoped that people would see what a complete farce this motion was.

OOC: Nothing against Prudence here, but to be honest there is no chance in hell that Nor'baal the Hutt would remain silent as Krass tried to get this through.

 

[Fyremage]

With the vote from the Senators of Kashyyyk and Fondor, along with the comments from Aren Krass and from the Hutt Ambassador, Senator Rhone decided to stand up and address his concerns a bit more in detail.

"Respectfully, Senator Krass, the contention myself and some of the other senators have regarding this bill is: it seems to be taking a step backwards from the issue at hand. The very existence of the Border Alliance should demonstrate the gravity of the situation in the outer rim. we cannot waste time bickering about a Bill that would force us to look even more at an issue that is already at our doorstep. If we are to protect our citizens immediately, we should bolster the force that is already formed against the Sith. To abandon them now would be to abandon the clarity anyone would have at this stage."

With that being said, Gregory took in a deep breath and added: "I would certainly hope personal vendetta would not get in the way of voting on a bill of this magnitude, especially on the part of Senator Malmourral. I certainly hold no personal vendettas against you. I simply have a different view than you do, with concerns that i feel are valid. And have thus far gone unanswered."

 

[Aren Krass]

Having the floor yielded to you carried with a great many benefits, namely that you could still speak - if not vote - after the voting was called. Nor'baal liked this, he liked it a lot. Moving to the center of the Rotunda, and spreading his arms wide, the Hutt spoke loudly, hius voice carrying without the aid of a microphone, as he stated:

''Senators, how blessed we are this day, to add another to the ever growing list of Senators with a supposed vendetta against the honorable Senator Aren Krass of Corellia! Indeed, it seems that any and all who do not agree with the Senator thus named have a vendetta against him. How blessed are we to live in such an age, in which a man such as Krass might cast upon his wisdom, so profound that all who stand against it must be standing against his person, not his ideals. Senators, I urge you all to heed to wisdom of Senator Krass, for what do any of us know about the threats that face this Galaxy, what do any of you know compared to he - the Senator for Corellia? Despite that he stands to gain billions from the formation of any army, billions from the hiring of a PMC, I urge you to cast out these thoughts from your mind - for the Senator is above such repute, for we know him to be a wise man.'' he boomed, sarcasm heavy upon his voice.

''I know Senators that I am but a vile rim-worlder, a cad, a vagrant, a scoundrel even. But Senators I urge you to heed the words of the illustrious Senator Krass, and cast away your doubts about his vested interests. Cast away the fears of using a private army to fight in your name, be gone the specter of doubt, and be illuminated by the words of Krass. I urge you all to vote the right way, to cast your vote behind the beacon of Senator Krass, who has shown us all that vested interests are fine, if they are held by a Core Worlder, that handing over armies to private companies is fine, if you happen to have a bigger one on Corellia, and are best pals with the PMCs owner. Vote Aye, Vote Krass!''

His spiel finished, the Hutt hoped that people would see what a complete farce this motion was.

OOC: Nothing against Prudence here, but to be honest there is no chance in hell that Nor'baal the Hutt would remain silent as Krass tried to get this through.

"Of Course, ambassador, I own minor stocks in Corellian Engineering. What a scandal that stockholders of Corellian Engineering may profit from contracts with them. Hell, while we are at it let us fear that the senator from Thyferra may reap reward from the increased bacta sales that war would bring, or perhaps that KDY might also profit from contracts. Indeed BlasTec may find additional profits in their coffers from the need to buy blasters, and Czerka from increased purchases from PriceCorp. I agree with you senator, this scandal of shareholders reaping benefits is so grave that we may have to ignore the crisis in the North all together in order to hide from this disaster! Now that I think about it, how can we, in good conscience, sit in this Rotunda with the knowledge that a manufacturing firm, likely Corellian, benefitted from the construction of these very walls? Let us tear down this rotunda and sit around in a tribal style to keep from possibly profiting anyone." He glanced down with mock concern at the fine clothes he wore "Alas I fear that Senator Antilles from Alderaan may have profited from my purchase from an Alderaanian clothing store. Let this ridiculousness go. I am not the sole being that will profit from a grand army, but by your logic, I already profit with every ship that the Border Alliance purchases from CEC. "

He shot a disgusted look at the Hutt as he ended his rant.'

He then turned to the Senator from Chandrilla,

"No Senator I don't feel you hold a personal vendetta. I only fear that in her vendetta and grandstanding that the honorable senator from Dathomir has bombarded you with falsely based fears."