Clove was able to contact her parents while the camera was being set up, telling them to pack their belongings and prepare to leave. And her friends..? She, too, messaged them, apologizing for everything being so abrupt and promising to call them to explain everything. Even Altair would get a message explaining what she was up to and how deeply she regretted repeatedly hurting him, though she had no idea if he read it. Clove approached the camera and lowered her datapad once she had finished.
The half-Annfyn seemed exhausted, her eyes sunken. Even her green dress and an attempt to brush her hair down with her hands didn't help. Regardless, the camera was activated, and the Star Guardian's first open public statement would be broadcast on the HoloNet.
“Citizens of the galaxy." Clove's light voice rang out through the microphone. "I'd like to discuss the current events surroundin' the Star Guardians, as well as the rumors that have been circulatin' on the HoloNet." She took a deep breath and paused. "To begin with, the Star Guardians are a non-profit organization. The myth that we profit from the bodies of fallen citizens, whether soldiers or civilians, is false an' frankly distasteful. The documentations, which are easily accessible to anyone who is interested, speak for themselves. The Star Guardians do not collaborate with corporations an' do not rely on their fundin'. We are grateful for any gift or donation, but the Star Guardians facilities are designed to be as self-sustainable as possible even if no donations are received."
"This brin's us to the next rumor: how the Star Guardians are collaboratin' with the Sith an' acceptin' fundin'. It is true that I have met with Darth Raze, just as I have with Jedi Councillor Zakrym La an' Vice President Galek Ordalos. When requestin' neutrality from the Sith or any other faction, which is critical to ensurin' the safety of the people we protect, it is essential to obtain such neutrality from a person in a position of authority." Clove paused, fighting the urge to fiddle with her sleeves nervously. "However, despite not requestin' the Sith any fundin', we did receive donations to aid facilities within Imperial space, to help the citizens who live there. We accepted these donations because we value the citizens of Imperial space equally." She couldn't make it any more beautiful than that. She could spin it around and twist it, but it was the truth.
"Regardless. I realize now that I may not be a good leader. While my intentions were pure, I made many mistakes. Therefore , I'll step down as a leader an' find a replacement. Someone more qualified to lead the Star Guardians an' make decisions that benefit the entire galaxy." Anyone close enough to Clove could tell by her ears how close she was to bursting out on the spot, despite her best efforts to maintain a straight face. "I deeply regret my actions an' can only hope an' pray that they do not reflect poorly on the Star Guardians. The Star Guardians were created to heal, not to harm or spy on others."
"Thank you for your time." Clove lowered her head, and the camera went dark. She may be going down, but she refused to drag the Star Guardians along with her. It didn't take long for the facility's men and women to find the half-Annfyn's office, some confused, some angry and others just there for the drama. Clove, on the other hand, ignored it and grabbed her bag from the table. She swung it over her shoulder and looked at Bob. "You know how to reach me; please be kind to my replacement." She said before she made her way through the now-clogged corridor. But she continued to ignore them, heading straight for Bib who was resting outside. She ran her hand through her friend's white feathers before climbing on the saddle. "You know... I've always wanted to be a zoologist... Maybe on Barab One?" Clove whispered to Bib as he took flight, leaving the facility of Bothawui and a life she'd rather forget behind.
The half-Annfyn seemed exhausted, her eyes sunken. Even her green dress and an attempt to brush her hair down with her hands didn't help. Regardless, the camera was activated, and the Star Guardian's first open public statement would be broadcast on the HoloNet.
“Citizens of the galaxy." Clove's light voice rang out through the microphone. "I'd like to discuss the current events surroundin' the Star Guardians, as well as the rumors that have been circulatin' on the HoloNet." She took a deep breath and paused. "To begin with, the Star Guardians are a non-profit organization. The myth that we profit from the bodies of fallen citizens, whether soldiers or civilians, is false an' frankly distasteful. The documentations, which are easily accessible to anyone who is interested, speak for themselves. The Star Guardians do not collaborate with corporations an' do not rely on their fundin'. We are grateful for any gift or donation, but the Star Guardians facilities are designed to be as self-sustainable as possible even if no donations are received."
"This brin's us to the next rumor: how the Star Guardians are collaboratin' with the Sith an' acceptin' fundin'. It is true that I have met with Darth Raze, just as I have with Jedi Councillor Zakrym La an' Vice President Galek Ordalos. When requestin' neutrality from the Sith or any other faction, which is critical to ensurin' the safety of the people we protect, it is essential to obtain such neutrality from a person in a position of authority." Clove paused, fighting the urge to fiddle with her sleeves nervously. "However, despite not requestin' the Sith any fundin', we did receive donations to aid facilities within Imperial space, to help the citizens who live there. We accepted these donations because we value the citizens of Imperial space equally." She couldn't make it any more beautiful than that. She could spin it around and twist it, but it was the truth.
"Regardless. I realize now that I may not be a good leader. While my intentions were pure, I made many mistakes. Therefore , I'll step down as a leader an' find a replacement. Someone more qualified to lead the Star Guardians an' make decisions that benefit the entire galaxy." Anyone close enough to Clove could tell by her ears how close she was to bursting out on the spot, despite her best efforts to maintain a straight face. "I deeply regret my actions an' can only hope an' pray that they do not reflect poorly on the Star Guardians. The Star Guardians were created to heal, not to harm or spy on others."
"Thank you for your time." Clove lowered her head, and the camera went dark. She may be going down, but she refused to drag the Star Guardians along with her. It didn't take long for the facility's men and women to find the half-Annfyn's office, some confused, some angry and others just there for the drama. Clove, on the other hand, ignored it and grabbed her bag from the table. She swung it over her shoulder and looked at Bob. "You know how to reach me; please be kind to my replacement." She said before she made her way through the now-clogged corridor. But she continued to ignore them, heading straight for Bib who was resting outside. She ran her hand through her friend's white feathers before climbing on the saddle. "You know... I've always wanted to be a zoologist... Maybe on Barab One?" Clove whispered to Bib as he took flight, leaving the facility of Bothawui and a life she'd rather forget behind.
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