Open Smoke and Mirrors

[Emil Ro]

Emil Ro didn't need a reason to throw a party. Those were the words whispered by his rivals on Balmorra. To them, he was a young fool swept away by tales of his homeworld's former glory, too busy looking back when he should be looking ahead. To them, he was always utterly unserious, appearing in the news in various party scenes across the Core Worlds, some man or another on his arm. And good. Let them think of him as such. Their misgivings made them underestimate him, leaving them unawares when his fangs were at their necks.

This was such an occasion—his first return trip to Balmorra since his successful election. He had rented a glittering ballroom on the bottom floor of Sobrik's most illustrious hotel complex to host a charity drive. There were always children on Balmorra in need of credits, and any chance he had to appear charitable only helped his poll numbers. Plus, it was an excuse to break out the finest wines this side of the Inner Rim and catch up on what was happening at home. There was always some drama awaiting him here.

More importantly, such an event was important for forging connections. Despite appearances, Emil was far from a people person. People and aliens alike made his skin crawl; but, in his line of business, he didn't have luxury of insulating himself. Connections would keep him powerful. Good connections would make him more powerful.

And he could accomplish both in front of the media?

He sipped conservatively at his glass as he awaited more guests to appear. Well, here's to making good connections and looking good while doing it.

 

[Soygun York]

If it was drama that the fine senator from Balmorra was looking for, he got it when a luxury enclosed speeder with dark security glass stopped in front of the hotel, a chauffeur stepped out to open the back door, and the Secretary of the Treasury from the ISC started walking to the party. Wearing his formal tuxedo, he certainly gave off every impression of being debonair for such a cosmopolitan, formal event. The local press was there to cover the event, but they did not expect this particular individual who had been in so many headlines in recent years to be there.

One reporter asked out loud what his purpose for being at the party would be. York responded with an easy smile, "I'm here representing my home planet of Kattada this evening. As yo uknow, Kattada is a neighboring planet to Balmorra. ISC and New Republic politics aside, neighbors are still neighbors, and our planets have always enjoyed the close proximity and a friendly, mutually beneficial relationship. I intend for that to continue." He ignored the rest of the questions and made his way inside.

Once inside, he didn't immediately take to looking for familiar faces or new ones he fully intended to talk to before the night was over. There was an art to mixing business with pleasure, and the art was all about the other party not even knowing they were conducting business. So, he headed to the bar first ordering an expensive, exotic whiskey. It was a subtle message to those in these circles that York was open to talking business. Wine was the beverage of romance, pleasure, and relaxation. Whiskey was the liquor of business.

Many guests kept their distance from York for one reason or another. Some were clearly put off by York's comments about the New Republic and his role in the ISC challenging the the traditional powers of the galaxy. Balmorra once found themselves as one of those traditional powers, building a majority of the weapons and battle droids in the ancient wars. Hard times and industrial decay had plagued the planet as of late. But, proud histories who have fallen on rougher times presented are sometimes willing to roll the dice when presented with potential pathways to a resurgence...

@Mockingjay

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin was fashionably late, as always. Dressed in a dark wool suit with an emerald falcon pinned to his lapel, he was trailed by his personal bodyguard, Venka. The young woman was a member of the Midori, the elite soldiers who guarded the Vaisra family, and she was never without a weapon hidden somewhere under her outfit. Wherever he went, she was sure to follow.

By the bar, he spotted a member of the Independent Systems Consortium, Secretary York, stewing over a glass of whiskey. Jin was tempted to join him, perhaps in the hopes of earning a connection with someone in their inner circle. Fondor may have aligned themselves with the Free Worlds Alliance, but that didn’t mean they weren’t open to the idea of new... opportunities.

His planet’s loyalties had always been flexible. Its history proved as much.

Still, Jin chose not to bother the man. He pressed through the festivities, offering practiced smiles and handshakes to those who crossed his path. An ambassador from Obroa-skai. An emissary from the Jedi Order. The kind of people you would expect to find in such lavish charity balls, where money was sooner spent on ice sculptures than sickly children. Instead, Jin headed for where the party was thickest, and to the man who was host to it.

“Senator Ro,” Jin said upon reaching him. “Queen Leyti extends her greetings. It is a pleasure to be here with you today. I cannot say I have ever visited Balmorra, but it’s everything I’d expected it to be.” Jin didn’t elaborate further. He only smiled, letting the words hang in the air. It was obvious Balmorra was no paradise. Factories had destroyed its surface long ago, tainting the sky in smog and its oceans with grey sludge. Hosting the party indoors, at a glittering hotel in the city, didn’t change that.

Jin accepted a glass of wine from one of the attendants circling the room and took a slow sip. “Fondor is eager to assist you in any way, but if you don’t mind me asking, Senator, what is it you hope to accomplish with this charity drive, exactly?”

@Mockingjay

 

[Emil Ro]

Guests filtered in, and all of them were boring. They had the same practiced greetings, the same false pittance for the subjects of the night's festivities, and were his presence not required to oversee the night's undertakings, he might have snuck upstairs to take a nap. But before he could even consider it, the governor of Kattada himself appeared. Now that was an interesting guest.

And he had no more than gotten his greeting out of his mouth before another arrived. This one Emil had even heard of. The son of the reclusive Jade Dynasty on Fondor. Men couldn't hold positions of power in Fondor's government, so this man's mother must have sent him to be useful in other ways. That, at least, was amusing.

"Good evening, gentlemen," he said to them both, the first time he had sounded remotely genuine all evening. "Allow me to welcome you both to Balmorra, where you no doubt passed at least a dozen columns of toxic fumes on your way to this very gathering. I do hope you will consider omitting that bit from your interviews with the press tonight."

He was being facetious, but not untrue. Balmorra was a factory world. There wasn't a patch of air on the whole planet that lacked enough chemicals to mutate a pig. It was part of the reason he spent so much time offworld.

"This project has been long in the works," he continued, responding now specifically to Senator Vaisra. "Sobrik sits nearest the planet's largest factory complex. The pollutants it spews into the air have caused more cancer deaths than Hutts that die of obesity. My only goal here tonight is to convince as many planets as possible to lend us their aid in constructing a shielding array that will keep Sobrik's air pure. The results could help the victims of pollution on a dozen worlds."

And that was truly the point. If he pioneered the technology that improved that many lives, his approval ratings across the entire Republic would skyrocket. There would be no end to the open doors before him—no end to the ladder of power he planned to ascend. @Feng Mian @Isen

 

[Soygun York]

Well, he would be damned. They were going to jump straight to talking business. That being the case, Secretary York had no trouble waltzing over and inserting himself into the conversation. He listened carefully, sipping his whiskey as he heard the questions and answers. He would nod understanding some of the problems that facing Balmorra. They were not new, and Kattada being a close neighbor to the foundry planet was well-versed in both the great legacy of the planet and the hard times that have fallen upon it.

"Senator Ro, may I introduce myself. I'm Governor York from Kattada, Secretary of the Treasury for the ISC. Pardon me for saying so, but I believe you are selling your planet short. As a businessman, I have always admired the industrious history of Balmorra. Balmorra is suffering from what many ancient industrial powers have struggled with for millennia. Your solution may be easier than you think." He took a sip of whiskey and shook his head. "Pardon my directness. My new position has made me more direct than I normally would be. But, if you ever want to discuss how to put Balmorra back to the front of the industrial line and do so in a way that cleans up your atmosphere, I would be happy to put you in touch with those can do that for you...neighbor to neighbor."

The Secretary would turn to the senator from Fondor and give a polite nod. "Pleasure to meet you as well. Fondor, another military industrial complex planet. Balmorra's historic competition. Well met, Senator."

@Feng Mian @Mockingjay

 

[Korre Belasi]

Balmorra was not too far from Belasco at all, which meant that Korre absolutely intended to get in on the festivities. After all, as Belasco's newest senator she found it crucial that she begin making connections, and as a social butterfly, she couldn't pass up a party. The Belascan princess arrived wearing a navy blue dress paired with her favorite three-inch, silver heels. The clicking of her shoes could be heard growing louder by the three men as she approached, the sounding pausing only for a moment as she plucked a drink off a servant's platter, then continued toward them.

"Senator Korre, of Belasco." She would introduce herself to the three with a smile and a drink in her hand. Her eyes would hover over both Emil and Jin next. "Senators," she would give them a quick bow of her head. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you both." She and Jin were both senators of the Free Worlds Alliance, though they had not met until now. Unless he was new as well, he likely knew her predecessor. Emil, on the other hand, was a Republic senator. And the man who introduced himself as 'Governor York from Kattada' was the Secretary of the Treasury for the ISC. Interesting, interesting. She gave him a bow of her head as well. "...and Governor. Wonderful to meet you all. Senator Em- Ro--Senator Ro--you have chosen a lovely location for tonight." Good catch, she would praise of herself. Wait, did I introduce myself as Korre or Belasi? No matter. She would then take a sip of the wine, and add, "The wine is wonderful as well."

There were worse things in the world than cultural mishaps, depending on the mishap, of course. She'd get better with time, but constantly switching between first names and last names between home and on her travels was messing with her head a little.

@Isen @Mockingjay @Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin snorted a laugh at Senator Ro’s facetious reply. The man actually had a sense of humor. That was a good sign. So many other politicians he’d met before typically had a personality about as thin as a champagne glass—an empty one, at that—so it came as a relief to see Emil trying to stand out from the crowd. Even if Jin ended up disliking the senator, they sure wouldn’t lack for interesting company. It’d been sometime since he had a proper friend. Or a proper rival.

“Of course, Senator Ro. I’ll be sure not to mention whatever pesticide you’ve brewed into the wine as well.” A playful smile tugged on his lips, but there was some truth to the joke. If he was being honest, the wine circulating around the room tasted as if they’d been drawn from the bleeding river outside and dashed with artificial sweetener. Or maybe he was just craving a stronger drink. Smalltalk was never worth doing sober.

“Secretary York, it’s an honor to meet you. I’m sure you’ve already heard this a thousand times, but my congratulations to you on the release of the Consortium Crown. It’s not everyday you get to throw whole economies into chaos.” Another slight jab. Jin deeply respected the man, but there was no denying the tumble his own stocks had taken when the new currency had been announced. Even now, the Republic Credit was in decline, and therefore so was the value of Fondor’s Shipyards.

Before he could continue, however, Jin caught another senator among the crowd. A young woman in a sparkling navy blue dress he quickly recognized as Korre Belasi, the Princess of Belasco. He’d read plenty about her in his reports, but she was far more beautiful in person, and Jin nearly forgot to respond when she approached and introduced herself.

“Oh, we know who you are,” he said with an inviting smile before taking a bow. “But the pleasure’s all mine.”

Tempted as he was to break away from the conversation, perhaps to speak with Senator Belasi alone, he was intrigued by what Emil had suggested in mending Balmorra’s polluted atmosphere. “And Senator Ro, I will admit my people have been dealing with the same problems. I may be willing to wager a few hundred thousand credits to see this project of yours come to life, if only Fondor might receive what plans you already have.”

@Mockingjay @Isen @lizziie

 

[Emil Ro]

Emil slowly raked his gaze across the small group that was forming around him full of dignitaries from other worlds. An altogether interesting lot, he had to admit, despite his misgivings that the night would be boring and full of the usual political handjobs that so frequently seemed to dominate these sorts of gatherings. And there was some of that, to be sure. Governor York's comments about Balmorra, if he meant them, were sweet, but anyone need only look out the viewport directly behind him to see that, if Balmorra had any beauty at all, it was in the eyes of the beholder.

And then there was Senator Korre of Belasco. Charming girl. The only one to notice that he had indeed chose a charming venue for the evening's festivities, and had chosen it precisely because smokestacks were a slightly less ideal backdrop for what would certainly be an event moderately covered by the press. At least the ballroom's artificial plants gave the impression that unmutated plant life did exist somewhere on the planet.

"I'm so glad you noticed, Senator Korre," he said pleasantly. "It was either this hotel, or a lovely bunker situated next to a pair of pools of acidic waste. I rather thought this would be a tad more cozy. Less toxic fumes to clog the sinuses."

He injected a light, joking tone to his voice, but he was barely kidding. Balmorra was really in a dismal state and it was unlikely his efforts would reverse centuries of malpractice, though he would try anyway. His poll numbers at home and abroad depended on it.

"I would like to hear more from the two of you," he continued, gesturing with his glass to York and Vaisra, "about the solutions to this issue you've both explored. Pardon my candor, Sentaor Vaisra—as your patronage is most appreciated—but Fondor's solution to its problems these past few centuries has seemingly been to build a new layer of city atop the decrepit layer below it, with each successive generation building their homes in the cleanest patch of air they can find." He sipped deeply. "It won't be long before they're breathing in the vacuum of space, at this rate."

@Feng Mian @Isen @lizziie

 

[Soygun York]

When Senator Belasi eased her way into the conversation, York's brow lifted. A consummate politician, he still had an eye for pretty views, especially when the views were female. She greeted him as Governor, and York nodded giving the smallest bow to with it. "Senator, the pleasure is mine." He wouldn't be able to help himself, so from time to time throughout the conversation, he would sneak another peak at the senator from Belasco.

Ah, but the young man from Fondor came with rather sharp words, small insults not so subtly introduced. York smiled easily at the comment about the introduction of the Crown throwing economies into chaos. A young senator still learning. Unforced errors, rookie mistakes that he would learn with time...if he managed to hold the position without burning bridges in his wake. While his planet would be one of the few that would likely be able to overcome to the galactic economic chaos that existed long before the introduction of the Crown, York was quite sure that the comment might not be taken quite so fondly from someone who represented a planet like Balmorra. Balmorra, a former economic powerhouse in the military industrial complex for the Republic was a shell of its former self, was lined with abandoned and empty droid factories and munition foundries so numerous, you could hard throw a rock without hitting one. Senator Ro would know that the chaos started long before the Crown was introduced and to signal otherwise was a tone deaf moment for the young politician from the wealthy planet of Fondor.

York chuckled at Senator Ro's comment about Fondor behind his new whiskey glass that was replaced by a server. "Senator Ro, the solutions that Balmorra needs...well, they aren't cheap. Cleaning up an entire atmosphere, trying to drastically lower unemployment levels that are at crisis levels, that takes a lot of money. It's been my experience that when the only good solutions are expensive solutions, it's generally best if you get someone else to foot the bill." He took a sip of his whiskey, smiling as the glass lowered from his lips. "And that, Senator Ro, is what I excel at doing. And I'd bet 1000 Consortium Crowns that I can help you make that happen."

@Mockingjay @Feng Mian @lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

It seemed there was a bit of tension going on, but it didn't seem incredibly malicious. There was always something going on between politicians, so Korre wasn't surprised. She also really wasn't interesting in participating in such things--a direct approach was always so much more efficient. The less room for misinterpretation, the better. Perhaps that was her little scientist brain thinking, but Korre's little politician agreed. Anyways, time for me to chime in.

"Belascan scientists have extensive knowledge on both resource conservation and, well, a tried and true way of riding water of...impurities." Korre's studies involved biology, not pollution, so she couldn't speak herself on the issue, but Belasco had long since developed a near-perfect method of water filtration. It was a necessity to her planet. "While pollution is not the issue on Belasco as it is here on Balmorra for you, we may still be able to provide assistance." Korre would pause to take a drink, savoring the flavor while she pondered her next words. Many of the ecumenopolis planets Korre had visited suffered from the same problem of pollution, and none of it was cheap or easy to fix. Belasco had always been proactive in preventing pollution rather than waiting to rid of it. Then again, her world's vast amount of oceans prevented the sort of planet-wide cities that were able to be built elsewhere. "However, I am afraid that Governor York-" She would gesture to said man. "-is correct. No matter the course of action, the solution is going to be both time-consuming and expensive. Regardless, I am sure Belasco could find a way to assist."

One of Korre's goals was to get her planet more involved in the galaxy as a whole. Their scientific community was too large and too advanced to not be sending more aid out to those who needed it. While getting parliament to pass a motion allowing scientists to work with foreign planets regarding the AMS virus was her top priority, the more motions she put forward to aid others put her one step closer to actually getting something done. Her predecessor was everything Korre hated in a person. He had all the potential to do something and somehow managed to contribute nothing.

She took another sip of her wine, content now that her offer of aid had been extended.

@Isen @Mockingjay @Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“You’re right, Senator Ro, but you might be surprised. The people of Fondor have already grown used to living among the stars. Check the license on your space yacht. If it’s not built from spare droid parts, it was probably designed and constructed in a Fondor shipyard.” Jin flashed a smile. It wasn’t like him to boast—if his mother were here she’d likely have smacked him across the temple for it—but when his own planet’s integrity was questioned, right or wrong, he found it hard not to reply in turn.

Jin didn’t neglect the slight chuckle out of the Governor from Kattada, either, nor the small glances he was giving toward the Princess of Belasco. For someone twenty years her senior, the man sure couldn’t keep his own curiosity in check. Then again, even Jin had to admit, the young woman was stunning. She was sure to attract the attention of any man, and woman, at whatever party she was bound to attend, this one included.

“I have to agree with Secretary York and Senator Belasi. There will be a steep cost in restoring Balmorra to its former glory. Foreign aid is practically a must.” Jin swirled the wine in his glass. “And with a thousand crowns? You could do plenty. I only wonder what the Consortium would expect in return for their... charitable investment.” Probably nothing, he suspected the Secretary would say. The Consortium had always been generous with their money and relief. They could lose half their treasury and still have enough to run the Inner Rim like a concession stand.

Jin could only imagine the work he could accomplish with that kind of support. But for now, he could settle for the comforts that came with the Free Worlds Alliance. For now.

@Mockingjay @Isen @lizziie

 

[Soygun York]

"However, I am afraid that Governor York is correct," Senator Belasi said. "No matter the course of action, the solution is going to be both time-consuming and expensive. Regardless, I am sure Belasco could find a way to assist."

Soygun nodded. She got it. This was going to be an very expensive endeavor, especially if the entire concept was simply on cleaning the pollution that was already there. Soygun understood business and industry. He understood that long term, it wasn't just about cleaning up the mess, it was about sustaining industry that didn't put them right back in this situation again by polluting and spewing all kinds of crap into the atmosphere. It was this industrial truth that Soygun understood.

"Quite right, Senator Belasi," York said. "It is going to be expensive and time consuming, and no amount of government spending will solve the problem. But, it starts with the scientists, and they don't get much better than those as Belasco. I'm confident that through research and development alone, Belasco could provide significant assistance."

“And with a thousand crowns? You could do plenty. I only wonder what the Consortium would expect in return for their... charitable investment.” the young politician added. York's smile could only widen at the question, and it widened for two reasons. First, of course there would be some sort of return on investment. Intergalactic politics was never I'll scratch your back and don't worry about returning the favor. All the favors had to be returned. But what York really was happy about was that the response would not be what he was expecting.

"You're thinking like a politician, Senator," York said. "What separates the improving ISC economies from the failings of the FWA and the New Republic, is that we think like businessmen and businesswomen. People of business get things done. People of politics...they thrive on promises they know they will have excuses to break."

He turned his gaze to Senator Ro and said, "I said I could help you get someone else to pay for it. That someone else is not me, and it's not the ISC. With one meeting, I am confident that you, me, and the third party can come to terms that benefit all of us...and your planet would get the lions share of the benefit, and you would get the lion's share of the credit. Not that you're in this for political glory, but if it came to pass, it would certainly have the galaxy considering you one of the fastest rising stars in the political arena."

York shrugged and kept his eyes on Ro. "I have a direct line to the man that can put your planet on a path of cleaning the land and the air as well as slashing unemployment by drastic rates, raising your tax revenues so that you can spend some of your own capital to hasten the cleanup or improve infrastructure. If you decide you want that meeting to consider the offer and the proposal, let me know. I'll make it a top priority."

York cut his eyes to Vaisra and then back to Ro. "Politicians won't even put a dent in your planet's problems. Business folks on the other hand...they'll fix it, and they'll do it with their own money if they can profit from it down the road. And I can sell that vision for you."

@Mockingjay @Feng Mian @lizziie

 

[Emil Ro]

"Unfortunately, Governor," Emil said, the words already strange on his tongue. He was hardly used to being the voice of reason in politics. "We in the Republic must regrettably think like politicians. After the late Emperor Palpatine did," He gestured wildly about the air, as if he were grasping for some unseen straw there, "well, the Empire, for lack of a better term, people have been somewhat skeptical of politicians who 'just get things done.' So, I'm sure you'll appreciate my caution in approaching this delicate situation."

"Besides, the problem isn't just money, it's technology. Planets like Fondor and Coruscant currently deal with their pollutants by using weather satellites to manage atmospheric conditions. But on a planet like Balmorra, such technology would simply shift the toxic pollutants around the globe in apocalyptic acid storms." Emil picked at something on the corner of his thumb, flicking it away before adding, "Not that I wouldn't like to know what it's like to watch a city melt in real time, but I rather doubt my constituents would share in my amusement."

He glanced sideways at Senator Belasi. "Your world's scientists would be invaluable in coming up with alternatives, Senator Belasi. And I'm sure the government of Fondor could provide exclusive droids manufacturing deals or whatever else it is your plant requires as compensation." His gaze shifted, his mouth curling into a smirk at Jin Vaisra. "And I'm sure our Fondorian friends can find a few credits to spare if they dig hard enough between all their dilapidated skyscrapers, especially if we sweeten the deal with arms and weapon contracts—for the security of the Jade Dynasty, of course."

"But you," Now Emil pointed to Governor York. "I must confess your offer intrigues me, and makes me nervous all at once. Tell me, Governor York, who exactly is this man you can put me in contact with. And why would he give a Rodian's green ass about what happens to us here on Balmorra?"

And, more importantly, Emil thought, can they be of any use to me? Or am I simply to be a pawn in their designs?

It was the age old question in politics, and one Emil had asked himself several times just this night. Which is why he refused to capitulate so easily. Emil Ro did not mind being a pawn. All politicians were pawns in some man's game. But he chose who pulled his strings very carefully, and made very certain the person pulling them knew well enough to grease his pockets as they did. @Feng Mian @lizziie @Isen

 

[Soygun York]

"I must confess your offer intrigues me, and makes me nervous all at once. Tell me, Governor York, who exactly is this man you can put me in contact with. And why would he give a Rodian's green ass about what happens to us here on Balmorra?" Ro asked him. It was a fair question, but one that required no lying or hidden meanings.

"Honestly, he doesn't give a Rodian's green ass about Balmorra...yet. But, should he choose to do business in Balmorra, then obviously his business as reason to want to see improvements. Believe it or not, your planet is uniquely suited to help my friend expand his business. That's good for him, and it would be real good for you." He looked at the others who were still mingling into the conversation. "But I won't bore the rest of your guests with the details. We'll talk privately when you have a chance, and if after that conversation, you want me to set the meeting, we'll work around your schedule."

@Mockingjay

 

[Korre Belasi]

Korre remained quiet and half-listened to the three of them toss words back and forth while she made quiet judgments of their character. Senator Vaisra seemed pleasant enough, but his subtle and not-so-subtle remarks toward Senator Ro in particular had her believe that either the two had underlying beef with one another, or he was not so pleasant. Ro seemed able to easily roll Vairsra's insults, unfazed by them at the very least. And Governor York? He seemed like quite the business man. Korre was sure she had seen his name had been in the Holonet Broadcasts many times before, but this was her first time meeting him. Regardless of their differences, they all had one thing in common: they were politicians, and they acted like it.

She didn't feel out of her element at all, but their coy words were a reminder of what she had signed herself up for. Not just speeches, not just parties, but political games where her choice of words would have to be deliberate and clear. Either that, or deliberately not clear.

"Well, now that the little business negotiations have subsided a bit," Korre would redirect the conversation after York rounded it off, gesturing to the party as she did so. She looked at Ro. "This is a charity event for the children of Balmorra, no?" What was it that these children needed? Food? Water? Medical supplies? Or perhaps just credits? "I would be happy to make a donation on behalf of Belasco, of whichever would benefit them the most: either credits, or medical supplies." Korre was, however, very aware this was likely a front for political connections to be made.

The red-headed senator would then turn to Governor York, curious about one thing in particular. "Governor, I'm honestly very curious. Kattada is located well-within Republic space. You must have had some compelling reason to convince your people to join the ISC." Korre had no plans to even consider petitioning King Armon to change Belasco's allegiance. He had been the one to have Belasco join the FWA, and he had voiced on multiple occasions he did not intend to change his mind. But she was curious as to what advantages York thought would come of joining the ISC, especially when his neighbors were of the Republic and a swath of FWA space then laid between Kattada and the ISC.

@Isen @Mockingjay @Feng Mian

 

[Soygun York]

"Governor, I'm honestly very curious. Kattada is located well-within Republic space. You must have had some compelling reason to convince your people to join the ISC," Senator Belasi asked.

It was a fair question, and anyone who had watched the news those years back would know the circumstances. But, those were conversations that York didn't feel to go into at length. After all, he was the one that was accused of wrongdoing, leaking information in a private session of the Senate to the press. Even though a senator later came along and admitted to being the guilty party, York still took a hit to his public image.

So, he would mask the whole truth wither another truth. "The FWA felt that Kattada was a planet that should be seen and not heard," York said calmly. He took a sip of his drink and shrugged a bit, looking Senator Belasi in the eyes as he said, "We didn't want to be treated like children anymore. The ISC gave us a voice and respected what we had to say."

@lizziie @Mockingjay @Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin could barely hide his surprise at the suggestion of an arms deal with Balmorra. He couldn’t tell whether it was a joke or not, but the thought intrigued him all the same. The Jade Dynasty was powerful, sustained by the many shipyards orbiting the planet, but they were still new to the galactic scene. Only after the fall of the First Order had they come into power. And while they enjoyed the popularity of the people, they faced threats in the nobility, rivals that sought to dethrone the matriarchy and absorb his family’s shares in the Fondor Shipyards.

But Jin was even more surprised by Senator Ro’s response to Secretary York. He’d expected him to pounce at the opportunity to trade and discuss with the governor, but in a crazy turn of events, the senator was actually practicing caution. Maybe Jin had underestimated him. Maybe Emil was not the pompous idiot that he dressed himself up to be, or a man addled by Balmorra’s polluted atmosphere, but a grandstander with ambitions outside of being a pawn.

Maybe attending this charity drive hadn’t been a complete waste of time after all. There was potential in working with a man like Emil. Good or bad, Jin knew he’d prove to be an interesting character in the days to come.

“Senator Ro, if we’re talking about weapons contracts, I’m sure we can work something out. Queen Leyti is always looking to secure our world from dangerous threats, outside and in.” For the first time, Jin spoke without sarcasm, without disgust. It was the voice of a fellow senator. An ally. An equal. “And Senator Belasi, if your scientists do somehow manage to resolve the issue of pollution, then Fondor will be more than happy to provide you funding for whatever it is you require.”

“However, I am afraid this is where I leave you. I’m on a tight schedule, you see, and there are many more parties I have yet to attend.” Jin bowed respectfully, before winking. “Perhaps I will see you there next.”

Before turning to leave, he looked at Sogyun one last time. “Secretary York,” he said, and offered a tight nod. Predictably, the two of them had started off on the wrong foot, what with Jin’s sly comments and York’s desperate need to make everything a competition, but perhaps they might find common ground another day. Right now, Jin had important matters to attend to.

/exit thread.

 

[Emil Ro]

"I do believe I will take you up on that offer, Senator Vaisra," Emil said as pleasantly as he could. He rather suspected that the senator from Fondor had some distaste for him, but no matter. A political rivalry was good for one's career, and if he could get a rivalry and secure Balmorra some weapon's contracts from one of the greatest manufacturers in the galaxy, he couldn't possibly count that as a loss. But that didn't mean he had to avoid jabbing back, when summoned to answer the call.

"If you're looking for a party," he called after Jin, "you really should check out the scene in Bugtown. I have a feeling you would find it... suitable."

'Suitable' was a word for it. What Emil had neglected to add was that Bugtown ceased to exist centuries ago, leaving behind a smoking, acidic wastefield infested by mad Colicoids. Unpleasant as that sounded, he was being honest with the last part, at least. Such a hellscape was indeed more suitable for the like of Jin Vaisra.

In the meantime, he returned his attention to his remaining guests. Despite calling after Jin, he had heard every word the other two senators had spoken. "I can sympathize with your sentiments, Governor York. We here on Balmorra have felt similarly about our relationship to the New Republic. Our current condition speaks to how high on the pecking order the Republic Senate places the safety of Balmorrans, and only sees fit to mention us fondly when our droid and weapon factories deliver more contributions to its defense forces."

"But if Senator Belasi is willing to help negotiate agreements with her homeworld that would permit the transference of medical supplies here to Balmorra, we can at least make some headway in combating the crisis ourselves," he continued. "And if my current ambitions are fulfilled, we may no longer need to wait on the Republic Senate to take matters into our own hands." @Feng Mian @lizziie @Isen

 

[Korre Belasi]

"Here is my contact card," Korre would offer Senator Ro a thick aluminum card she had pulled from her dress pocket. "I must be going, but I will absolutely help negotiate an agreement between our planets to get Balmorra the medical supplies it needs." The card contained her professional and semi-professional communication links. With a smile, she would add, "I look forward to your message."

The senator would then give each remaining person a quick bow of her head and make her leave.

/ exit thread

tags: @Mockingjay @Isen