Open Galactic Senate Talky Talky Time

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl let out a breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding when the resolutions were declared a tie. A slam-dunk proposal by the FWA- one that only required functioning eyeballs from the other politicians in the room- had been twisted around nearly to the point of forcing the FWA to cut ties with the Jedi. The Grandmaster's stare in his direction was met with slight confusion by the Wookiee- had he not done everything in his power to try and shield the Order from the Sith's proposal? (@Valen Pelora)

In the process, Supreme Chancellor Xeres had managed to piss off the Wookiee even more. His power was clearly getting to his head- why else take advantage of being on New Republic turf to disregard the agenda, or make blatant attention grabs such as inviting the Grandmaster and not telling anyone about it? Furthermore, the man's unwillingness to implicate the Sith- claiming that the Jedi had broken the ceasefire on Nixor despite video evidence otherwise- further cemented the Supreme Chancellor as someone who would not be receiving a Life Day card from Kashyyyk. Only the presence of Senator Trina Kalist gave the Wookiee any hope for the New Republic going forward. (@Braden @Sreeya)

Then, Galek Ordalos presented his proposal; one designating Thyferra as a neutral site for anti-kilik efforts. How boring it must be to be an ISC politician, the Wookiee mused, as he listened to the man drone on. Their senate speeches were always the same; blah blah neutrality, blah blah not-so-subtle shot at other governments, blah blah blah.

The Wookiee toggled his mic.

"I agree that a neutral, safe world is needed to help coordinate efforts against the kiliks, and I commend the ISC for offering Thyferra as an option." The words were coppery in his mouth. "My only concern is that Thyferra is a world known to have both kilik and Joined present. While Thyferra holds historical significance in this war, I worry about the kilik presence on the planet even in the wake of the decisive victory there. What is the security situation like, and what steps have been taken to ensure that critical operations aren't threatened again?" The kiliks had nearly reached the Cadir last time they turned their attention to Thyferra, helped by some influential Joined.

@Altaris @others

 

[Sandé A Veruna]

Waiting for the Vice-President to conclude his statement and the Wookiee to do likewise, the Queen finally rose and activated her podium. Then, looking around at the somewhat intimidating gathering, she took a deep breath and presented her argument to the Senate.

"How will we be remembered by those that come after us?"

"For many, this is a thought that never once crossed their minds. Yet, as we face yet another threat in the space of so little time, it is a consideration we must make. Thus far, in my own short reign, I have seen war, the devastation of worlds, the effective dissolution of major galactic powers, and the death of colleagues and friends alike."

"Now, we compound these calamities with an additional threat. One that threatens to strike anywhere, at any time, and without remorse."

"It is a force that takes the liberty of the person it enthrals, turning them into something 'other'. But unfortunately, we have yet to determine the long-term effects of such a process. Simply put, we do not know whether or not those who become 'Joined' are lost to us forever. To make matters worse, we know the haste with which they strike, the indiscriminate and brutally effective manner of their attacks - we have seen them repeatedly."

"The question we should ask is not how we wish to be remembered, but whether we will be remembered at all?

"On Naboo, we are taught the rich histories of this galaxy. We learn of the rise and fall of the Jedi, and we read about our planet's own part in the resistance against the Separatist Alliance and its burden and struggle under the Galactic Empire. Finally, we are told, with fondness, how we joined with the galaxy to rally against the return of the Emperor."

"We learn what we can do when the people of the galaxy agree to compromise and focus on a greater threat than the sum of our difference can ignore."

"Senators, today we face what is a first in our rich history. Our galactic community faces a threat of existential proportions, one that does not discriminate, does not seek to divide but to enslave, and cannot be approached alone."

"This threat does not care for borders. It does not care for alliances of trade, arms or of culture. It seeks only victory, a victory that comes at the cost of our continued survival."

"We cannot face this threat alone. Those who seek to push ahead with their own approaches will weaken this collective effect to safeguard our future. We must stand together or die alone. I know, for many, there will be questions, underlying doubts and concerns about the proposal set before us today."

"It is natural to be sceptical of this approach. However, I ask that we seek a compromise, one I know the Consortium will move mountains to accommodate. Thyferra is a bold choice for a hub of this kind, and it can be secured with our combined efforts to ensure the work we need to succeed can go ahead uninterrupted on this world."

"Senators, Vice-President, the time for action is now. Naboo stands with you; if it is within our power to assist in whatever way, we shall."

"For we have no other choice. Senators, we must come together in the face of this threat now and ensure that we have something to be remembered for. Our actions will go further and ensure that this threat is defeated. Our ancestors will look back on this day, and now that it was here, and now, that we came together to ensure their survival."

"Naboo supports this endeavour. Let us all ensure we are remembered at all."

Her speech concluded, and the Queen resumed her seat. She looked around the chamber, as subtly as she could, as if to gauge the reaction to a speech she and her advisors had been working on since reading the agenda some days ago. Unable to make any preliminary assessments, she sighed and waited for the next speaker.

 

[Galek Ordalos]

As the congregation began to consider the proposal, Galek allowed his gaze to wander the Senate Chamber. His attention first turned to the Queen of Naboo - offering the woman a dip of his head and smile in response to her support. A member of his own delegation, the Induparan had counted on the woman’s vote, but it was still appreciated all the same. Galek’s gaze only then turned to the Senator of Kashyyyk, his expression neutral as the Wookiee posed a legitimate question.

“Thank you, Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrr, for your concerns,” Galek knitted both hands together on the front of his podium. “It is no secret that the Galaxy as a whole was caught off guard by the Kilik Swarm, when they first emerged. They are a force we have never faced before, and engage in warfare in ways we weren't capable of imaginging. We are both living testaments to that fact on Ruusan, and our the Swarm had clearly infiltrated Thyferra for months prior to their attack,” Galek’s expression hardened a bit. “But they have shown their hand - and they will not catch us off guard again.”

“As you say, the victory on Thyferra was decisive. And in the time since their initial strike, the Consortium has wiped out any traces from the surface of the planet, and have conducted thorough seismic scans to root out any subterranean colonies.” He said smoothly, “Additional protective measures have been implemented - including a majority droid-based security force to avoid the threat of Joined.”

“Organic troopers are subjected to regular screenings and psychological exams to reduce the risk of Kilik infiltration.”

“Thyferra is a world not only important to the Consortium, but to the Galaxy as a whole.” The production of bacta was essential to every planet and government, and the response to the invasion was proof enough of that. “I can assure you considerable resources have been diverted to ensure Thyferra remains well-protected and intensely monitored.”

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Victoria]

Victoria wasn't particularly happy about the outcome of the last motion, but as the chamber moved on, so did she. Aezz raised the main concern that she, and likely many others, had about the world being previously invaded.

It did seem that the immediate threat had been dealt with, and the vice president for his part assured the senate of the precautions taken to prevent a repeat.

"I would support the motion, although I must admit that remain concerned that centralising all the research into one place would be disastrous if something, or someone, were able to take advantage of this. We know from Ruusan that the Killiks were able to weaponise entire asteroids, it would be prudent to consider that they could perhaps wield super weapons of some kind, whether now or in the future."

"While I do appreciate your assurances to the contrary, it is the entire galaxy we're placing in your hands, after all."

Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she continued diplomatically.

"Would the honourable member consider amending his motion to include duplicating the research to be held off the world, whether in the hands of the various governments, or not, it would certainly assuage some fears."

@Altaris

 

[Alyrra Adasca]

Finally, a reasonable proposal and debate that had nothing to do with religious warfare. This felt more like the Senate Lyra had been elected to participate in. She stood up and keyed her microphone on. "Thank you for your proposal, Governor Ordalos," Lyra said. "It is a most welcome thing to invite cooperation between the members of this body. Whatever squabbles we have, we are all allies against the true enemy."

"That being said, I echo and second the Senator of Gannaria's amendment. We live in a galaxy that has seen two Death Stars and Starkiller Base. Everyone in this chamber knows how easy it can be for a sufficiently advanced civilization to wipe out a planet. Perhaps we could petition a neutral world to host back up data from the main facility on Thyferra? That way the data would be safer and no one could accuse one government of having a monopoly on the products of the joint-research teams." It sounded good when it came out of her mouth, but she knew how these things tended to get spun in a political arena.

But she keyed her console again and brought up a map to finish her proposal anyways. "Several nuetral worlds lie between Alliance, Republic, and Consortium space that would make suitable places for a backup facility. Nanth'ri, Daalang," She skipped over Nixor purposely, "Lannik, even Dressel. If this body were to approve of the amendment, I would volunteer to help the diplomatic team assigned to arrange this deal with the neutral parties, of course."

@Altaris @Xorism

 

[Galek Ordalos]

As the amendment was proposed, Galek leaned forward once more - flicking on his mic to address the Senate Chamber. “I appreciate the proposal offered by Senator’s Winterblaze and Adasca.” He said smoothly, offering each a polite smile. “Thyferra is the most viable candidate to host the official Kilik research - but there is no reason why such data cannot, or should not, be duplicated and stored off-world as a contingency.” He nodded. While there were logistical concerns and they’d yet to settle on a world to host such data, the spirit of the amendment wasn’t something Galek could disagree with.

“I am in full support of such a common-sense amendment,” He said definitively.

Of course, Galek raises his hand towards Alyrra. “That said,” He began, “I propose that any formal discussions on hosting research data off world - even on neutral systems, as you have proposed, be held out of session.” He drummed his fingers against the podium. “It is no secret that the Kilik Swarm has the ability to infiltrate our populace, and are more than capable of understanding the decisions made in his body - broadcast to the Galaxy as they are,”

“Nanth'ri, Daalang Lannik, even Dressel. I would not paint a target on these neutral systems - all of whom have little military defenses or defensive infrastructure of their own - by openly announcing where we will be storing this data.” His gaze flicked back to the rest of the Senate Chamber. “Allow the Senate make its decision upon this proposal and amendment, and we begin closed-door discussion with neutral systems after the fact.”

“With that - and unless there are other concerns to be addressed - I believe we may move to a vote.”

 

[Sandé A Veruna]

Once again, the debate of the Senate shifted from the core of the matters at hand to procedural commentary regarding the 'balance of power'. Sandé had little interest in ensuring lower-contributing worlds to the combined vaccination efforts were satiated in this matter and desired a practical solution first and foremost.

Standing, Queen Réillata took to the floor to address the Senate again.

"Senators, as has been observed already, we live in a galaxy that has demonstrated the ills of advanced civilisations enforcing their expansion through the misuse of scientific advancement. I concur with the concerns raised by Senator Adasca in this respect."

"Throughout our long history, Naboo has seen its fair share of hardship. Trailing back to the days of the Old Republic, through the Separatist incursions, the Empire, the First Order and more, Naboo has consistently weathered the storm. Our people's commitment to civic duty and service before self has been the bedrock of our civilisation; one which has always placed peace before expansion."

"Across the Galaxy, several worlds are 'nuetral' in terms of affiliation to bodies represented here, only. We need a world with true neutrality, a defensive record and scientific readiness to provide what we need. I cannot begin to imagine the cost of political shifts that we would need to make as a body to satiate the need for the chosen world's independence when matched with our desire to use their world as a backup in the wake of this threat."

"There is the only world that meets this requirement."

"A world with a long-established record of political neutrality, built into the framework of its governance. One with scientific excellence instilled into its youth from its teens through a galaxy-renowned establishment. Finally, a defensive reputation that has stood the test of time and seen off galactic powers far greater than its supposed might."

"I speak of the Naboo."

"Senators, we meet all the requirements. Time and time again, Naboo has stepped up to lead the way in pan-galactic affairs, working with dozens of governments on the refugee program from the AMS virus, safeguarding vaccine development where needed, and refusing to be drawn into external conflicts."

"My people would be humbled to serve again and to meet this challenge."

"I beg to move that Naboo be considered as the location for this 'back-up' facility, and would ask the Senate to vote on this proposal."

The Queen resumed her seat, letting her appeal to the galactic community sink in.

 

[Alyrra Adasca]

Lyra was satisfied. Governor Ordalos had a point. Choosing a place for a back-up should be done in secrecy—not in an open and holovised Senate meeting. She keyed her mic even as she recorded her vote. "Arkania is satisfied with the measure and votes 'yes' on both the original measure and the amendment put forward by both myself and the Senator of Gennaria," she said. "As Governor Ordalos said, we can discuss a back-up facility at a closed meeting after session."

@Altaris

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl didn't see the need to continue debate, with a brilliant amendment put forward by Senator Victoria Winterblaze- fast becoming one of the Wookiee's favorite people in the room- satisfying his one arguable qualm with the ISC's proposal. Naboo had blown its chance by publicly offering to host the secret backup site, so he could push for a neutral FWA planet to have the distinction of the backup research site; but such details could be hammered out later on. Besides, Galek had presented a clear measure to vote upon; something the Wookiee could appreciate.

"Kashyyyk votes aye to the original measure, with the inclusion of the amendment proposed by Senator Winterblaze for a secure, secret backup location." he said. Hopefully this meeting would soon be over; Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl needed a nap.

@Altaris @Nor'baal @Malon

 

[Aharon Staergin]

The young Senator leaned back in his seat and sipped on a beverage from a champagne flute. He smiled softly as it seemed some order had fallen over this senate. Maybe it was his words that helped calm this debate, or maybe this conversation was not so much a hot topic. He slowly stood, settling the flute down on the console ahead of him, and turned the microphone on.

"I agree with the amendment brought forward by Senator Winterblaze and vote yes to the proposal. We require this research to be secure." He slowly sat back down and straightened his clothes out. He would hate for them to wrinkle.

 

[Trina Kalist]

"I concur with the amendment and vote yes to the Vice President Ordalos' proposal."

 

[Victoria]

Victoria nodded with approval and voted to support the motion with her amendment.

 

[Jasnah Atreides]

Jasnah heard, Jasnah agreed, Jasnah voted.

@everyone

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

"Hm."​

 

[Arcturus Alkaios]

Arcturus also silently voted in agreement.

 

[Sandé A Veruna]

Naboo voted aye.

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker​

---

The final votes were tallied, and the obese Gungan lifted himself out of his seat once more - flicking on his mic to address the Senate once again. “By unanimous margin, the proposal and subsequent amendment pass.” He paused for a moment. “The Senate may now move to deliberate on its next matter of business: The ISC formally request for the Free World's Alliance, New Republic and Sith Empire to pledge funding to the Star Guardian's and other humanitarian projects.”

“To present the resolution, Vice President Ordalos, you have the floor.”

 

[Galek Ordalos]

As he was granted the floor, Galek once again rose from his seat - pushing towards the podium to activate his mic. The Induparan knew ahead of time that his proposal was likely to ruffle some feathers with other governments, though it did little to dissuade him bringing it to the table. Knitting both hands together on the podium, Galek lifted his gaze to address the entirety of the Senate floor.

“Distinguished colleagues,” He began, sing-song voice echoing across the chamber, “We have dedicated a significant portion of this session to discussing the threat that the Kilik Swarm poses. And I believe it is important to additionally highlight the civilian and refugee crisis that has only been exacerbated by this threat.” It was no secret that attacks throughout the Galaxy had caused widespread panic, and millions to flee their homes for safety, more secure worlds.

“It was only a few, short years ago that the AMS virus caused a similar crisis amongst the citizens of the Galaxy. And it was in response to this, that ISCRA was founded - and has continued to provide aid wherever we can.” Whether it was on Mon Cala or Firrerre, ISCRA had developed a reputation for being first on the scene of disaster. "It has been the goal of my career to live up to that obligation."

“But ISCRA, and the Consortium as a whole, cannot continue to manage this crisis alone - while the rest of the Galaxy idly neglects to contribute.” He said flatly. “It is for these reasons, I formally request for the Free World’s Alliance, New Republic and Sith Empire to pledge permanent funding to the Star Guardian’s project - or a similar humanitarian agency - to contribute to operational and growth costs. Just as the Consortium has. To provide them the necessary resources to do their jobs - and to fill a void too-long ignored by the fellow governments of the Galaxy.”

“Where ISCRA has spread itself thin, it is these third party agencies - like the Star Guardians - who have stepped in to provide relief to countless sentients, many of whom count amongst our very constituents.” He glanced around the chamber. “Is it not our fundamental duty as elected officials, to act in their interest?” A statement Galek knew would make the HoloNet.

“A vote ‘yes’ on this resolution would be a formal request, sent to the respective legislatures of the FWA, New Republic and Empire - in hopes that they will accede to the consensus reached within this chamber.” Galek knew that the Senate had no authority to force the other governments into compliance.

“I encourage my colleagues to stand in support of this resolution, and to support the trillions of sentient lives that rely upon the decisions made in this chamber.” With that, the Vice President took a step back - allowing the Senate to deliberate on the motion.

 

[Victoria]

Victoria promptly rose to speak, this motion was a breath of fresh air compared to the earlier heated debate. On the surface, the star guardians seemed to paint a rosy, perfect picture, but then again, the senator hadn't really had the opportunity to take a deep dive into organisation. That being said, it would do the galaxy some good to support an group whose sole focus appeared to be putting things back together, rather than destroying it.

"As the representative of Gannaria, I second the Vice President's motion. I offer to take this resolution to the FWA in the support of its enactment."

She didn't imagine it would be too difficult to get approved by the majority of the FWA.

 

[Trina Kalist]

Trina loved the thought behind the proposal, but she knew it wasn’t that easy. She was further surprised by the Senator of Gannaria’s prompt agreement. This was one of those proposals that sounded wonderful and idealistic, but could severely impact economics. Her brows furrowed for a moment before she leaned forward to speak.

“Vice President Ordalos,” She said calmly, “Is there an amount you deem appropriate when you say pledge?” Trina looked around the room, “While I agree that the ISC has stepped up and gone above and beyond for humanitarian efforts, the reality is that war hasn’t come to the ISC’s doorstep. I don’t mean to make light of the Syndicate war, but it was a short engagement that the President effectively ended without further bloodshed. In contrast, the Alliance has been hemorrhaging money with its multiple worlds impacted by Sith. The New Republic has been financially devastated by the loss of several Core worlds seceding to ISC.”

She paused before continuing, “So before we give the ISC a chance to criticize other governments for their amount of contribution, what do you propose is an appropriate baseline? Because I assure you it will not be unified across all planets.”

As much as she loved the idea of funding Star Guardians, the reality was that she needed to focus on empowering her military force. Especially if she was going to stand with the Jedi and get dragged into the war. She knew there were other planets in the room that would put contributing to a humanitarian effort lower on the priority list simply because they couldn't afford otherwise.

@Altaris