HoloNet News The Final Straw

[Emryc Thorne]

BROADCASTED OUT ONLY TO ISC SPACE​

He would be lying if he said he wasn’t waiting for an opportunity like this. The half Sephi watched everything taking place on Kashyyyk and he knew everything was being livestreamed across all media. It was all working out much better than anything he could have ever orchestrated. Within moments, he was behind a podium with ISC flags behind him on media that would broadcast to planets throughout all of ISC space. He would address his citizens directly.

“People of the Independent Systems Consortium,” He began with his booming baritone voice. His silver gaze drilled into the camera, and he always cut an imposing figure both on and off the screen, “It pains me to do this, but at this point it would be gross negligence on my behalf to let disrespect go unchecked,” His eyes narrowed as he kept speaking, “Citizens of the ISC, we are despised. We are hated. We are disrespected at every turn by the Free World Alliance. From their Senators openly mocking our war with the Syndicates to suggesting that our humanitarian efforts put themselves into the line of fire of combat, it’s clear they perpetuate utter hatred for our government and our very existence.”

“The Free Worlds have attempted to bully, push and coerce the ISC into a war we had no business partaking in. The Sith have never touched our worlds, never threatened aggression and yet even then the ISC voted to sanction them in solidarity with the Free Worlds and the Republic. The Free Worlds in return did not assist us in the fight against the Syndicates, did not rush to our aid like we have for them countless times. They have been to us nothing but a leech, threatening to sully the ISC’s image if ISC did not actively get involved in the war against the Sith. They openly brought up exploiting the ISC’s economy and 'fiscal powerbase' to help themselves and expand our hard work into their borders without offering a single thing in return.”

“No more,” Emryc stated flatly, “No more. The ISC has long since tolerated the blatant disrespect from this disgraceful body of government. People of the ISC, you were forgotten and ignored by these very people before the ISC existed. It was my hope that our continued support and offers of partnerships would change them, but alas it has failed. I have failed. They choose instead to ally with an Order that would knowingly drive towards the deaths of innocent civilians, an Order that habitually invites Sith war upon the Alliance’s doorsteps, a war ISCRA has always shown up to clean up. It'll only be a matter of time before they push the same on account of their war with the Mandalorians.”

The half Sephi paused for a moment before he continued, “Henceforth, ISCRA will no longer operate within Alliance space. As an act of true neutrality, we will remove all sanctions against the Sith. We will not befriend or proactively aid the Sith, but we will also not take unprovoked, hostile actions against them. Where there was once a door to open talks of allying, that door is now permanently closed between the ISC and the Alliance. The Prime Minister may have the best of intentions, but it is abundantly clear she has no clear authority over her Senate or the ability to root out incompetence in her cabinet.”

“The ISC stands tall and it stands proud,” Emryc’s voice boomed, playing across all media within ISC space, “The people of the ISC will never again tolerate the disrespect, mockery and abandonment it endured for centuries before this government existed. Never again will we bow or be coerced to act upon decisions that are not in the best interests of our people and principles. Never again will the Alliance make us feel compelled to participate in wars they invite by their own foolish actions when they offer us nothing in return. People of the ISC, I stand with you. I stand for you. As I always have. I am Emryc Thorne, and I am a man of the people. A free people, a proud people, and a powerful people.”

The feed cut off and Emryc walked away from the podium, actively fighting the urge to smirk. He drew out a cigarra and lit it, closing his eyes as the smoke plumed from his nostrils.

All across the galaxy in ISC space, nationalism and solidarity shined, ISC flags waving everywhere and their colors emblazoned across all media. The people expressed their hatred for the Jedi and the Alliance, now seeing active footage from Kashyyyk where active rescue efforts were being rejected and from the past several Senate sessions that brought to light how the Alliance had treated the ISC disparagingly time and time again. The seeds were planted and the beginnings of fanatical loyalty and allegiance would bloom now more than ever before. Emryc took it all in, enjoying his long smoke. He felt a pang of guilt for Korre, a woman he greatly respected, but he put himself and his government first. He also knew full well that the broadcast would leak and find its way to many Alliance worlds. And he knew full well many individual Alliance planets would grow fed up with the Alliance and consider neutrality.

 

[Ryssa Kalayli]

“Governor, I think you should see this. It’s the president.”

Ryssa turned on her viewscreen of the Holonet News, just in time to hear the president opening his speech. Curious, she sat back in the seat behind her desk, listening to what he had to say.

A free people, a proud people, and a powerful people.

That was what the government of the ISC stood for. What the government of Ryloth stood for. As Ryssa considered what the president was saying, she found that she didn’t disagree with anything he brought up in his speech. The debacle at Kashyyyk was a glaring example of the utter incompetence of the Jedi and the ungratefulness of the Free Worlds Alliance. If they didn’t want the help of the ISC, then they wouldn’t get it. And, if the Sith were not actively targeting planets in the consortium, she saw no reason to keep the sanctions.

On the grander scale, it was time for the ISC to stand on its own. True neutrality would allow them to do just that. There was nothing to lose from taking a firmer stance in the constantly shifting galaxy, and if this was the direction that the consortium was going in, then Ryloth would be a part of it. Turning to look out the window of her office, it seemed that her people felt the same way. And that was the only thing that mattered in the moment.

“It’s settled, then,” Ryssa said as she switched off her viewscreen. “Whatever happens next… Ryloth will stand in full support of the ISC.”

 

[Newton]

Newton at first didn't believe the tabloids about what happened on Kashyyyk, there was a Sith bombardment yes, but the stuff about wookies... he had to make sure he wasn't looking at some satire website, after all his assistant informed him. But no, it was not a satire site.

The Blackwell Executive was inside ISC space on his way for business, and he watched the holonet address by the ISC President with his droids at his side in the lounge of his ship, while he would be having a drink. He spoke true, so passionate, the fury. Newton believed that Throne would do as he said, as he has always done thus far. Newton never cared for the FWA, Republic, or Jedi as systems and they are quite relics of the past, but the ISC has amazed Newton and captivated him from the moment it was formed.

In private, Newton would then mutter under his breath "Republic, Jedi, Free Worlds. Go to where you belong for now on, into the dust bin of history." then he would raise his drink, A toast to ISC and President Thorne.

 

[Nicolas Clément]

This is... awful. It's one thing after another, Kashyyyk burns at the hands of the Sith, and then... Jedi strap wookies to the outside of a starship? Instead of putting them in a cargo hold or something?

Then there was the statement that overtime made it's way outside of ISC space from their President. His grievances were valid and Nicolas couldn't begin to argue them. It's moments like these happening that proves Emyrc right from the very beginning. The Voice of New Alderaan is just too shocked and dumbfounded to even know where to begin making a statement to all that happened in this short a time span. Nicolas would just slam his head into his Corellian hardwood desk, defeated and groan.

Ouch.

All he knows now, is that the President of New Alderaan will more than likely summon the Jedi Grandmaster for a talk over what happened. Or if she can't be reached, members of the Jedi Council. This is an awful look for the Jedi and anyone associated with them.

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

​

So much had happened.

When he'd first heard the reports coming in from Kashyyk, Laeonas could hardly believe what he'd heard. The attack itself wasn't to surprising; he was reminded of the barbarisms the Sith were capable of every night. No, what had shocked him was the response-- from the planet's Senator, but more importantly, from the Jedi. It was one thing for a pen pushing bureaucrat to bite the hand that was feeding him-- or in this case, offering a hand as he hung off a ledge-- but it was another thing for his comrades to get civilians killed.

He'd done... things in the past. Things he wasn't proud of, things he tried to put aside. Yet ever since the night he'd threatened that girl over an insult, every little, rotten thing he'd ever done boiled to the surface of his consciousness again. Every transgression, from petty theft to the day he'd allowed that Sith to die on Mataou-- all of it was presented before him. All the deaths he'd caused-- the people he'd killed in self defense-- all the maimings and intentional injuries and petty acts of violence. It stood before him, a monument to every one of his sins.

And yet in his entire life, he couldn't have even dreamt of doing something like this.

Intentions didn't matter. Execution didn't matter. Callousness or mercy, none of it mattered in the face of what had happened. Lives-- innocent lives, those that the Jedi were supposed to save-- had been snuffed out. His fingers trembled as he sat in his dorm, tapping on his desk as he looked down at his datapad in a blank expression.

When the announcement from the president leaked a few hours later, Laeonas... genuinely didn't know what to think. He'd always had a minor respect for the president in spite of his stance, mostly because of the aid his government provided to a galaxy's worth of people suffering under inept leadership, corruption and inaction. But he recognized the man's choice of neutrality as either cowardice, or tracking with the enemy. The President had obviously been trying to position his state in a place where it would benefit from either side's victory, like the arms dealers and drug suppliers who provided to the various gangs the man had worked for in his days as a two bit gangster.

But today, the President had made a choice-- a choice to turn away from that inept, inactive institution whose only worthwhile virtue was it's firm stance against the Sith. Even with all it's thorns, that blossoming rose of alliance would've prompted Laeonas to call the president a coward-- one who abandoned innocent people because of the comments of a couple of those corrupt, inept bureaucrats...

...would've, if not for the display that had been reported on. Would've, if Jedi-- his comrades-- hadn't allowed innocent civilians to die. To suffer and die, to be blasted to oblivion with no hope of escape. His thoughts flashed back to Firrerre, the world he'd felt stripped of life. He'd been rescued from that world not by Jedi, but by ISC rangers picking up the pieces of what was left. The Jedi had found the shell of a man that was left in the hospitals on Thyferra, and put him back together... but if it hadn't been for the organization that had just been scorned by the FWA, he'd have died on his ship.

The FWA had failed for years to protect it's people. It had scorned the help of those more competent than they themselves were. A farce of a government that, for a century, had allowed all of it's worlds to slowly grow complacent, and for the people at the top to get fat and wealthy while the people-- people like him-- had been robbed of all they had. These were sentiments that had boiled within him for years, slowly simmering as he watched world after world fall, seen diplomatic incident after diplomatic incident.

And so, Laeonas came to a conclusion. Regardless of how the war ended-- whether the Sith had their way and ushered in an age of tyranny and repression that would've made his youth look pleasant, or if they were destroyed once and for all-- if he had a say, that bloated, ineffective shitpile of an alliance wouldn't survive it.

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Caliban Drast]

Time and time again Caliban had thought that he had seen everything, only for something to catch him so off guard that he couldn't trust his own senses. This, this was one of those times. The near absolute destruction of Kashyyyk, the reaction of the Wookiee Senator, and the actions of the Jedi. he was still trying to wrap his head around all that, preparing himself for the barrage of questions that would obviously be waiting for him as she reached the Senate Building, when his aide passed him a datapad with a recording that had been shared by one of their ambassadors in the Independent Systems Consortium. Emryc Thorne, openly and absolutely disowning the Free Words, calling out the Jedi, and announcing neutrality with the Sith. This was another shitstorm that he would now have to deal with, and as his speeder pulled up outside the Senate Buildings his thoughts were a mess. Shaking his head one last time, he took a deep breath and stepped out, immediately bombarded by questions and requests from comments from all sides.

Knowing full well that he couldn't turn a blind eye to the situation, and that it was his responsibility to say something, he stopped at the top of the steps and raised a hand to ask for a moment to speak. Many of the reporters, veterans from his last tenure in the Senate and familiar with his ways, immediately shushed the others and soon enough he had the floor. "Everything that has happened today is deeply saddening and gives us much cause for concern. Our thoughts are with everyone on Kashyyyk impacted by this tragedy, by this uncalled for and unprovoked aggression by the Sith." The reporters clicked away, and as he paused for a moment a few eager voices immediately called out with comments about the Free Worlds and the Jedi. But Caliban ignored the questions and continued with his statement in the way he wanted to. "As mentioned before, Coruscant will offer every aid it can to the people of Kashyyyk, and our doors are open to any and all survivors who are left homeless as a result of today's events. But given that our relief efforts were linked to the operations of ISCRA, there is much for us to consider. For now all I can say is that I do not agree with the actions of the Free Worlds representatives in turning away the aid of the ISCRA, which has been a beacon of hope across the Galaxy. Coruscant has long held our friends in the Independent Systems Consortium in the highest regard, and we will continue to work with them regardless of today's events."

With that he tried to leave, but the bombardment of questions about the Jedi left him no choice but to speak on the matter. He was surprised by how easily the words came to his mouth, the views he personally had about the Jedi no longer at odds with the way in which he had to deal with them in a professional capacity. Their actions defined who they were, and he could no longer justify to himself that their actions made sense. "The Jedi Order has been, and continues to be, unwelcome on Coruscant. Any and all Jedi activity on the planet will be considered illegal and a potential threat to the safety our citizens. That is all."

Giving one last nod, he turned away and began making his way into the building. Heading for his office, his thoughts on everything that needed to happen. He needed to make more than one call, one of which would be to call for an emergency session of the Republic Senate, there was much for them to discuss.

 

[Cassian Graves]

 

[Tupe Yashu]

Location: Brighthome

History always seemed to repeat itself, as if stuck on a constant cycle of doom and destruction. Tupe had seen this before, and the record of history showed similar patterns having consistently emerged as the centuries waxed and waned. However, he had hoped the Jedi would, in their own time, see the wisdom of the ages and adapt their own part in that pattern accordingly. From what he had seen thus far, the Sith Empire had attempted to break the cycle, positioning themselves as 'reasonable agents of change', railing against a galaxy that had ignored swathes of the civilised rim, and maligned them as warmongerers with little by way of modern examples to back them up.

The Consortium had, in its own part, tried to lead a different way of life. It had shown worlds a peaceful path, providing a unifying movement to the worlds of the Outer Rim that many in the Core had ignored, and had profited enormously in the process.

However, for all of their hardships, the Consortium had been consistently maligned by the Free Worlds and the New Republic. Truth be told, Tupe did not understand why, however, he had his suspicions. Rather than focus on their own problems, such as the structural inadequacies in their respective governments, the New Republic and Free Worlds had instead chosen to focus their efforts on trying to scapegoat others - namely, the Consortium.

After all, how could the Consortium be doing so well, when the New Republic and the Free Worlds were in decline? Tupe smiled as he gently lifted off the floor with the aid of the force, his legs crossed. Could it just be that the Consortium were better governed? No. It must be because they were up to something! He shook his head.

Perhaps if the New Republic and the Free Worlds had learned from history, as the Consortium had, they would not be in this situation.

He kept his eyes closed, moving his meditations onto more interesting matters than politics - refocusing on the force around and about him, as once again he felt the deep unrest that churned and fermented across the galaxy, resonating about him. Tupe wondered, what part of history's great rhythm would next repeat itself?

 

[Sandé A Veruna]

The Queen practically beamed with pride as the banner of the Consortium, entwined with that of the Naboo, was unfurled beneath the balcony of the Royal Palace in Theed. For to long, the Consortium had been treated with distrust and outright suspicion by the wider Galactic community, and, whilst she had not committed as much to paper, she had long desired for such a move as the one their President now took.

Turning back into the Palace, she resumed her seat and addressed the Council of Ministers.

"Ministers. The humanitarian efforts of the Consortium, in which the Naboo have assumed a leading part, the efforts to collaborate with the galactic community, be it through the vaccine, sanctions against the Sith Empire and more besides, have shown billions of people that the Consortium stands together, and is willing to extend a hand to all."

"In return, we have been maligned by the galactic powers. We have been disregarded, and in some cases, exploited. Today, following the President's announcement, I have signed into law the powers needed to enact the wishes of the Consortium on this world. Sanctions against the Empire are to be lifted by the end of the day, and the Free World Alliance ambassador is to be sent back to Onderon."

The Ministers nodded, some of them sporting lapel pins of the Consortium logo, something that had not escaped the Queen's notice.

"Ministers, today is a historic day in our world's great adventure. Let us continue to play our part in the shared progress of the Consortium. As a final note, I have signed today an edict, declaring that this day shall be known as a national holiday, hereafter. You may recall, today is also the anniversary of the day on which Naboo first joined the Consortium, and thus it is fitting that this day be declared hereafter, a holiday, to celebrate the Consortium, in all its aspects. Ministers, you are dismissed."

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

The half-Annfyn had just left the ISC and boarded a shuttle back to her home planet when the ISC broadcast began to circulate on the holonet, with some friends tagging her to watch it. And, despite hearing every word, and despite the fact that she should've had thoughts or feelings after the ISC declared neutrality toward the Sith, stepped out of the alliance and mocked the Jedi, all she could do was stare blankly at the hologram.

Plus, to be honest, Clove had no idea what was going on in politics. She was never bothered as long as it didn't harm others.

No, it wasn't the half-Sephi's broadcast that broke free the emotions she'd been fighting since landing on Kashyyyk. Because not long after, the Senator of Coruscant made a public announcement, which broke the dam that had been holding back the flood of tears.

Their entire existence, their purpose, was outlawed and forbidden on Coruscant because of two Jedi who were too proud and stubborn to listen until it was too late. Because of the actions of two Jedi who did not represent the entire order. And the Jedi who actually helped at Kashyyyk? The Jedi who sent aid to refugee camps, the healers and trainees who risked their lives by being on a planet under attack by a massive death beam? There wasn't a single mention of them. Clove's plead for the Jedi to not hurt the Wookiees and act reasonably? Despite the fact that it was broadcast on the open channel and could have been heard by anyone, there was no mention of it. Or how about the Jedi who have been fighting the Sith and risking their lives to liberate oppressed planets?

No, why would they? Why would they make the story any less black-and-white when two Jedi's actions were enough to justify their actions against an entire order? Coruscant had already made their feelings about Force users known, and this was all that was needed to put the final nail in the coffin.

Worst of all, she couldn't even hold it against them. It wasn't as if the Jedi were doing a great job of publicizing their good deeds and garnering positive press. The only time they made the news was when they made a mistake, such as the Grandmaster in the Senate. Worse, the Sith were demonstrating to the galaxy the harms and dangers of allying with the Jedi. Would anyone in their right mind continue to support the Jedi if all they hear are negatives?

But logic couldn't make the pain and bitterness go away. Because, no matter how logical her mind tried to be, her heart was at the wheel. And that heart was aching after sensing the millions of deaths in the Force upfront and personal, only to be backstabbed by Coruscant's senator mere hours later.

Clove shut down her commlink and stepped out of the speeder cab, her feet carrying her towards her family's small farm, exhausted and worn down with puffy red eyes.

---

​

​

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

The streets of Cormond were full. There were people from every corner of Brentaal, most of them dressed in purple and carrying flags of the ISC. Never since the planet left the monarchical system has the capital seen so much of this color. All the governmental buildings were also displaying this color, some illuminated by purple lights while others had great flags with the ISC’s crest. Brentaal was showing its support to the Consortium.

The people had gathered in front of the Curia, the larger building where the Brentaal Houses met to decide the fate of the planet. A podium had been prepared here and Sibyl was going to make an important speech. Behind her was gathered all the representatives of Brentaal nobility, from the Kallea to the Brentioch. All of them were also wearing something purple. Even the Governor herself was wearing a purple dress.

“Citizens of Brentaal, today we come here to show our support to President Thorne and to the ISC as a whole.” she said, addressing the crowd that had started to clap. At her left, Tristodd nervously and discreetly moved his therapy balls. She had thought that her idiotic aide had lost this silly habit. “We repudiate the antagonistic actions that the Free Worlds Alliance had shown to the Consortium. We are no longer going to cooperate with them and some of the trade guilds of our world are going to think twice before accepting their products.”

She paused, watching the people screaming in support and moving the flags. It was like the furious waves of a purple sea. “Today we are also going to announce another important decision.” with a gesture of her hand, images appeared on screens spread across Cormond. These images would simultaneously appear in other cities of the planet. “What you see was captured by members of the ISCRA during their attempt to evacuate the Wookiees from Kashyyyk. As you can see, the Jedi were not only obstructing their attempts, but also causing the death of these sentients.” this caused the people to gasp in surprise, while others booed.

“More than one time, the Jedi and the so-called Force users proved to be dangerous to our society. This way, the Brentaal Houses had decided that their presence is considered illegal on our planet. Any Jedi, Sith or other of those that are capable of using the Force that is discovered in Brentaal will be declared as a criminal and will be thrown in prison as a danger to others.” the crowd started to clap after that. “This is a warning to all of them, you aren’t welcome here.”

After finishing her speech, Sibyl walked inside the Curia. She was tired and wanted to go back to her home. At least she did her part in supporting Emryc and calming down those that were afraid of the Jedi. The governor didn’t notice, but Tristodd seemed to be even more nervous.

 

[Alexandria Voran]

What could she do but accept responsibility? That was her burden to bear. The burden of her office. She spoke for the Order, and she spoke for herself. One failure to destroy years of work. One disgusting act…an act unbefitting a Jedi. Whose failure was that? Your failure Alex. Her vanity and pride at work again. Your leadership would pull the Jedi and galaxy from this buffoonery. A harsh truth undercut every thought. The Order had grown under her watch but in turn grown outside her control. She no longer knew every Padawan and every Knight. She could not see the path they all walked. She placed her trust in the wrong souls. This was her mistake. Her failure. Stupid.

Alex watched the holonet broadcasts of President Thorne, Senator Drast, and Governor Lassiter. She sat in quiet resignation. It was as bad as she predicted. The consequences after Denon had been harsh…she knew what would come after Kashyyyk. She had no choice but to abide by the sovereign decisions of the galactic governments. Alex took a deep breath and the holorecorder flicked on. She sat in the Council Chamber above Yavin. Alex’s traditional Jedi robes were arranged neatly. Her gaze looking into the recorder. She sat in her seat at the center of the Council.

“I am sorry…a phrase I have uttered too many times.” Alex took a steadying breath. “The Jedi Order is meant to be a beacon of hope. A light to guide the galaxy in times of Darkness. An island for safety from the storm.” She looked away for a moment. “There were…are…times we have held to that ideal.” Slowly, she shook her head. “Those times have been too few. We have failed you time and time again. We have failed the people of this galaxy.” The sadness in her voice was real. The pain on her face unmistakable. “I will not ask for forgiveness again. We do not deserve it.” Your failure Alex. “We will earn your trust.” Her voice hardened.

“And we will start with this. The Jedi responsible for the horrific actions on Kashyyyk have been arrested. They remain in our custody but that is not enough. They will submit to the justice of the Free Worlds and people of Kashyyyk. They will abide by whatever punishment is given. They are our responsibility, but they are not Jedi. They have violated ever tenant of our beliefs…the very soul of our Order.” You must not stop now. “Their actions have no excuse but look closely on the others who were there. The Jedi who healed alongside the ISC. Jedi who fought for Kashyyyk. This is our Order…not the actions of two rouges.” Her choice was made. “We will abide by the decisions of Coruscant, Brentaal and the ISC.” Her eyes returned to the camera. “To the galaxy, we will be there if you need us, and we will never stop striving to be what is expected of us. May the Force be with you.” The feed cut off.

 

[Galek Ordalos]

It had been less than an hour since the ISCRA convoy had arrived on Gyndine. As the closest planet to the disaster on Kashyyyk, it was the natural first destination for the thousands of refugees the agency now had under its charge. Dozens of smaller shuttles filled the planet’s spaceport, durasteel ramps extended towards the ground as countless Wookiees began filing out from within. Within the coming days, they would be processed through the agency and relocated to other planets throughout the Consortium.

It would be a monumental task, but one that the agency would perform without missing a beat. After the crisis’ on Mon Cala and Firrerree, it was a process that many at the agency were intimately familiar with.

Galek kept his eyes fixed out the window of his personal shuttle, watching the scene as it occurred within the spaceport. By now, the HoloNet was abuzz with everything that had occurred on Kashyyyk, and the Induparan would be lying to himself if he claimed he wasn’t furious with the turn of events. Galek had been one of the first to advocate for ISCRA’s arrival on the scene. He had done everything physically within his power to help Kashyyyk and its threatened people without violating the Consortium’s long-held neutrality. He put his life, and the lives of the men and women of ISCRA, at risk. And what had been their reward? Their acknowledgement for going where they had no obligation to be?

To be disparaged by the very Senator of that same planet. And to be told they were better off putting themselves in the path of turbolaser fire. To once again by sneered at by the very people that Galek was attempting to work with.

And then there was the Jedi. Despite the frigid relationship between the Jedi and the Consortium, ISCRA had put politics aside and worked with members of the Order. There too, they had gone out of their way to save members of the Order from their own incompetence - bringing both them and the civilians they endangered to safety. What had been their reward? Their acknowledgement for going where they had no obligation to be?

To be insulted by those very same Jedi, and told to mind their own business.

Galek exhaled sharply through his nostrils, his fists tightening until his knuckles turned stark white. Perhaps Kashyyyk had been the latest insult, but it certainly wasn’t the first. Time and time again, the Consortium had reached out to their counterparts in the FWA, only to be shown disrespect and disdain at every turn. From comments

mocking a war with the Syndicates that had claimed the lives of hundreds, to comments making light of the kidnapping of their head of state.

The prince couldn’t help but snort through his nostrils. His mind was drawn back to that party back on Indupar all those years ago - opening the door to every Galactic government. Even then - as a member of the royal family of a neutral system - Galek had outstretched a hand towards the Free Worlds Alliance, and yet none amongst them had made even the slightest attempt to reciprocate. Only the Consortium had.

“Sir?” The familiar voice of Nadira brought Galek out of his thoughts, enough for the Induparan to turn his head to face her. “An announcement from the President is about to air.”

“Thank you,” Galek said, exhaling out the last of the frustration that boiled within him. He promptly turned away from the window and made his way back to the desk, clicking on the HoloNet broadcast just as Emryc came up on the screen. He listened as the President spoke, hazel eyes fixed unwaveringly upon the half-Sephi.

He heard every grievance that was aired by the President. The hatred and disrespect they had suffered at every step of the way. The ways in which the FWA - and Republic, to a lesser extent - had tried to strongarm the Consortium into joining in the war against the Sith. The ways in which other governments sought to piggyback off of their successes and achievements - achievements that every member of the Executive Council had poured their blood, sweat and tears into making a reality.

Galek leaned deeply into his seat when the announcement about ISCRA was made. Up until that point, the agency did not discriminate where they operated - going from neutral systems overrun by AMS to Free World planets under siege. And yet Galek found himself fully aligned with the decision. Why should they operate where they will only be spat upon at arrival?

A free people, a proud people, a powerful people.

Galek heard the words as they were spoken, and couldn’t deny the pride that swelled deep in his chest. It was that growing sense of Consortium nationalism that the Induparan had come to foster since joining the government - since committing every waking moment of his profession life to furthering its goals and successes. And he knew that the majority of his own people on Indupar felt the same. “A free people, a proud people, a powerful people.” Galek repeated slightly to himself. There was no smirk or snarky expression etched into the Induparan’s face at that moment - but only a still expression of determination - determination that was reflected in the commitment that the Induparan made to himself.

Whatever came - wherever the ISC went from this point forward, Galek would stand proudly beneath its banner.

 

[Carrick]

"And that was our sponsor, Blackwell Arms! Just a reminder; you're listening to Nattering with Nadine Naboo, Naboo's number one rated podcast! We're live with Secretary Carrick. Mr Secretary, thank you again for taking the time out of your schedule to join us on the podcast."[/I]

Carrick fixed the smile even in the small studio but, really, he wanted to just straight up leave. But Naboo? Loved podcasts. It was a whole thing and it was the reason why he was in a small recording booth on the last appointment in his most recent round of press. Pressing the flesh and taking the pulse of the people for what really mattered; just how much they loved the ISC and what it stood for.

"Thank you for having me Mrs Naboo."

The saccrine laugh was like nails on a chalkboard.

"Please Mr Secretary, Mrs Naboo is my mother! Call me Nadine."

He... he didn't really wanna answer that tired old trope so he just smiled and nodded. Since it was an audio only medium, she immediately continued talking after taking a short breath.

"Okay Mr Secretary, we've all seen that you've been doing press all day. Why the sudden interest?"

He took a sip of water.

"Well Nadine, I just feel like now is the perfect time to talk to the people and really let them get to see and know more about me and the ISC military as a whole. As President Thorne has so aptly put; we're an island in the Galactic arena and I'd have it no other way. We have so much to be proud of and our military is part of that - which I really hope to show our citizens."

A few agreeing hums that, essentially, told him that she wasn't so much agreeing as she was keeping herself vocally in the conversation when she didn't actually have anything to say.

"Well with that in mind I know you said you'd be open to questions from the general public so here is the first question. Tentative in Tatooine writes; Can we really trust the FWA to not just cut off supply lines to us if we disagree with them too much?"

Carrick made a production of the perfect Concerned Sigh tm and shook his head.

"I wish you didn't feel the need to have to ask questions like that, TT, I really do. Because that's what it comes down to doesn't it? The FWA leverages what influence trade gives it against factions it finds itself at odds with. Well, not to worry - the ISC is almost entirely independent when it comes to vital supplies and we're trending toward total independence at a rapid rate. And besides - the ISC military stands between you and their bullying tactics. In the mean time we're free to trade around the FWA if they were ever to do something quite so boldly stupid."

Nadine scrolled down on her tablet.

"Okay so Cranky in Christophsis writes; Do you feel like the ISC is meeting political opposition for any particular reason? What did we ever do to them?"

He hummed.

"Succeed. We succeeded where they failed time and time again. The Republics of old failed Our Core. The Empires all exploited in, honestly, quite lazy and inefficient ways. But the ISC? The ISC is not some outside force; it's the sands on Tatooine, its the crystals on Christophsis and the waters of Naboo. The ISC is meeting opposition because we're succeeding where they are failing. We have brought peace, security and prosperity to those who actually need it; our people."

Nadine smiled and cued up another advert.

"Powerful stuff. Speaking of powerful stuff! Its time for another word from today's sponsor; Blackwell, for when you need the best to get the job done!"

 

[Hergalor]

Qidara looked nervously at the hologram as it spoke - President Thorne's fiery rhetoric sending the opposite sensation, absolute chills, down her spine. From their mighty homestead on Taanab, she sat with her father, Hergalor togTherador, as he shared the chill.

Hergalor's mind was abuzz when his daughter interrupted his thoughts. Her large eyes looked up to him, blinking softly, "Daddy, we're in the Free Worlds Alliance. You're the SENATOR! Does that mean President Thorne h-h-hates us...?" She sniveled, tears forming around her eyes as she asked. Since her brief SpaceTime conversation at the senate party, her admiration for the ISC's larger than life leader had only grown. She grew jealous every time her father ventured out to ISC space for business, or every time Hergalor and Emryc managed to sneak away for a fishing trip. This announcement threw a wrench in her long term plan to meet him, putting

He patted her, gently, on her eyestalks. "Don't worry, little one. It's not you he's mad at." He looked at her, staring more deeply into the eyes of his doting child. Had he betrayed her, too, when he committed treason? Was this all a ripple effect from his decision to support the Sith in secret? Where would this new announcement leave the war - without the ISC implicitly supporting them through sanctions, would they be able to face the Empire? Would the Empire hold true to their word? Would ISCRA nationalize its

Qidara again tugged Hergalor back to the present. "But but but but he said we're bullies!" She nestled herself further into her father's chest. "Are we bullying him, Dad?"

Hergalor sighed. It was time she learned the truth. Not the whole truth, but enough of it to help her grow up. Just a little bit. He sighed, slightly bitter that his daughter's curiosity was beginning to expand beyond the safety of his farm on Taanab. Bitterness was quickly overtaken by pride. She would grow into a bright, kind, and critically thinking young woman, in time. "In politics, we sometimes...play roles. One of those roles is being kind to one another. That's called being diplomatic." Of course, kindness alone did not move diplomatic relations, but necessity. "Because planets need each other, we talk to each other. Just like how the galaxy needs food, so Taanab gives it to them." For a cost. "That's easiest when we're all being nice. But sometimes, you have to play a different role. You have to be..."

"Mean?"

"No, not mean. But stern. Proud. You have to stand up for yourself." In truth, that's what this boiled down to. The ISC had the strength to maneuver as it pleased in the galaxy, and this announcement was proof. No longer were these backwater Outer Rim worlds too weak to accept whatever they got. No, now they could turn their nose up to the successor to the Old Republic's government. It was, if nothing else, a signal that they were entering a new era.

"Are you proud, Dad? Like President Thorne is?"

The ISC was a blossoming superpower. The FWA, a decaying regime that hadn't made a successful move in any direction since Starros got the sanctions legislation passed. It was hard to be proud of that body.

But his people demanded it, all the same. From his dual mouths, he exhaled warm air onto his daughter, a sign of kinship and love in Ithorian society. "I'm proud of you. And I'm proud of all that Taanab has built." Proud enough that he would fight viciously to defend both of them. Now came the true test of the Free Worlds Alliance - completely alone against the Sith Empire. Would they be able to stop the bleeding, the hemmoraging of worlds to the Empire and the ISC?

"Pops needs to talk to President Thorne, it sounds like." The ISC was more than welcome to stick to its ideological guns. ISCRA was a humanitarian effort managed almost entirely by their government. They were well within their rights to retract said aid, especially in light of the extreme scrutiny they constantly faced for their armed neutrality. If Senator Aezz had doomed his investments, by the Mother Jungle would Hergalor spite their bleeding world. But, the old Wookiee was in a tough position. They all were. And they needed each other more than ever.

He sighed again. Work. Can't just lie on the couch with Qidara all day? "Pops also needs to talk with some of the other senators. Go, get packed, and I'll take you to Gigi and Baba's for the weekend." His parents were always the best babysitters during times of intense stress.

And boy, was this one of those times.