Open Coruscant The Welcoming Committee

[Corran Velt]

Open to any Senators
​

Never before had Corran Velt stood in the very halls of power. The Senate building on Coruscant had been home to the Old Republics politicians, held the Imperial Senate before it was swept away by Emperor Palpatine, and finally restored under the New Republic. The Free Worlds Alliance also held many offices here. As much as the New Republic and the FWA tried to pull away from the ecumenopolis at the center of the galaxy, the planet seemed to have a gravity well all its own. All political power was drawn towards it, like a black hole in the Deep Core. It was that political power that drew the Sector Ranger Lieutenant here. Not for his own gain, but request the use of that political power for the defense of galaxy. Against terrorists. Against mass murderers. Against Tyrants. Against the Sith.

Administrative aides had guided the blond ranger to a meeting room near the outer wall of the massive Senate building. Its wide windows allowed natural light to fill the room, but not blind any attendants. Here, Corran was asked to wait. Dressed in his most professional Sector Ranger uniform, badge polished and placed over his heart, and equipped with several datapads of information, he took a seat opposite the doorway. This way any Senators (if any made time for this meeting) would not have to walk around the table to take a seat. He was the guest, not the other way around. His posture was upright and disciplined, like a cadet fresh out of the academy. There would be no hint of unprofessionalism. He was representing the Sector Ranges after all.

"I hope they take this seriously," Corran mumbled to himself. To be forced to come here was an omen of grave things. After the fall of headquarters and the appearance of the Sith Empire, the Rangers were ill-equipped to face such a well-armed and organized force. Individual Sith infiltrators or terrorists they could manage, but fleets and armies? Retaking planets? They were law enforcement and detectives, not special forces. Maybe, just maybe, if he could convince some segment of the government to realize the threat... something could be done. Some force could be assembled at least to defend the outlying worlds. All he could do for now though was hope and wait.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Nicolas Clément]

Nicolas Clément would sure to be attend here, he is all for helping the Sector Rangers, they do good work and have taken losses in pursuit of justice against the Sith for their growing list of crimes. Nicolas would punctual showing up to the meeting room, he would see a bright. young, and professional Sector Ranger in uniform, and shiny badge.

The New Alderaanian senator would be the first in the room, he would nod towards the Ranger Lieutenant and smile. "Good day sir" he would say in a casual manner as he would take a seat at the table.

Nicolas is well aware of what the nature of this meeting is, the Rangers are not so well prepared against the Sith and their growing strength, so this meeting is to address that. He is sure he will end up supporting it, but he wonders how the person in front of him is purposing to address that.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

As soon as the politician entered into the meeting room, Corran rose to his feet rigidly as a matter of respect. If the chain of command rose all the way to Chief Hudson, then a Senator was even higher up that chain. The laws he enforced were dreamed up, debated, voted on, and created in these very halls. If the blond ranger embarrassed himself or otherwise offended a public figure, that would also have possible negative effects on himself or worse - the Sector Rangers themselves. With all this in mind, Corran couldn't help but blink momentarily in surprise. The Senator was so... young looking. It was surprising that this politician also called him 'sir.'

"Good day, Senator," the clean-cut ranger replied, "I am Lieutenant Corran Velt of the Sector Rangers. Thank you for making time to meet with me today." He was sincere in that. No Senators could have appeared at all but this one did. For that, Corran was truly thankful. Even if it came to nothing, being ignored would have been worse. If the man across the table had heard of Corran's exploits, that remained to be seen. "Forgive me, but may I know who I'll be addressing?" Knowing the senator's name and the planet they represented would go far in crafting the arguments needed to bring them around to the idea the lieutenant had in mind. There would be many points to make to reach the ultimate goal.

With some slow, disciplined movements, a datapad was slid across the table for the senator to pick up and view as he wished. "On that you'll find all the known records of Sector Ranger interacts with the organization known as the Sith." Lt. Trys Aran's arrest of a Sith acolyte. The Corellian Ranger Station massacre. Coruscant Prison Raid. The Jedi-Ranger Task Force. Destruction of Sector Ranger headquarters. Defeats and setbacks that outweighed the few victories the Rangers had. The differential in body counts was even more dire. Something had to be done. "We can cover any of these events as you wish, Senator, but I believe the whole picture is clear. Political action needs to be taken."

@The Good Doctor

 

[Soygun York]

An administrative droid led the new senator of Kattada, Soygun York, to the meeting room. Dressed appropriately for such a meeting, York straightened his suit jacket before stepping inside. A wide smile and a confident walk accompanied the new senator to his first act as a politician. He was new, and he would admit as such, but her certainly gave the appearance of acting like he belonged. "Hello, gentleman. I'm Soygun York, newly appointed senator for Kattada," York said as he extended his hand first to the senator from New Alderaan. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

York's position entering the meeting would be that his planet was currently at peace, and he would prefer to keep it that way. Its history was typically one of taking the path of least resistance. They tried to remain as peaceful as possible, and even as part of the evil Galactic Empire, they largely were left alone and contributed nothing but some place for the officers to relax while on leave. Being left alone is really all the planet wanted.

Kattada was a tropical paradise, and rich citizens from all over the galaxy were starting to make their way to one of the many island resorts that covered the planet. The planet was on the verge of a booming economy. War meant a disruption to that business, and that was something that York wanted to avoid. However, given the right set of...incentives, being persuaded was not completely out of the equation.

@The Good Doctor @TerranSteel

 

[Morndell Avon]

As much as Morndell wanted to come to Coruscant alone, there was just simply no way he could make his two aides stay back in Chalacta let alone get rid of them. He understood Ramone and Edmund's need to stick close to him, though, and he appreciated their stubbornness in acting like his two, overprotective shadows (the latter, mostly). And as a new senator whose knowledge about the intricacies of politics was lacking, it was probably for the best that he let the two youngsters to tag along with him.

The three entered the Senate building, with Morndell confidently taking the lead. Ramone's spot was always to the newly-elected Senator's right, the political advisor and ever the pacifying diplomat who curbed the former commander's fiery temper and rash decision-making. To his left walked Edmund, the self-appointed bodyguard, the shield who took personal offense to any insult meant to anger or dishearten his superior. Together, the trio made straight for the meeting room where they were supposed to be meeting some fresh-faced representative from the Sector Rangers.

Morndell could only hope that said representative would turn out to be someone who'd had an extensive experience on the field. He had no time to listen to some young gun who could only spout theories without ever having put them in practice.

They were here to talk about the accursed Sith, after all. Morndell's hope soon turned into stern expectation that he would be meeting someone who had experienced firsthand the chaos and destruction their Order wrought.

Edmund dutifully opened the door to the meeting room and gestured for the Senator to enter. Giving the young man a quick nod of gratitude, Morndell swiftly and fluidly stepped inside the room with his aides in tow.

One young Senator and another close to his age, both sharply dressed and–

"The young one is Senator Nicholas Clément," Ramone supplied in a quiet whisper, "of New Alderaan. The older gentleman is Senator Soygun York of Kattada. Both are new in office such as yourself, General."

"At least you're not the only newbie in the room, General," added Edmund with a grin, voice matching his counterpart.

–good to know he wasn't the only one new to the Senate.

Morndell rolled his eyes at his aides' use of his would-have-been title. He knew they were trying to ease his tension, and he could only quietly thank them for their unwavering support. He faced forward once more, and his gaze soon found the Ranger in question.

The man looked... young. And yet there was something about the way he held himself that convinced Morndell that the Ranger had been through a lot. Experience was a good teacher, and despite the Ranger's youthful appearance the newly-elected Senator knew that he was looking at a man who would fight tooth and nail to uphold justice, who would give his life for the people he loved.

"Good day, men," he greeted them, small smile hidden by his thick moustache as he gave them a quick salute, his aides mirroring the action. Old habits die hard, he thought. "I hope I am not late for this meeting. I am Morndell Avon, the new representative of Chalacta to the New Republic Senate and the Free Worlds Alliance."

Then, more straightforward than Ramone would have liked, Morndell asked about what he might have missed – it seemed that the New Alderaan Senator and the Ranger have already begun discussing affairs before the Chalactans entered the room. "So, the Sith. What do you know about them, Ranger? And what actions would you have the Senate do to get rid of them?"

@TerranSteel @The Good Doctor @Isen

 

[Corran Velt]

Two more officials joined the meeting room. To Corran's relief, these other men were Senators as well. Except for the two that accompanied the third. Were those bodyguards? Attendants? The innumerable cultures and politics of the galaxy made it hard to know. Naboo had royal entourages with them almost constantly for example. The two new arrivals were also from worlds Corran had never been to and to his standard education not known to be power players in the galaxy. Kattada. Chalacta. Maybe the Senator who arrived first represented a Mid-Rim world.

No matter, the Sector Ranger was relief to have one political figure attend. Having three present felt practically jovial. It only took one to take heed to his warnings and maybe, just maybe, something would be done. "Senator York. Senator Avon. Thank you for joining us." The gratitude sounded sincere and was supplied with a professional nod to both of them. "I am Lieutenant Corran Velt. As I was explaining to your colleague," an open palm gestured to brown-haired younger looking politician, "All of the data and information we have on the Sith and their activities, both past and present, are on these datapads." As before, the blond ranger politely slid each senator a device respectively. All of it would be there. Trys Aran's first discovery and capture of a Sith acolyte. The agreement with the Jedi. The Corellian Ranger Station Massacre. The Coruscanti Prison Incident. All ending in the destruction of Sector Ranger Headquarters. If the senators cared to glance it over, they would, but Corran was prepared to speak on all of it.

Standing at his full height and hands behind his back respectfully, the young ranger began his presentation with the voice and authority of an experienced veteran despite his youth. "Gentlemen, the Sith began as a secretive organization that relied on hiding amongst the criminal underworld to achieve their aims. Our initial investigation stumbled upon them by accident many years ago. Since then we've learned a lot. They are a Force User cult dedicated to total power. What that means to each member is radically different and often lends to sadism, but they do not hesitate to engage in terrorist acts and civilian slaughter to reach their goals." Corran took a breath and glanced at each of the politicians individually. Further detail on the Sith organization and its ties to the Five Syndicates in the opening years would be on the datapads. Along with their abilities. "Individual Sith adherents are incredibly dangerous. They command abilities such as immense speed, ability to levitate heavy objects, and throw weaponry with immense power. I've fought them myself." He ran two fingers along a scar that ran diagonally across his nose and up to his eyebrow. "Some can even force fire from their hands or toss battle droids like rag dolls. In tandem with their lightsaber, which can deflect blaster bolts with ease, a single trained Sith warrior is worth a platoon of soldiers." They were certainly worth a platoon of rangers. Though, what was a unit of cops versus a cultist with a weapon that could slice through durasteel?

Here the lieutenant paused again. Nothing was more critical than the final analysis. Corran cleared his throat and continued, "Their aims are not entirely clear... but one thing is. The Sith are no mere terrorists or criminals any longer. They are agents of a rival government." Unintentionally, the young man's voice grew darker and more grave. His face looked as if a shadow had cast over it. "The Sith Empire is now a political entity that holds planets. Commands ships. I believe this is no longer a law enforcement issue. But a military one." Blue, eagle-like eyes scanned the assembled senators. "I'm asking you, senators, to consider and propose a military solution for the Sith Empire. The Sector Rangers cannot fight a war but the New Republic and Free Worlds Alliance cannot be left defenseless." The blond ranger stiffened, as if a cadet called to attention. If there were any questions, he would take them. It would ultimately fall to these politicians if a military solution would happen and what form it would take.

@The Good Doctor @Isen @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Nicolas Clément]

"Nicolas Clément, nice to meet you" the New Alderaanian Senator would nod towards Soygun York and smiled. And when the other senator come in, the one who introduced himself as the Senator of Chalacta, Nicolas would raises his hand to greet him as well as smile and nod towoards him.

Nicolas was listening to the Sector Ranger speak, he also sifted through the information on the datapad that was given to him. There is quite a lot to take in, some early successes against them from their reveal and such, but as he and the data goes in it gets more and more grim. Massacres, executions, bombings .etc The Sith really do need to stop, but they are force-users and have become more powerful in a short amount of time. That complicated everything.

They have a collection of planets, including Sullust, which holds a well-known shipwright. They got force users, they got soldiers, and they got hardware. Nicolas would propose a special task force, but the one the Chief made didn't make any gains after it was made.

Nicolas would stroke his chin, considering some ideas and any questions they might have. It would take a bit, but he had some "Lieutenant Velt sir, I do have some questions. You did say they hid among the criminal underworlds before. Do you have any idea how far deep their relationship in the criminal underworld is right now?" Nicolas wouldn't be surprised if they were just peachy with the Five Syndicates, but if he could confirm it, they would probably need to be actioned towards as well as the Sith.

He paused. "Another one, do you know what kind of tech the Sith have access to for their militaries, and any approximate size on their standing forces?" They do have access to SoroSuub Corporation, but he also pictures them wielding old Imperial-era tech, like TIE fighters, Stormtrooper armor .etc like the First Order did. The Sith did fight at Ryloth but Nicolas hasn't seen any footage or images from that battle.

He would leave those questions for now, he would listen and at the same time run through his head what possible answers that he could run through the senate.

@TerranSteel @Forsythe Crowholde @Isen

 

[Corran Velt]

In silence, the young lieutenant stood there with his hands behind his back at near attention. The quiet didn't bother him. All those years on the trade lanes on a strict merchant vessel made standing this way second nature. It also made waiting for the Senators next questions, responses, or debate among themselves easier to handle. Interestingly enough, the first politician to arrive asked the first of the follow-up questions. Nicolas Clement, wasn't it? The first question was one was more in the wheelhouse for the Sector Rangers. Corran nodded once firmly to the man addressing him before responding, "Based on current evidence, the Sith have the strongest ties with the Black Sun. They actively participated on the attack of Sector Ranger Headquarters by supplying armored troopers. We believe some other elements of the Five Syndicates are on positive terms with the Sith, but not so much to risk open aggressive action. It goes without saying that the rivalries within the Five Syndicates remain." Hutts weren't too friendly to the Sith, both from a practical and personal perspective. Killing high ranking members of the cartel didn't do a lot to earn a friendly relationship. If the Sith favored other wings of the Syndicates, others got left out in the cold. The Pykes weren't particularly beloved by the Sith so far. Crime and politics was... nuanced like that.

For the next question, the blond lieutenant had to actually bring his hands out from behind his back and pick up the datapad in front of him. A few taps opened up the short-hand list of information regarding the Battle of Ryloth. Corran himself wasn't there and had to rely on after-action-reports and public information regarding the engagement. Not to mention, he hadn't memorized all the military hardware, ships, and weapons that were all used by heart. It was a regular junkyard. "Their standing forces are hard to approximate at this time, sir," the Sector Ranger finally began, "The Sith Empire is a new power to the galaxy and a very secretive, insular one at that. We also believe that the Sith retain other bases outside of Sith-controlled space in the independent worlds, likely in secret. Investigations are on-going in that regard." It didn't need to be said that in the current political climate, the independent worlds weren't as open to Sector Rangers operating as freely as before. Some operated on a merely transactional basis. Clean out some slavers and pirates and leave town before dawn. Investigations took time and resources that locals couldn't stomach unless the problem was serious enough.

"As for their technology, the Battle of Ryloth provides some indications of their current situation." Corran tapped a few more times on the datapad to review the ships and holo-pics of various starships. "An Imperial Star Destroyer was present over Ryloth, but severely damaged and had not seen a dry-dock in some time. Many other ships were in similar condition or of the corvette type, which seemed better kept. Starfighters and bombers varied greatly but many TIE variants were utilized. For lack of a better descriptor, Senator, the Sith had thrown together whatever they could find." That was the best news Corran had. Ryloth had successfully fended off the invaders, but the Sith likely learned from their defeat. The forges and shipyards of Sullust likely were forming the nucleus of a new fleet and eyeing neighboring worlds who were less resistant than the Twi'leks. "It is likely that the Sith government is scavenging or constructing new military forces as we speak. I do not believe their Empire has been humbled and remain fairly expansionist. They are dangerous to the New Republic and even the Free Worlds Alliance."

The blond ranger kept the datapad in hand incase other further military questions came to light. In truth, the most information he could supply was mostly about their Force-user warriors and terrorist activities. The broader political and military questions were hard to have solid information for, given how limited Sector Ranger resources had been stretched and the rest destroyed at the fall of HQ. Not to mention how locked-down-tight Sith space was. It was why Corran was here in the first place. The New Republic and FWA could not remain indifferent, in his mind, for much longer.

@The Good Doctor @Forsythe Crowholde @Isen

 

[Soygun York]

The senator of Kattada leaned forward and nodded to @Corran Velt . "Hello, Lieutenant. I'm Soygun York. You use the terms such as 'Sith Empire' and 'Sith-controlled space.' At the same time, you're alluding to a scrapyard, rag-tag naval fleet. This seems to be at odds a little bit. Am I mistaken? Sullust is obviously under Sith control. I take it that the Rangers would categorize the Jedi military operation against Sullust a military strike against this....Sith Empire and not against a peaceful, independent planet because Sullust is no longer a peaceful, independent planet?"

York had a lot of things on his mind. First, the FWA desperately need some clarity on what they were dealing with. But also, the more doubt could be planted about all the powers at hand, the Jedi, the Sith, and this new independent federation, the less likely the FWA would be willing to trust one enough to side with in war. If all sides were questionable, it wouldn't make political or military sense to help one side over the other. The trick would be to get all three sides fighting with each other and the FWA staying neutral unless one side forced their hand. York figured if anyone did it would be the Sith, and from what he was hearing from this Ranger, at least militarily, they may be the weakest of the three should the independent system get their act together.

York rested on his elbows and steepled his fingers in front of him in thought. "With their lack of a strong navy, how hard would it be to simply control Sith space? Forget ground troops, forget who would be responsible for it. What sort of resources would be necessary, be they from the FWA, the Jedi, or anyone else, to control what goes in and out of this...Sith Empire?"

@The Good Doctor @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Corran Velt]

Once address by the Senator from Kattada, the dutiful blond ranger shifted his attention from Nicolas to the other politician addressing him. The first whiff of skepticism floated into the room. Such opinions were to be expected and Corran had come prepared for them. No offense or dislike of the questions ever showed on the disciplined ranger's face. Not even the mention of the Jedi disturbed the placid features of the law enforcement officer, as much as it did in his chest. Those cultists had caused vastly more trouble than their abortive assault ever should have. "You're not mistaken, Senator York. I do not know the correct moniker to describe the current systems controlled or commanded by the 'Sith Eternal.' However limited or ramshackle their fleet over Ryloth appeared, it cannot refute that at least the planets of Eriadu and Sullust are under their sway." The lieutenant inhaled steadily through his nose. Mostly giving himself a few more seconds to think of a polite way to respond to the second half of Soygun's question. "I cannot speak for the entirety of the Sector Rangers, sir," he began slowly, "But... I would say that the general sentiment is the Jedi actions were against the Sith occupiers of Sullust; not the world or people of Sullust themselves."

Only a subtle eyebrow twitched betrayed how Corran really felt about that whole fiasco. Describing it as a 'military operation' was giving the Jedi too much legitimacy. They had no lawful order from a recognized government and foolishly hurled themselves against a planetary fortress. Even if they had succeeded, the diplomatic fallout would have been too costly to have made it worth it. Sullust itself though was certainly occupied by a foreign entity, in his mind. All the Sith he had ever seen were humans. Did some humans live on Sullust? Certainly. Enough to rightfully and ethically claim governance over the majority Sullustan population? No. Eriadu was another matter, given their history of embracing autocrats, but that was beyond the question.

Senator York looked pensive with his steepled fingers as he looked at the young ranger. Corran got the distinct feeling that he was dealing with a clever man. Compared to the grilling on military vessels and political nuances, discussions about space travel were more than welcome. "Setting aside that we do not fully know how weak or strong their navy is, Senator, I believe I can provide an answer for this. I served on a merchant ship for quite some time and know the flow of space trade well," the lieutenant carefully said. Who working aboard a bulk freighter would provide some help in discussing galactic strategy one day? It all linked back to the hyperlanes. "Sullust and Eriadu straddle the Rimme Trade route, where most of the supplies and goods flow to those planets and beyond. Cutting off one route would be simple, but the Sanctuary Pipeline also branches off from Sullust before crossing into the Corellian Trade Spine." Corran set down his datapad on the meeting table for this next part. His held up two fingers on one hand and only his index on the other. "We can't also forget that the Hydian Way, the most travelled hyperlane in the galaxy, also crossed through Eriadu." The index finger laid over the other two, forming a lop-sided triangle. "With all three, Sith-occupied space sits on half the vital arteries of the galaxy. Cutting them off from resources, escape routes, or reinforcements from secret bases or allies won't be easy."

Returning his hands to behind his back respectfully, Corran took a moment to collect his thoughts. An immense weight seemed to be gathering on his shoulders. Would his statement on necessary resources be part of some proposal or at least considered? Critical political decisions or even lives could be at stake if he miscalculated. A slow inhale signaled that the blond ranger had come to a conclusion. "To control Sith-occupied space, and the space alone, would require capital ships to control the major jump-points for the hyperlanes. Carriers would be preferred, but frigates could do. Corvettes and speedier craft would be needed to catch any blockade runners or other ships secreting away that were avoiding the major trade routes. To sit above the occupied planets themselves... that could require an entire New Republic fleet per world." An operation of that scale would be something not seen since the First Order Crisis or even the Galactic Civil War. That's not even including the necessary political will required to invade Sith space and maintain such forces. No faction as small as the Jedi could handle that. Only the FWA planetary fleets or New Republic could handle an operation that immense. "Senator," Lt. Velt said in serious and grim tone, "Make no mistake. There will be resistance. The Sith will find ways to sink starships, even if we are successful. Soldiers will perish." Not that it was much different than the scores of civilians and Sector Rangers who had already fallen at the Sith cult's hands. But there was no denying what the risks were and the costs that were required. There was no safe solution. People would die to defeat the Sith.

@The Good Doctor @Forsythe Crowholde @Isen

 

[Morndell Avon]

The datapad slid to his direction, and Morndell could already feel the dread that came along with what he might read. Nothing that he had already known, he was sure, but as his own eyes took in the reports and information the Chalactan senator let out a weary sigh.

The young Senator of New Alderaan raised valid questions. And if truth be told, Lt. Velt's response – some of it, rather – had been expected. It was not surprising that the Sith would ally themselves to the criminal syndicates that ran rampant still across the galaxy. Who else would they band with but the worse among the worst? The syndicates could provide them with information that wouldn't be readily accessible to the dastardly Darksiders, and vice versa. An alliance that posed a mutual benefit... now that was something that raised a lot of concerns.

The Ranger's answers to Senator York's own queries would prompt a quiet but tired sigh from Morndell. He was confident in his responses, or he'd rehearsed... either way Lt. Velt raised valid and concerning points. The Sith must never be allowed to take control over major hyperlanes, let alone one. And to think that the cult of Darksiders now appeared to have certain planets under their control...

The question now was this: in order to stop the Sith, how much was the FWA willing to give to this fight? Because to Morndell, one thing was for certain, and that was in behalf of his homeworld, he was willing to go down fighting if it meant the downfall of the accursed cult itself.

"That much is obvious, Lt. Velt," he told the younger man, piercing gaze lifting from the datapad to look at the blond youth. "Blood will always be spent were there is conflict like this. Fighters will die– nay, killed. Murdered. In cold blood. My aides and I have experienced what the Sith are capable of, much like yourself."

Morndell studied the Ranger for a moment, assessing him. One concern sprang to the senator's mind and his gaze on Lt. Velt turned curious.

"The Senate will be discussing the threats the Sith posed, Lieutenant. I'm sure you're well aware of the so-called Eternal's announcement of their return and the war they are prepared to wage against you and your people. Believe me, the execution of a Ranger–" he need not elaborate, the Ranger knew it himself more than the senator "–had bestowed nothing but anger in my mind and heart. But, answer me this, Lieutenant Velt."

Raising a hand to gesture for Edmund, the aforementioned aide stepped beside Morndell and leaned down to listen to the senator's whispered command. With a nod, Edmund straightened and stretched out a hand languidly towards the Ranger. The badge Lt. Velt was wearing would unclip from his uniform and fly straight to Edmund's outstretched hand.

The aide would then carelessly toss the badge to his fellow assistant's direction. Ramone caught the badge, rolling his eyes exasperatedly at his senior and colleague. How many times had he reminded these two to keep Edmund's Force-sensitivity a secret as much as possible? The senator didn't need to flaunt Edmund's ability to make a point, for kriff's sakes?

Silently making his way towards the Ranger, Ramone would return Lt. Velt's badge with a quiet, "Sorry about that."

"Are the Sector Rangers equipped and trained to fight Force-sensitives?" Morndell asked, dark eyes narrowing. "Because unlike the Jedi, the Sith can and will use the Force indiscriminately. To them, the Force is nothing but a tool to further their own agendas. And worse, a tool employed to torture and kill any opposition that would stand their way."

@TerranSteel @The Good Doctor @Isen

 

[Corran Velt]

Getting a read on Senator Avon was more difficult than even Senator York. Maybe that was something all politicians had in common. You were never able to tell what their real intentions were. The Senator from Chalacta claimed he was angered by the Sith and their terrorism but he also seemed displeased to the young lieutenant. He said he would take the matter of the Sith to the Senate, at least. That was all Corran could hope for.

When Morndell summoned his younger aide to his side, Corran turned his head forward at parade-rest again. It wasn't his conversation to eaves-drop and certainly none of his business. That is until an unseen powder plucked the Sector Ranger's chest like it was a weightless toy. He whipped his head towards the aide with the out-stretched hand with a furrowed brow and stern look. A Force-user. Among the Senator's staff? A dangerous risk if anyone asked for the lieutenant's opinion. He dared not speak out lest he offend the politician. Enduring a small embarrassment was a worthy price to pay if it meant Corran's concerns got to the Senate floor. When the second aide approached to return his badge, the blond ranger only nodded in thanks before clipping it back to his jacket.

There was that disappointed tone again. Corran had already seen the Sith's handiwork time and time again. Blown up buildings. Innocents fleeing or dying. They relished pain and suffering. At least the ones he had witnessed. Blue eyes stared back into the dark eyes of Morndell. There was no hesitation in his reply. "No, Senator Avon, the Sector Rangers are not equipped or trained to fight Force-sensitives." He inhaled slowly through his nostrils. "The only ones who have survived an engagement with one have been exceptionally tough." Roland Rook, Mandalorian. "Exceptionally clever." Trys Aran. "Or exceptionally lucky." Himself. "That's why I believe it is critical a new unit, strategy, or military force be developed to counter the threat."

@The Good Doctor @Forsythe Crowholde @Isen

 

[Morndell Avon]

Badge now returned to the Ranger's hands, Ramone strode back to his place beside Morndell but not before subtly shaking his head, disapproving, at his senior and fellow aide.

"Figured as much," Edmund muttered under his breath, earning himself a withering glare from Ramone. The latter's focus shifted towards Lt. Velt once more, poker-faced but his tone was calm and did not give away his disappointment at the information.

"Believe me, even luck can sometimes be more than enough to survive an encounter with the Sith," said the more serious aide. His tone did not betray the image of red blades cutting through his fellow Marines as the memory of the massacre on Morak flashed briefly in his mind, but the briefest flicker of anger and trauma in his dark eyes gave away the minor trip down memory lane. "But we cannot count on luck alone. Being tough and clever? Now, those are necessities – necessities that can easily be thrown out the window when the Red Blades are involved."

"What Ramone is trying to say, Lt. Velt, is that if you really want to create either of the three you have mentioned," Morndell commented, "then you'll need someone who can teach you how to combat the Sith."

The obvious choice was the Jedi, but Morndell would not immediately assume that the Order and the Rangers shared a rapport just because they were both on the side of justice and peace.

"Pardon my company's insights if they're offending or unnecessary to you. They may be my aides but I hold their opinions in high regard – as such, they're my equals, as much as everyone in this room are."

The senator stood from his seat, having heard what he wanted from the blond youth. It was disconcerting to be given the confirmation that the Sector Rangers did not have a special task force trained to fight evil Force-users, but who would've thought that the Sith would make their return? No one, not even the Jedi, have anticipated the blatant attacks and acts of terrorism the Dark Order have wrought upon the galaxy. He could understand that the Sector Rangers were more fit to counter the Syndicates affiliated with the Sith, but the cultist themselves?

Morndell did not miss the way Lt. Velt regarded Edmund's display of using the Force. The senator could understand that not everyone trusted Force-sensitives nor held them in high regard. It was, after all, much easier to be suspicious of something beyond understanding. The Force remained a mystery, even to those who could wield the powers it offered (Edmund) and more so to those who could not (practically everyone else in the meeting room). It would not surprise him if the Ranger was skeptic of Force-users as a whole.

Hat in both hands the senator approached the Ranger, dark eyes meeting blue. A hand would settle lightly on Lt. Velt's shoulder, the grip there almost paternal.

"The Sector Rangers not only need training to fight Force-sensitive enemies, lieutenant," he told Lt. Velt in a quiet voice. "You will need numbers as well. The law enforcement of Chalacta would be much obliged to help the Sector Rangers – as it always should be. And as for the military force, unit, or even strategies to combat the Sith... I do not want to impose, but I would like to offer help where it is needed in that regard: Starting by taking the threats of the Sith to the Senate, wouldn't you agree?"

He would pat the young man's shoulder, the action more robust than the senator realized.

"Anything this old soldier can do to help eradicate the enemy, just let me know, son. Don't hesitate to contact me or my aides if you have any other concerns that you want raised in the Senate. It's the least the old generation can do for you young ones."

And with that, Morndell – along with Ramone and Edmund – gave the blond Ranger a salute before exiting the room.

[Exit thread: Morndell and company]

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Under the professional and unmoving exterior of a serious Sector Ranger, anger began to boil. Not about what Ramone said. He was just stating facts that the Rangers, and Corran himself, had learned through hard-won experience. And many lives. Unfortunately it was what Senator Avon recommended. Training? Training from who? What group or individual had the capacity to train others in fighting Sith? The Sector Rangers were entirely normal people to the lieutenant's knowledge. They weren't born with the unnatural powers that Jedi and Sith had. Whatever training they could provide just wouldn't translate and, frankly, the rangers didn't need their kind of help. What other group was left? Mandalorians? They already had one - Captain Roland Rook. The Sith Slayer. There was no trainer in the universe that could teach the organization what they didn't already know. What the Sector Rangers needed wasn't training. It was firepower. Firepower and equipment.

Mercifully, Morndell didn't name anything specific. If he had, Corran might have countered with his enflamed thoughts. As the politician approached, the blond man eyed the politician carefully. Morndell was undeterred and matched the lieutenant's gaze with equal measure. There was something different about these men from Chalacta. Something less... polished about them than usual politicians. A firm hand gripped Corran's shoulder. He only gave it a brief side-glance before returning his stare to the Senator's face. For only a split second, visible relief appeared on the stoic law enforcement officer's face. The Sector Rangers had been through so many trials and so many political hurdles, it was nice to hear that someone with the power to do something had listened. "Thank you Senator Avon," Lt. Velt said with a tiny sigh between words, "We are truly honored by your support." Sincerity was clear in his voice. As Morndell and his entourage departed, Corran returned the polite salute crisply.

The other two Senators remained though. He had taken enough of their valuable time, provided what data he had, and pleaded his case. Corran cleared this throat, "Senator York, Senator Clement." He nodded to one and the other. "Thank you for meeting with me today. All information I presented today are on the datapads before you. Please take them and review them at leisure, if you so desire." The young lieutenant only got once shot at this, so he best make it count. "I... cannot overstate how important it is, I believe, that something be done by the government to contain or combat the Sith threat. They remain a danger to peace and domestic life. Please consider the options discussed here today." Corran plucked up a single datapad of his own, leaving the others to the politicians. "I appreciate your time, Senators. Have a good day." With a practiced precision, the ranger turned on his heel and marched out of the room. All that was left now was to wait. Wait and see if the wheels of democracy turned in their favor.

//END THREAD

@The Good Doctor @Isen @Forsythe Crowholde