Ask TRC: Let Us Have Mercy

[Sutton Rayne]

Let Us Have Mercy
​

With each day, the number of refugee ships grew and grew. With each day, the populace grew angrier and angrier. Scattershot convoys of half-broken ships desperately trying to reach the safety of the Inner Worlds... and all the Republic seemed to do was yawn.

It's about bloody time we changed that, I say.

Under her encouragement, Commenor had welcomed a collection of refugee ships since they'd started arriving. That hadn't been without it's downsides. Tensions had started to simmer and her approval rating had taken a hit amongst the more self-centered portion of the electorate. That was a problem for her electoral strategist, though. Nonetheless, Commenor could do with some help. Without getting much in the way of support from the Core Worlds, Senator Rayne had turned to neighbouring Humbarine and Cato Neimoida for some measure of support.

They didn't seem happy about that idea, but they were willing to talk.

Sutton waited outside the committee room, sipping a cup of disgustingly cheap caf. If she'd had her way, she'd be meeting them in the Senatorial Office on Commenor, but the representatives had insisted on somewhere more neutral. More fool them if they accept such awful refreshments. She waited for the last presence to arrive, a diplomat from the mysterious Jedi Order. Sutton was fortunate enough to have had little dealings with Force users, but in this negotiation she'd take all the help she could get.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jarrell DiVos]

The Jedi, historically, had a mixed reputation with their skills as peaceful negotiators. While the extermination of the Jedi Order over a century ago was now better known as the prelude to the tyrannical Galactic Empire, some still whispered the same rumors and conspiracies of the Jedi from the Clone Wars. As the battles with Sith raged on, the Jedi seemed to be most known as warriors and mystics, far away from the average struggles of the citizens of the Republic. Jarrell knew he owed it to these citizens, and to the Order itself, to intervene in this crisis; it was why he had volunteered for this post.

Maybe we can make a difference, even if it's a small one.

Such words were his foundation within the new Jedi Order, and this posting, at least, would put his skills better to use than the frontlines ever could. Housing, feeding, and clothing the refugees was a sensitive issue that could boil over into galactic tension. He trusted his soon-to-be co-negotiator, the well-regarded Senator Sutton Rayne, to handle these negotiations with skill and empathy. Her work in advocacy for sentient rights issues was, in his opinion, perfectly complementary to the work of the Jedi Order's highest ideals. It was a massive opportunity for them to work together.

He approached the committee room with a nervous smile on his face, still adorned in the formal robes of a Jedi diplomat. He ran a finger over his horns - a nervous tick - before offering a bow to the Senator and a hand to shake.

"Senator Rayne, it's an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Knight Jarrell DiVos; the Jedi Order sends its best wishes, along with myself, to accompany your negotiations here today. I've already been briefed about the situation at hand, but perhaps we could take a moment to review our thoughts, before the other representatives arrive?"

He hoped that they would be on the same page. While negotiations never go exactly as planned, it would help to have an overall strategy by which the two could help moderate the incoming conversation. Perhaps, if it was possible, he could return to the Order with a petition for greater aid, as well!

@Charndley

 

[Sutton Rayne]

Sutton looked up from her watch to see the Jedi arrive. He wasn't what she was expecting, though the robes were a particularly monk-ish touch that could play well. Not to her style, though. She'd stick with the blue suits. She took his hand firmly and shook it, offering the Jedi a smile.

"A pleasure. Glad to hear that your Order approves, I must confess I've had few dealings with them in the past. Here's hoping to a pleasant working relationship." She meant it. Her own political career was rather new and she'd take whatever help she could get trying to carve some measure of hope out of things.

"Certainly. I can give you my slant on it." She paused to finish her caf, wincing at the sharp, sour taste before tossing the cup away. "I need Cato Neimoida and Humbarine to commit to a portion of the refugee intake. We've managed to take a sizeable amount on Commenor but I'm stretching out public goodwill as it is. If I start pushing more ships in, I'm going to end up with the earliest recall of any senator in Galactic history." Yes, perhaps it was gauche to consider one's own career when deciding such matters but hey, you can't affect change from the backseat, can you?

"Humbarine sent Representative Allinka, which helps. She can be worked with. Bit of a wet fish but that's politics. Academic background," she explained, raising her eyebrows a little. "The other one though... they sent Smolb Zafap." A wrinkle of disgust ran over her face. "High up with the Neimoidian Trade Guilds, we crossed paths in a previous legal matter. He's a thorn in my ass at the best of times. He's the one you'll have to work your magic on, he'll want nothing to do with me."

She knelt down to pick up her briefcase, feeling the paperwork shuffle within. "So... any questions? We can both work on Allinka but she should flip quickly. Getting Zafap on side is going to be trickier, the man's a noted shit. I suppose we could try the economic argument, but it's not my area of expertise."

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jarrell DiVos]

He offered a thoughtful nod towards her first point. Yes, how interesting it was to remember that the Republic’s politicians were held accountable to constituents rather than the ideals of a council of philosophic experts. Her personal stakes in the matter were clear - an understandable trait of the secular leadership of the Republic. His handshake was softer in response; a cool, slow-moving affair.

"As a representative of the Order, I must say that I am expected to be unbiased. I am less familiar with your interpersonal political relationships, or the specific arguments you intend to bring to bear." That sounded rather negative though, didn't it? He offered some clarity: "As long as our interests are in getting these refugees the help that they clearly need and deserve, we are on the same side. The most "magic" I'll be working is diplomatic counsel, I'm afraid, but I hope that all parties coming to the negotiations today do so in good faith. And, well, I'm willing to do all that I can to make sure this works. Perhaps there is something you could offer Zafap in return for his good faith? Do you have any points of leverage with Cato Neimodia?" Jarrell loathed to rely on stereotypes, but with precious little experience dealing with Neimodians, that was all he had to go on. They were not a people well known for their charity, but were renowned as dealmakers. Hopefully, if a representative was walking in, he had the intention to seriously negotiate.

He checked the time - it was getting closer to the moment of truth. An exciting, if nerve-wracking, proposition. "Do you know anything about the personalities of the refugee leadership? Any of their sticking points?"

@Charndley

 

[Sutton Rayne]

"Good. Well, I'd say our aims are in line, if our motivations are a little more divergent. I do intend to push for these refugees to be housed safely and securely, master Jedi. It's not purely my own self-preservation I'm looking to," Sutton said. "As for what I can offer, not very much. Commenor and Cato Neimodia have various trade partnerships but nothing much I can leverage. I could certainly threaten, but they'd see it as a hollow threat. I would. Who'd willingly sacrifice their world's economy over this?" Politics, a dirty and utilitarian business.

"The refugees? They're hungry, scared and desperate. A lot of those ships weren't designed to hold so many people and they aren't in the best conditions. There's every chance of disease breaking out on there. We've done preliminary screenings for AMS on everyone who's come into the system, that's the very least they'll ask for."

Nothing for it now. Sutton nodded towards the door as she moved towards it. With a firm push, they opened up into a conference room. A holoprojector sat in the middle, projecting an image of the immediate systems. Commenor, Humbarine, Cato Neimodia all illuminated brightly, with several glowing dots to indicate refugee ships. At the other end of the table, in quiet conversation, was an older human and a Neimodian. They both rose.

"Senator Rayne," the human said with a respectful nod.

"Welcome, we're glad you could finally join us," the Neimodian said, giving a cool look to both of them.

"Apologies, my esteemed friends, discussions went on longer than I anticipated. Busy business, all this," Sutton replied, waving her free hand towards the projector. "May I introduce Knight DiVos of the Jedi Order? A diplomat from our friends in the Jedi to help oversee our arrangements today."

The look of uncertainty on both of their faces made including the Jedi so worth it.

 

[Jarrell DiVos]

He could feel the surprise coming off of the representatives - inside, it filled him with a twinge of pride before he buried it. A small part of him knew, even loved, that the Jedi's reputation was so meaningful. He tried not to let it show on his face; he offered a slow bow to both of the representatives.

"Representative Allinka, Representative Zafap. The Jedi Order sends its regards." He slowly walked to a seat towards the head of the table - a central position, but not a commanding one. "And I thank you for your willingness to negotiate here today. What we do here could save countless lives. I look forward to this peaceful discussion about how to best address this sensitive issue."

He studied the senators before him. Restrained, terse feelings floated through the air - perhaps the best we can hope for from politicians - before speaking. He hoped to set the tone of the conversation to follow. "We're living in troubling times. Between the wars with the Sith, growth of the cartels, and the pandemic around the galaxy. We each have a duty, an obligation, to look after those of us who suffer, while we live in relative peace. Through our work, our word, here today, we can cross into unexplored diplomatic territory. We will show the rest of the Republic what galactic patriotism and respect for life really mean." He took a pause for a moment, before raising a hand and pulling a glass of water into his hands with the Force. A cheap parlor trick, to be sure, but one that could cement him as a Jedi to this crowd. He took a long sip. "If we can negotiate a peaceful settlement today, the Jedi Order would be forever in your worlds' debt."

@Charndley

 

[Sutton Rayne]

Both representatives hung on the Jedi's words, watching him carefully. It was certainly a fine speech, if a little cliche. Sutton half expected him to drape himself in the skybird and sing old rebel songs just for good measure, but sometimes the classics worked best.

Their uncertainty at the presence of the Jedi faded quicker than Sutton liked, however. She tapped her datapad as she settled into a seat, the projector displaying a range of ships within the immediate sectors.

"My friends, we have an incredible crisis on our doorsteps, one we could take real leadership on. The influx has lessened in recent weeks but we still have quite a sizeable flotilla. Commenor has taken what we can manage.." Sutton began to explain, before the others grunted and cut her off.

"If you've taken some, you can take more," Zafap said quickly, "do not seek to burden us because you and your world didn't think things through."

"These are people's lives, Zafap, not just a misplaced transaction. You know I've done what I can-"

Allinka raised her delicate hand, sighing dramatically. "I'm afraid I must agree with my colleague here. Commenor should be commended for what they've done but I'm afraid Humbarine doesn't have the resources that you clearly have."

Sutton frowned harder, staring across at Allinka. "Thank you for your commendations, my friend," she said with as much sharpness as she could manage, "but I'm afraid it matters little when there are thousands more lives there. And they're going to stay there. A burden shared is a burden lessened."

Even I'm speaking in tropes now. Help me, Jedi.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jarrell DiVos]

They were resistant - which was to be expected. But, they would not have come to the table if they truly had nothing to offer; there has to be something these politicians want out of this exchange. Finding what that was, and negotiating from there, would be key in Jarrell's strategy.

He nodded politely at the proceedings. After Senator Rayne finished her statement, he immediately jumped in, sensing her potential distress. "Wise words, Senator. Perhaps we can all share in the burden...and share in the reward." He paused briefly, considering what a reward could even be. Helping refugees should be its own reward, but he also understood his view was colored by years spent living well in the Jedi temple. "We are here at a table for a reason. Perhaps, we can begin not with demands, but with discussion." He turned to Senator Allinka, offering a smile. "For instance, the conversation about resources. Forgive me, for I have not been adequately briefed on your world's current situation, Senator. Perhaps you could share more about what resources, specifically, Commenor has that Humbarine lacks?" His hope was that turning the conversation this way could reveal an opening, a vulnerability, which they could speak about.

"And you, Senator Zafap. Surely, the great and busy world of Cato Neimoidia would not have sent you if you saw nothing to gain out of negotiating. A people as wise as yours must be able to see the potential economic benefit of a sudden population influx. At the most basic level, we have a number of skilled, entrepreneurial, and intelligent members of the Republic who are looking to your world for an exchange, not charity. These are people who want to be safely contributing to our societies again." He thought it could help to change the narrative. As long as the Neimoidians look at refugees as liabilities, rather than potential assets, it was unlikely that they would offer any sort of assistance.

"If I might add, the situation of these refugees is, by its very nature, temporary. Either their worlds will be rebuilt by the Republic, or the Core Worlds will have to intervene in some way. I'm no politician, so you must forgive my ignorance, but I imagine being at the front of this situation will only strengthen your world's standing in the Republic, no? Coruscant itself would be looking to you for legislative expertise." A few, scattered pieces of bait, tossed into the air. He hoped that one of the senators would bite.

@Charndley

 

[Sutton Rayne]

Representative Allinka sighed as Rayne stared at her, wondering quite what she would pull out as an excuse there.

"Forgive me Master Jedi, let me avail you. Humbarine is a densely populated ecumonopolis." She spoke like she was lecturing a child, hands now clasped together in a happy sense of superiority. "Commenor... well, Commenor has quite the amount of land that remains free. Lovely, open spaces... even if they lack the will to develop it. Senator Rayne knows this well, given how her office has helped to block development."

The smile faded from Sutton's face. This was the game, seriously? "A Senator is quite within their rights to investigate major economic proposals on their representative world. Commenor has strict rules about development of open land and I have to follow them, no matter which Humbarine company is looking to build on there."

Zafap seemed less impressed by the Jedi's suggestions, though. "We Neimodians did not come to create one of the most powerful economies this Galaxy has ever known by giving in to flattery, Master Jedi." The title was there out of respect, though his tone lacked any. "You may be right, there may be experts and contributors on these ships that could bring a great deal, but how would we know? And how long would it take until they are quarantined, treated and safe? Especially with vaccine development proceeding at such a slow pace."

A chink in the armour, but not fully there. However, the Jedi's last suggestion gave all parties pause. The second that he mentioned their standing in the Republic, they both looked at each other. Sutton moved in.

"He's right. I've talked with you both on these matters before. We all know the Core worlds look down on us at the best of times. What better way to show we're ready to take up the mantle? They've run the Republic for decades and they've done nothing. Let's lead the way on this."

Her own ambitions flared up a little more with that. This could be the start of something more than just refugees.

"I'm willing to compromise, Master Jedi, if the other representatives are. For this." Whether she meant the refugees or the stature of their worlds in the Republic, who could say?

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jarrell DiVos]

A bite. It seemed his words had gotten through to them. He responded to Senator Rayne promptly. "I'm happy to hear that, Senator. Perhaps, if the other senators are willing, we could figure out the terms of a compromise? If we could iron out a proposal to send to the refugee leadership, or some piece of legislation you can bring back to your homeworlds and the Galactic Senate, we would be in great shape." He turned towards the Neimoidian.

"Senator Zafap, a compromise is on the table. What if this was the push that took Cato Neimoidia from colony to core world? All you need to do is accept a to-be decided number of refugees." The Neimoidian worlds were quite competitive, and he seemed interested in this conversation. Jarrell loathed to discuss too much along those lines, the seductive call of secular power once killed the Jedi, but he hoped that working on behalf of the refugees was a worthy cause.

His eyes moved from Zafap to Allinka. "If your world is truly as densely populated as you speak, perhaps you have fresh housing stock in your world that could house some refugees? At least, temporarily?"

He bounced back to Senator Rayne. "Senator Rayne, would you be willing to outline this compromise you're speaking of? I would not infringe on the sovereignty of your world, but I would like to offer a suggestion. If you were able to build more permanent housing for the refugees coming in, giving them a place to settle longer-term, the senators here could take on more as a short-term measure? If we can think about how we can each use our talents towards the best outcome."

@Charndley

 

[Sutton Rayne]

It was a true sign of political compromise when nobody in the room seemed very happy with their lot. Everyone had said their pieces and made their stands, now it was just a matter of chiselling things away until they got what they needed.

"In domestic matters, we don't need to refer to the Galactic Senate. The New Republic Senate deals with domestic matters," Sutton explained, using the time to think things over. "Although if we come to agreement ourselves, we don't need a vote in the senate. Not immediately anyway."

The Neimoidian huffed and shook his head, though he did not outright dismiss the idea that the Jedi presented. That was progress in itself. Sutton knew he'd be the harder one to crack from the start.

Allinka looked towards the ceiling of the meeting room, fingers tented in contemplation. "I... can see the benefits of this proposal. We may be able to house some, on a temporary basis," she explained, making sure to gesticulate firmly on the temporary part. "We would need some support to process them-"

"I can send a medical team on secondment to Humbarine to aid in processing and evaluation of all refugees. Whilst they remain on Humbarine, of course." Sutton was straight out of the gate. A few doctors and medtechs were a small price to pay. "And we can certainly move into building more accommodation for a more permanent home for these people. I stress, friends, that these measures are a temporary, immediate response to the current crisis. Once we have a grasp on this, we can establish a proper plan of action... hopefully with the help of the rest of the Republic."

"Small chance of that, Rayne," Zafap spat out with some bitterness. "You, of all of us, know how little the Chancellor seems to do nowadays."

There is always a common enemy. Find that and you can unite anyone.

"What if it didn't have to be that way?" Sutton asked quietly, seizing on the moment. "Master Jedi, you mentioned raising the status of Cato Neimoidia. What if it were true of Humbarine too? What if we could leverage our combined clout to get real change. We aren't the only worlds around the edges of the Republic who are frustrated with things." This was not exactly the purview of the meeting, but Senator Rayne was nothing if not opportunistic.

"Wouldn't you agree, Master Jedi, that banding together in some way is beneficial for all of us in the future?"

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jarrell DiVos]

Jarrell was caught off-guard. He was uneasy at the pace these negotiations were moving - it was clear, at this point, the goalpost had already moved beyond the immediate concerns of the refugees. He would have to refocus the discussion to this crucial issue, lest they conveniently get left out of whatever grand legislation the senators present created.

"And, Senator Allinka, depending on the specifics of the agreement worked out between your three worlds today, I would be happy to bring a request back to the Jedi Order for logistical support." He pushed his gloved fingers together, a contemplative look taking over his face as he gazed at the ceiling. It had a plain tile, rather standard for the mass-produced office building that they found themselves in. He took a momentary pleasure in observed the unique cracks that formed in them, dancing across the ceiling with far more individuality than their builder had ever hoped for them. He inhaled deeply before he spoke.

"I would agree that banding together is the only way to solve this refugee crisis, Senator. I would add, too, that a coalition of worlds working together for the good of the least fortunate, the oppressed, is certainly the dream of the Republic and the Jedi Order." He paused to consider the phrasing of his next words. It would help to be as clear as possible, but he also still needed all of their buy-in. "But it does depend on the ends, no? What do you imagine is the greater Republic's interest in intervention here - I understand that politics are not driven by goodwill. In my personal opinion, though, these are...dark times. Bold action may be required, from all of us, to enact the will of the Living Force. I'm sure we have all heard the stories of a Republic, Senate, and Jedi Order of old that rested far too long on its laurels while the Dark Side swept in on them." He turned directly to Zafap now. "Senator Zafap, I notice that you have been rather quiet. I'm curious to know exactly where you stand, even if it is purely for my benefit." He tilted his head back towards Sutton Rayne.

"And you, too, Senator. Let's be more direct, perhaps. What is it you're looking for?"

@Charndley