Open Galactic Senate War is in Session

[Alistair Blagden]

The Hutt representative spoke of deals and bargains; but Alistair knew that these would always be made to line their own pockets and never to better their citizens. The time to debate methods of government would have to wait for later, however.

After a quick communication with superiors, Alistair stepped forward once more. "The Empire is willing to engage in peace talks with the Hutt Clans on the condition that they immediately halt their assault and withdraw their invasion forces - including any mercenaries on their payroll - entirely from Empire territory," he counter-proposed, meeting Arok's gaze. "Imperial forces will cease fire once this order has been given to the Hutt aggressors; but until these stipulations are met, the Empire has no choice but to protect itself from aggression." Despite their attempts to change the narrative, it was abundantly clear that the Hutts had begun this war, and Alistair refused to let any statement to the contrary go uncontested.

"In regards to the former Senate gathering, you will recall that the primary allegations for Empire expulsion was for being controlled by the Sith," he continued, now addressing the others, "which is hardly a similar situation to the current turn of events. Here, a member of this body has clearly declared an unjust and power-greedy war against another member of the Senate, promising death to those that did not surrender. This is an affront to the spirit of diplomacy that should take precedence here in this building - and while Nal Hutta's offer for peace talks is the proper next step, a more conciliatory approach should have been taken first before the extreme act of war. If Nal Hutta cannot respect this arena of negotiation except for when it suits their devices, they should not be given the privilege of using it. A standard that every member of this Senate should be held to."

His address complete, he stepped away from the podium. While he was certain the others would make some remark about Imperial expansion, Alistair would hold his tongue. The time for debate on the Empire's superior form of governance would wait for another day.

 

[Nathan Braxon]

Nathan was pleased to see Maryanne (@LouJoVi ) finally key her microphone, but her contribution left a lot to be desired. She appeared to back the threat of expulsion but suggested it should apply equally to the Empire. The Hutts were the aggressors and deserved the greatest reproof. But more than that, he expected absolute loyalty from an ally. He would have to reconsider her part in his plans.

For now, events were moving fast and he needed to adapt. “Madam Speaker” Nathan said, turning to address Roma Anti. “Peace talks have been agreed by both parties. I do not withdraw my motion, but accept it must be subject to the outcome of the talks”.

The Senator turned back toward the chamber. “I move that if either party does not respect the ceasefire, or the agreed outcome of the talks, then they be expelled from this Senate”. He let his gaze return to the Speaker. “I call for a vote”.

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker’s mouth twisted ever so slightly before her neutral expression returned. She repositioned her hands on her console as she limbered up to count the vote.

“Honourable members” she interceded “The motion has been amended and put by Senator Braxon. If you have not already cast a vote, please do so now. If you have indicated a position but wish to amend your vote, now is the opportunity”.

A blue light flicked on between her hands, indicating the Senate was now voting. She cast her gaze around the room, awaiting the outcome with practised impartiality.

 

[Trina Kalist]

"Aye."

 

[Damian Casto]

New Alderaan votes… yes.

 

[Maryenne Vennen]

"Gatalenta votes yes."

 

[Galek Ordalos]

Galek was not the first to add his voice to the choir, nor even the second. He carefully weighed the implications and effects of the resolution he - apparently - would cast the deciding vote for. In truth, the Vice President would love nothing more than to have his political rivals removed and isolated from the Galactic Senate - and despite the relationship between Nor’baal and Emryc, the Vice President would always view the Hutts as a threat to Consortium supremacy.

But to expel them over the war with the Empire? That was another matter entirely.

It was not so long ago that the Consortium had been at war with the Empire - while both maintained a presence in the Galactic Senate. It was an identical situation, and yet neither had suffered sanction or threat or expulsion. There was no risk of interference or foreign policy being threatened by third party Senators. To change such precedent now? Placed them all at this.

After a long while, Galek rose from his seat - activating his mic with a tap of his ring-adorned fingers.

“Indupar votes no.”

 

[The Storyteller]

The Spesker‘s jaw shifted briefly as if she had swallowed a wasp.

“Voting is closed. The motion falls” she said. Roma gave no hint of her feeling on the matter, but there was an air of finality to it all the same.

Many Senators nodded with grim satisfaction, but others mouthed discontent. Nonetheless, the Senate had met, debated and decided.

”Unless Members wish to raise any further matters, our session is concluded”.

 

[Nathan Braxon]

Nathan affected a nonchalant expression, but his hands gripped the guardrail beneath the podium with fury. If the durasteel bar were a neck, he would have wrung it until there was no life left.

This Galactic Senate was a joke. He had never intended to play here, not until his work outside it was far more advanced. This move by the Hutts had forced him to accelerate his plans, but he had still foolishly hoped to find some vestige of sense and strategy among those who called themselves Senators.

But the place was nothing but a talking shop. His allies across the independent worlds had backed him and he would not forget their support. But the rest….the has beens of the ISC and the narrow vested interests of the Corporate Sector. They had fought him for no good reason. They had chosen inaction as the galaxy burned. Clearly, they meant for the Senate to be nothing but a mother’s meeting, a chit chat that touched no one and nothing.

What he had proposed today was nothing, and they could not even see the sense in that. Next time, he would demand even more and he would not be fool enough to ask.

The Senator exchanged a look with his aide. Lucy had their names. Stamper had their security habits. They would regroup and adapt. This would be the last time these people would obstruct him without cost. He would make sure of it.