Open Galactic Senate War is in Session

[The Storyteller]

GALACTIC SENATE SESSION, COUNCIL OF MOTHERS BUILDING, GATALENTA​

Few things moved the disparate Senators of the galaxy to gather like war. Supreme Mogul Nor’baal Desilijic’s announcement of a Hutt conquest of Imperial space was still reverberating across the stars, with every planet and people asking themselves what the new conflict meant for them.

A session of the Galactic Senate was hastily arranged, this time hosted on the normally peaceful Gatalenta, in the Core. Coruscant was still in ruins and a neutral world appealed to Senators anxious and nervous about shifting loyalties.

Delegates began to gather in the ordered chamber usually used by the planet’s Council of Mothers, perfectly sufficient for the needs of the moment.

The Speaker was awaited and Senators had a few moments to gather their thoughts.


OOC:

Speaker will be posted 24-48 hours after the timestamp of this post.

Agenda will begin with a proposal from Senator @Nathan Braxon and thereafter be freeform subject to usual procedural rules.

 

[Nathan Braxon]

Nathan had arrived early, shaking hands and squeezing shoulders with those who had done the same but otherwise avoiding being delayed.

He took his seat and straightened his tie, confident this was the right course. The Hutts had caught them all of guard, striking at an established balance that threatened everything but themselves. The rest of the galaxy found itself presented with a wholly unsatisfactory situation, in which they waited with baited breath to feel the repercussions of an unnecessary war.

But his father had always said, if you don’t like how the table is laid, turn over the table.

The man had always been able to turn a phrase, but Nathan hoped to turn the Senate to action today. If they sat by, they were no Senate at all.

 

[Maryenne Vennen]

Dressed in a gray dress, Maryenne arrived early for this session of the Senate. With the meeting happening on her own homeworld, it would be a shame if she ended up being late. Following her through the corridors of the Council of Mothers were her brother and the protocol droid, Florian.

Besides the flames of conflicting once again stirring across the Galaxy, this Senate session was important because Senator Braxon was going to make a proposal. With Begamor being an ally of Gatalenta, she wanted to be here to see what the man was going to say. Without any delay, she moved to her pod.

@Alhon

 

[Alistair Blagden]

Also having arrived early, Alistair spent his time networking and getting to know the many that were gathered beforehand. While it was true that most he greeted were not particularly of note - staff, lesser dignitaries, businessfolk - Alistair made sure his face was known nonetheless. He was clad for the occasion in his crisp white Imperial uniform, which was uniquely altered with a more nicely tapered and extended bottom and a sharp folded collar.

As the time for greetings would close and the business at hand approach, Alistair would step up to his podium and prepare his notes. He stood as a picture of Imperial solemnity and resolution amongst the many other Senators that would gather today. While the other factions of the Empire would fight in the skies and the trenches, this would be his own battlefield.

Today, Alistair went to war.

 

[Vetra]

War.

War never changes. Well, some times it changes, but one constant remains. War is good for business. Blackwell Technologies specializes in it's weapons and droids, and with war people will want to purchase Blackwell's top of the line weapons, droids, and ships.

Sure, the Empire deserves no small amount of credit for seemingly eliminating Darth Raze, the terror incarnate of the galaxy. Now the question remains, what will become of Courscant? Will someone launch liberation efforts? But it seems that the Hutt Cartel has launched a bid to take over the Empire. This is an... interesting development. Going through news reports on her smart dataphone, there have been early reports of incursions into Imperial territory.

Nonetheless, Vetra was in person in her senate pod, flanked by her droid attendants. She would be wearing her corporate uniform proudly representing the galaxy's premier mega-corporation as she waits for the proceedings to begin.

 

[Trina Kalist]

Trina arrived. She sat down. She scowled.

"Let's get this started at once," She said curtly. The news was already reporting on multiple attacks. They didn't have time for the usual formalities.

 

[Victoria]

Victoria arrived.

 

[The Storyteller]

The Speaker emerged into view and the gathering chamber quietened without the need for her to bring them to order. The prevailing mood and shadow of war already weighed heavy.

"Thank you all for convening at such short notice" Roma Anti said, making a cursory glance around the assenbled Senators. "We move immediately to the proposal brought.

Senator Braxon, you have the floor".

@Alhon

 

[Nathan Braxon]

Nathan stood without hesitation. “Thank you Madam Speaker”. As usual, Roma left much to be desired as the convenor of galactic debate, but Nathan spared little thought on her today. She would not be Speaker forever.

He gripped one hand in the other, remembering his military academy training. Chin up, chest out, shoulders back. He was no soldier, but he had made this arena his battlefield for many years. Today, it would show.

“Colleagues” he began “friends…”. He glanced at Maryenne, Vetra and Trina in particular. “You all know why we are here. War is upon us again, another conflict that will strike at the lives and lands that we all represent, that will lay waste to prosperous worlds and turn many millions into corpses and refugees”.

He was genuinely disgusted by such waste and it showed on his face. “And this time, this time colleagues, it is as bad as it gets, because of what it’s about. The Hutts aren’t invading the Empire for justice or grievance. There not pursuing some ancient right or future vision. Nor’baal Desilijic does not even pretend that”. They would all have seen the Hutt’s broadcast.

“This war is about greed. Pure and simple. The greed to strike at an enemy without cause or provocation, just because they are weak. Weak because they gave their lives, their leadership and lands to defeating the enemy all of us could not”.

Nathan was no friend to the Empire, but every Senator would have felt the cost of Darth Raze in blood, soil or broken fortunes. They owed the men and women of the Empire a debt.

“The invasion has already sparked others, giving licence to the Sith and every belligerent power out there, to carve up what they can. Left unopposed, the fire will catch and spread”. He held his arms wide. “Which of our worlds will be next?”.

He took hold of his podium now, getting into his stride. “We all have our different interests, hell I’m from the Rim, there’s a lot we can disagree on”. He looked at each of them in turn. “But if we care anything for peace, justice, for the lives and prosperity of our people and planets, we must stand against this war”.

It was time for the proposal.

“I move that this Senate condemns the Hutt invasion and calls for an immediate withdrawal by all Hutt-aligned forces”. Nor’baal may care little for galactic opinion, but mercenaries and investors would think twice about making big moves against the tide. There were also new men leading the Imperial defence, good men from what he read. Perhaps they would be bolstered.

But that was only the opener. The Senate may have few means to fight the invasion head on, but it could undermine any victory. Nathan stared for a long moment at the single seat for the Hutt representative, currently empty.

“The Hutts tried to force their way into this Senate once before and we agreed to give them a single seat. I see they do not even value it”. The empty chair was a boon he had not dared to expect.

“I further move that we expel the Hutts from this Senate immediately and, should they succeed in conquering the Empire, that the Empire’s now 30 seats be forfeit”.

Nathan’s gaze swept the chamber confidently. If the Senate would not do this, it was no Senate at all. “Let us stand up for the people we represent and not let a tyrant take by force what he cannot earn through debate”.

 

[Arok Desilijic Nor'baal]

Given there was a war on, Nor'baal had sent an Ambassador, his own beloved Son, Arok, in his stead. The younger Hutt sat in his pod, watching as the opening speech by a Senator he had never heard of made some trumped up speech broadly suggesting 'War. Bad.'.

He looked at the speaking order, and would wait for his turn to address the assembled Senators.

 

[Galek Ordalos]

There was a reason that Galek had staunchly opposed allowing the Hutt Clans into the Galactic Senate.

While their institution was filled with fresh faces and junior politicians, the Vice President of the ISC had sat amongst them for decades. Memories of the Consortium-Hutt war lingered in the back of his mind, undercutting any negotiation or attempts at civility. He expected them to betray their allies at the soonest convenience, and his concerns were only validated by the campaign launched against the Empire.

Galek had no qualms allowing rivals of the Consortium to tear eachother apart. Nevertheless, their presence within the Galactic Senate was a matter they could no longer afford to ignore.

As per usual, Galek arrived with a flash of the extravagant and fragrant perfumes - adorned in a Sherwani of cream and gold, accompanied by a matching dupatta that draped across his shoulder and back. His fingers were fitted with a multitude of gemstone rings, hair and beard freshly trimmed for the latest meeting of the Senate. He was accompanied by no less than two aides that flanked him on both sides, one of which carried the agenda for the day.

For the moment, the Vice President held his tongue - expecting the Hutt Representatives to grotesquely begin flapping their own before his opinion was necessary.

 

[Makari de Nolay]

Makari de Nolay rarely made public appearances anymore. He had acquired a rare...condition that excused him from most visits, most outings. Instead, the Senator stayed isolated, maybe quarantined, in his massive palatial estate. He sat, on Alsakan, in a dark room at the top of the Senatorial palace. From here, he holo-projected in, a dull blue hologram filing the seat that Alsakan would normally occupy.

From all he could see, the Hutt invasion of the Empire was a win-win. The Empire was an expansionist military dictatorship with its eyes set on the rest of the Senate. They had struck down Darth Raze. They were weakening from their constant wars, unable to keep up with the logistical demands of their own never-ending series of invasions. The Core remained leaderless. And still, a darker power loomed, waiting to be reborn. It was a power that now lingered in the back of Makari's mind, perhaps more dormant since Raze was struck down. He would still heed its call.

For now, keeping the Mid-and-Outer Rim in a state of permanent chaos and bloodshed was perfectly aligned with his goals. As long as they kept it away from Alsakan, he hoped that the Empire and the Hutts would send one-another right to hell where they belonged. With the Empire's outsized role in the Senate compared to the Hutts' single seat, they would need an ally-of-convenience to not immediately get pushed out of the Senate's floors. Perhaps it could sway other voters if a seemingly-neutral party made the first remarks in response.

"With all due respect, Senator Braxon, this seems like an internal affair of the Empire. We do not exist at your beck-and-call, to isolate your political opponents when so you choose."

Makari would not wait for other opinions from the other Senators. "Alsakan rejects this emergency vote, pushed rapidly in the Empire's time of fear. It undermines the core role of our august body. The Senate is a place for diplomacy. Lest we forget, it was our Senate's desire for peace which led to us inviting the Empire here in the first place. This, while the Empire was occupying worlds of the former Free Worlds Alliance." Of course, Makari wasn't a part of that decision making at all. But would he be a real politician if he didn't try to claim any action or convenience as a part of his designs? "Not to mention the military adventures the Empire has made into neutral space in the interceding years. If we did not force the Empire out of the Senate for its history of rampant warmongering, I see no reason to force the Hutts out of the Senate for their vested interest in political stability for an Empire that cannot seem to keep a leader." He tut-tutted, before moving to close his remarks.

"If peace is to prevail, both Hutt and Imperial forces must be at the table. Alsakan votes no. Should you choose to withdraw from the Senate, that is outside our control."

 

[Arok Desilijic Nor'baal]

Arok was fed up of waiting, so he signalled his intention to speak, and - following a nod from the speaker - did so.

"Members of the Senate, I will begin by noting that the 'Hutt Empire' does not have full and proper represenation to this Senate. Instead, this body made it clear that only Nal Hutta would be getting a seat at the table, and that each other world in our Empire would need to make an application to join. We are waiting to hear back on the several thousand applications we submitted to join, one for each and ever habited planet in our Space, this morning." he smiled, and carried on.

"That being said, I will address the reason why our Empire declared war on the so-called Empire north of our border. Just days ago, members of the ISB attempted to carry out an assassination on the life of our leader, Nor'baal the Illustious." he lied "And had in their possession detailed intelligence which showed plans to carry out a widespread Hutticide against members of my species. We simply had no choice but to act, to act against this hostile aggressor state, which has taken planet after planet, committed war crime after war crime, as it has illegally expanded its borders to the galactic north."

"The Hutt Empire has a right to protect itself from a hostile state, which this so-called Empire is. We will defend ourselves, much like ever single planet represented in this place must do if attacked. We face annihilation, we face a targeted and unrelenting plot to murder every single Hutt inside our borders - and we do not apologise for taking action against 'The Empire', in light of this fact." he stopped speaking, his arguement made, before stabbing his pudgy little hand on the no to cast his vote.

 

[Damian Casto]

Damian stood there shocked, looking at Arok. For some reason, he expected the relationship between the Hutts and the Empire to last forever. Obviously, that wasn’t the case here. He watched Ka’Naar look around steadily, observing.
“Should I ask to speak?” Asked Damian. They obviously wanted to favour the Empire
“Yes, you may. Take the stage.” He responded. So Damian pressed the button.
“Yes, Senator Casto?” Said the Speaker. “You may speak.” She said after a few seconds of consideration. Damian took a moment to look around. Now all eyes weee on him.
“Greetings today, Senate. On behalf of New Alderaan, and on myself and Senator Ka’Naar, we believe that The Empire should not be accused of an attempt to assassinate Nor’Baal.” He said, trying to keep calm. “And because of that, we shall vote Yes.”Damian said. “Unless, you have evidence to present?” Damian said, raising an eyebrow. He sat back in his seat.
“Very well done, you have them hooked, I believe.” Ka’Naar said.
“Thanks.” Is all Damian could say, breathing deeply.

 

[Alistair Blagden]

So it begins.

Alistair stepped forward in his podium to speak. "Fellow senators, let us observe the facts of the matter at hand. While this body's Nal Hutta representative makes claims of assassination attempts and threats of genocide, these are baseless accusations with no proof presented. If these were the basis of their acts of aggression," he queried pointedly, "then why were they omitted from Nor'baal Desilijic's publicly broadcasted declaration of war? The Hutt Clans speak of defending and protecting their worlds - calling the Empire an "aggressor state" - and yet they have instead launched an all-out offensive on the Empire's worlds." Alistair pointed out, his clear, confident tone free of anger or spite. "While his initial claim has only included that of the Empire, in the same breath Nor'baal has called himself "master of the Galaxy"! This is an undeniable assertion, and begs the undeniable question: once he has claimed the Empire, where will this self-proclaimed "master of the Galaxy" stop?"

Alistar let the implications of the Hutt's declaration hang in the air threateningly for a moment before continuing. "Nal Hutta clearly disagrees with Imperial methods, but it is laughable for them to make accusations of crime when Hutt Clan space houses the largest criminal underworld factions in the entire Galaxy. The Empire brings peace, freedom, justice, and security to its citizens. Has Nor'baal promised these things to Imperial citizens? No - he has only offered riches to the Empire's leaders. He would rather purchase loyalty than offer stronger government to Imperial citizens."

His gaze observing the reactions of his fellow Senators, Alistair concluded, "This assault comes from a clear power-hungry stance of greed. Columex votes Yes to condemn the invasion and call for immediate ceasefire and withdrawal. Removal of Nal Hutta's representation on this austere body is an extreme action to take simultaneously, and unfair to the citizens of its world; however, such an aggravated assault cannot continue without repercussions. Columex moves to have Nal Hutta's seat removed from the Senate should they ignore a call for withdrawal. If the Hutt Clans cannot respect this body's diplomatic approach to resolution, then they should not be granted access to it."

His speech complete, Alistair stepped down from his podium, the floor open once again.

 

[Damian Casto]

Right. Alastair has voted yes, as he expected the rest of the Senate to do so. What surprised Damian though, was that Alastair asked the Hutts representative to leave. Now, Damian was not sure if that was even allowed, but it seemed most of the other Senators wanted to say yes, but knowing the consequences of doing so. Of course, not too many people liked the Hutts, but closing out such a powerful Senator like that could get you in trouble. Deadly trouble. If there was one thing Damian never wanted to do as a Senator, it was to get on another’s really bad side. Of course, there was something else to keep into account. Helping the Empire was their main goal. Of not, who knows what would happen. The Empire is powerful, and siding with them could get you deals, and his father as a weapons seller, this would be the way to make money. Partnering with the Empire would be the best choice, no matter the risk. So, Damian hoped that Nal Hutta would give up his seat. Decision made, no doubt.

 

[Vetra]

Vetra decided to be the voice of reason and peace. "Esteemed Colleagues" the Blackwell Liaison. "Senator Blagden. Might I remind you, the last senate session, the Empire was on the 'chopping block' to be expelled a lot in part to their out-of-the-blue aggression against the Jedi. We rejected it because of course, but if we expel the Hutts for attacking the Empire, that means that the Empire should have been expelled in the last session, no?"

"Justified or not, the Galactic Senate is not a body to arbitrate morality or punish others. It is a forum for the representatives in the star nations. This conflict between the Hutts and the Empire, and it is for them to settle. We must control our emotions."

"Blackwell will vote no on this. The Alsakan Senator speaks wisely, and I concur with his words as well. In addition: Ultimatums and condemnations will not bring an end to this conflict. They will do nothing but potentially make the conflict worse. Blackwell urges the parties to come to the table in talks to come to a diplomatic, peaceful resolution. If need be, the Corporate Sector can offer safe neutral ground to host Hutt and Imperial diplomats for talks."

Vetra would then sign off.

@Shalken @Fine Dining Set @Nor'baal

 

[Arok Desilijic Nor'baal]

Good! the witless worms of the Senate saw through the Imperials fraudulent lies. Of course, the Hutts where correct - they always are! Arok mused to himself as the Corporate Alliance Senator and others made their remarks. He ignored the jibes of the gutless Imperials, and instead remembered what his father had always said.

Play the long game.

The fleeting lives of the lesser species was something to be abused, he could simply wait for them to die of old age, their people to become worn out and perish.

Arok was in no rush to see the Empire gone, he could wait.

"We welcome the sage words of some in this chamber. By their own logic the Empire should be ejected from this chamber - something we Hutts would never support! This is a place of cooperation, of diplomacy - there are always bargains to be struck, and deals to be made." he nodded his 'thanks' to the Corporate Alliance Senator.

The Hutt carried on "And of course, we welcome the Empires immediate cessation of hostilities so that talks can begin, hosted by the Corporate Sector Alliance. A neutral place to strike a bargain. If the Imperials would agree to such a move, a temporary ceasefire, I am authorised by the Supreme Mogul, Emperor Nor'baal Desilijic Fa'athra, to agree to open talks, at which he shall be in attendance, personally."

Arok looked at each of the Imperials, a silent challenge to each of them made clear.

Would they accept?

 

[Nathan Braxon]

Nathan listened as his colleagues chimed in, resisting the urge to smile. He reminded himself of one of his most basic tenets; never underestimate the number of idiots in the room.

"Perhaps your people will thank you for voting to do nothing, Senator de Nolay (@Fine Dining Set ) " he remarked "I know mine will not". The guy had to be in the pay of the Hutts, simply backing inaction and proposing no alternative. No doubt he was onboard with Arok Desilijic's (@Nor'baal ) fabricated assassination excuse too, which thankfully almost no one seemed to buy.

Vetra (@The Good Doctor ) did slightly better, proposing to host peace talks, though Nathan doubted that was realistic. Talks could only end in the Hutts taking more than they had now. Perhaps they should all bark at their neighbours and have Vetra mediate how much they could bite off. Was she not supposed to care for market stability?

"I fear I disagree completely, Senator. The galactic community, represented in this Senate, is very much entitled to take a view on the conduct of galactic powers. We are here to pursue a better galaxy. Most of us try to do that through discussion and debate, but that is not how the Hutts have started out. When tyrants reach for war, we should be able to say we think they are wrong". Representing products, not people, she showed no sign she understood that diplomatic pressure was a thing. Condemnation from the right quarter could make a difference, and Nathan had proposed more on top.

Naturally, the lone Imperial representative could not just say yes, instead shuffling to support the call for a ceasefire, and Hutt expulsion only if it was not heeded. "I am pleased we find some common cause, Senator Blagden (@Shalken ) and I am happy Madam Speaker to accept the Senator's amendment without debate; that the Nal Hutta representative be expelled only if the Hutts do not heed the call for a ceasefire".

All of this was still splitting hairs in Nathan's view. None of them had grappled with the question of if the Hutts won, taking control of the Empire's 30 Senate seats. From his intel, it was a very real possibility.

"I am acutely aware the Senate chose not to expel the Empire in the past, for striking out in the same way. I personally think that was a mistake". It cost him little to say so.

"But this is politics, not case law. We are people, not drones, elected to tackle the issues of the day, not be slaves to the mistakes of the past". He shook his head. "We have a chance to say today that, do what they will, the Hutts cannot fight their way into this Senate". Those opposed to wanton invasions had to see the motion would deny the Hutts the long-term goal they sought.

Then the gluttonous Arok took up Vetra's offer of talks, even a temporary ceasefire. That easy?! Nathan's eyebrow raised a fraction. He turned slowly to look to the Imperial Senator Blagden, making a new calculation.

There was more than one way to win the day.

 

[Maryenne Vennen]

While the other politicians exposed their points, Maryenne couldn’t avoid thinking how this entire discussion was ironic. Only some months ago, a similar session had been organized to deal with the ongoing war between the Empire and the Jedi, even being argued about the Imperial senators losing their position in the Senate because of this conflict. Now they were trying to do the same, but with the Hutts and to save the Imperials.

It was fruitless, the Senate would never try to intervene in their conflicts. They never did it when the Sith Empire was attacking the Free Worlds Alliance. Why would they do it now?

What made Maryenne more surprised is the fact that Braxon was trying to defend the Empire. He should be interested in securing their alliance, while leaving the Hutts and Imperials to kill each other. The Gatalentan had little love for any of them, with both being representations of tyranny.

However, her closest political ally was invested in trying to bring peace. She decided to give him some support, even if it wasn’t going anywhere. “I agree with the amendment.” Maryenne said, addressing the other politicians. “A ceasefire should be arranged by Hutts and Imperials. However, I believe that the punishment of losing seats should also be given to the Empire, if they fail in respecting the ceasefire. It wasn't going to be justice if only the Hutts suffer with this penalty.”