War Machine

[Moor Todan]

Episode 112: War Machine
"War is neither glamorous nor attractive."

Beyond good and evil! A month following the disgraceful attack on Chancellor Mori Valorum's life by demented Senator Terminus Faunus and a week following the former's resignation, the Senate assembles to discuss Senator Moor Todan's proposal to reform the Grand Army of the Republic...

In every man's life there came a time when they had to choose between what was easy and what was right, a defining moment that would set them on a path for the remainder of their life. Today was that moment for Moor. No longer could he shield himself behind the shallow persona he had created. It would have been easy for the Nubian Senator to ignore the threat that the Hutt Cartel and the Sith Empire posed to Core worlds, for they had enjoyed a peaceful repose over the last fifteen years, but they would now need to take a stand lest they witness everything they cherished set aflame.

There were braver representatives than Moor on the Senate, yet none had chosen to spearhead the rearmament of the Republic's military, no doubt in order to avoid the ire of the prominent figures of the Cartel and the Empire. Both of these organizations were known for their barbarous ways and would not hesitate to resort to a very public assassination or more nefarious intimidation tactics to respond to any perceived threat to their standing in the galaxy. However, Moor was childless, and his wife had preceded him in the grave. Nothing remained in his life, but an all-consuming devotion to his people and the greater Republic.

"My fellow Senators, the time has come for the Republic to take a stand. No longer can we shroud ourselves in blissful ignorance and turn a blind eye to the troubling times we live in. Today, I ask you to take a stand and support the rearmament of our military and the reconstitution of the Grand Army of the Republic, a military organization why sufficient autonomy to defend what we old dear. The wheels of democracy turn slowly, but the protection of the people whose lives are in our hands should not suffer because of it."

Moor paused to take in the look of his colleagues' face. He could see the skepticism oozing through their every pore. Most of them had never known war: the infamies of the Dark Jedi had never reached some of the more coreward worlds of the galaxy, yet he hoped that recent events such as the assault orchestrated by the Hutts mere weeks ago had sufficed to demonstrate just how vulnerable the Republic was to attacks.

"It is time for our member-worlds' military to unite anew and for our shipyards to renew their commitment to our defense. Emissaries need to be sent to all major shipyards in Republic space and ensure that vessels are being built for our fleet. The ones that were decommissioned need be activated once again and produce the most magnificent war machines the galaxy has ever seen."

"I am not asking you to declare war on any of one organization, but it is time for the beckon of light that this assembly embodies to shine bright on the looming shadows the would see it corrupted or obliterated," the Nubian Senator concluded before retreating to his seat. He hoped that his plea would be sufficient to convince the assembly to finally take the necessary steps to ensure the Republic's survival.

OOC: Tomfoolery and shenanigans disabled. PvP and death disabled. No weapons allowed. Please wait for Insal to post before we proceed to a vote.

@Insalius

 

[Sul Rusk]

Acting-Chancellor Sul Rusk watched Senator Todan make his speech, face stoic as it always was. In truth he had more of an appreciation for Mori Valorum's work as Supreme Chancellor as even the short time he had been acting in her previous capacity had shown him no shortage of troubles and problems that all had to be juggled with the greatest of finesse. Even so long after the attempted assassination attempt, the passion many Senators, and indeed many citizens of the Republic, had for this topic had not died down in the slightest. While he was unsure of where the vote would end up going, at the very least it would need to be called, lest the fervor be turned into anger at inaction, just as what had happened with Mori. Sul had the unenviable task of trying to return the Republic not only to order, but a body of respect that could overcome the shame that the senate pod shootout had caused. He still had a headache when he saw reruns of the debacle on the holonet.

"Honorable Representatives of the Republic, you have heard the words of the Junior Senator of Nubia. While the only one to speak on this matter, the subject of Rearmament has been on forefront of the thoughts of many in both this Senate and the citizens of our member worlds. I will allow a vote on this matter to proceed." The Chagrian looked to the various Senators for a moment, inwardly pondering the possible magnitude of what he was allowing to come to vote. "Now please vote 'Yay' or 'Nay' via your Senate pods to pass or fail the measure and that will conclude this special voting session of the Senate." Perhaps after this vote the Senate could return to regular order, to pursue regular topics as it had before. Perhaps that was just a fool's dream, and that the Republic had already changed beyond it's previous status quo. If it were evolving, would it be able to survive in these chaotic times? Or would it thrive and grow through the strife and conflict? Rusk put these idle questions to the side, as he was a politician, not a philosopher. The vote was about to begin, THAT is what needed his utmost attention.

((OOC: Voting will last for 24 hours from the time of this post. There may be an extension depending on circumstnaces.))

 

[Pyotr]

One hundred years of war was not enough for these bloodthirsty beasts? Their fathers and their father’s fathers and their father’s father’s fathers all fought in brutal battles that left the galaxy broken and scarred. Now, they wished to take the first step towards beginning that war anew? They wished to see not only the generations that came before snuffed out by war, but also their own children coming after? If there was to be an army, then there was also to be a war, the two were not mutually exclusive.

Only one answer laid on the table, Pyotr voted nay.

 

[Numenius Pax]

Numenius wanted to have a bit more of a debate about this whole topic but honestly? There wasn't any point. People here had made up their minds before they set foot inside the senate building. Many of them thought as he did and some thought as the others did but in the end, talking at this stage wouldn't accomplish anything. Especially since this was a voting session only - doubtlessly anyone who had a bit of a speech would be calmly escorted from the building and be unable to vote.

The speech from Todan was good even, but he couldn't help but think that he was being called to vote out of fear. Which was fine - there were a lot of things to fear out there - but they were dressing it up as something it was not. Calling this noble and brave and other such words was, in his opinion, sheer folly.

But there was to be a vote.

"The Senator for Corulag stands by his commitment to peace through pacifism and diplomacy." he declared bluntly and shortly, likely more to himself that anyone else, "I vote Nay."

Suiting action to words, he registered his vote against the re-arming and re-establishment of the Grand Army of the Republic.

 

[Octadar Kithar]

Finally. Someone had pushed it through. Octadar was now relieved that this would become now probably the forefront of the situation of the Senate. Several Senators would reject this and seek pacifism. The disgrace and shame of it. Could they not see the Sith Empire raising its armies and preparing for war. Did they not remember the time when the Senate itself was attacked by the Hutts. No, they didn’t care about the Republic. They cared only for their purses. He stood up
“Unlike some Senators, Fondor actually cares for the Republic and recognises the danger of the Sith Empire. It is time to stop acting when it’s too late and start taking the initiative. I vote Yay” and sat down

 

[Serena Valtome]

Senator Valtome had already begun to bring greater arms and protection to Empress Teta. Her proximity to planets like Prakith and Tython did not grant her the luxury of pretending threats didn't exist. Serena had zero hesitation as she responded to the vote as well. She wouldn't make a big show of her vote or attempt a speech at all. Corruption in the senate and assassination attempts only proved to her the need to vote and hoped the others would see this as well. It would be foolish, in her mind, to continue to sit idly while a power of evil grew stronger.

"Empress Teta shall vote Yay." She said simply, pressing the button.

A silent prayer to whatever existed went out from Serena. If the vote failed, she would have to take actions to defend her world. Prakith and Tython were landmines waiting to explode with war, and she was the gateway to the Republic from there. She considered what options would exist, but hoped the Senate would realize the need to prepare and defend.

 

[Dwight Antilles]

'Nay' that is the button Dwight Antilles would hit for Alderaan. It has already been said time and time again and it doesn't need to be said aloud again, the Kingdom of Alderaan stands for peace as it always had. Nothing else needs to be said either from the Alderaan side of things. The people of Alderaan don't want war again either.

@The Matt

 

[Darwin Mortenson Antilles]

It was his first time in the chamber, and already Senator Darwin Antilles was voting on something of considerable importance. He had read the briefings, and his mind his vote was assured. Rising from his seat he kept his statements brief as he said "Fellow Senators," he nodded as if to the chamber itself "...for me the answer is clear." Darwin moved his hand to the voting buttons as he continued "Peace is the desired outcome of diplomacy," his hand hovered over the two buttons.

Darwin paused, albiet briefly the weight of his first act in the Senate not lost on him "...but it is assured by respect, mutual respect between nations, institutions and Galactic Powers." his mind was made, and he pressed the button as he spoke his vote "...peace is the climate of freedom, and it is in that climate the ideals of this Republic shall prosper - but it must be assured through a strong, and robust military. For without the power to ensure it, peace is never a guarantee. As such, and on behalf of the people of Bestine, I vote aye."

 

[Kurt Greyson]

.

And here they were again. It seemed as though all the Senate did nowadays, other than argue and try to kill each other, was vote on (and debate) the rearmament and re-establishment of the GAR. It was both ineffective and frustrating to keep going in circles, but there was nothing he could do other than continuously fight back against it. Today, he did the same. Rather than stand up and waste his spit trying to convince the other Senators to vote "Nay" (although he could see many had been persuaded), he simply pressed the Nay button himself and sat back in his seat.

 

[Anthony Price]

Of all the Senstors to bring forth this bill, Moor Todan was not the one Anton expected to present the Bill concerning revitalizing the Grand Army of the Republic. In truth, the Corellian held a very negative viewpoint for the man. In his viewpoint, Senator Todan was arrogant, and Anton held the general opinion that he was also self-delusional and mildly ignorant of affairs of state.

Which was why Anton was not only surprised, but pleasantly so at his speech. While it was unfortunate, it had seemed the recent attack by the Hutts had done much to shift the opinions of some of his colleagues. Perhaps Moor held more depth than Anton had given him credit for, and recent events had dug deep enough to make it apparent. One thing was for certain: with Zamid Sarlo retiring from representing Duro, Price needed allies. He had intended to propose a bill like this after the Alderaan investigation had concluded, with the hopeful outcome that his findings and the subsequent hearing would Kindle support for this bill, but he had to admit that such a venture would take time - likely more time than the Republic could afford. What's to say more attacks wouldn't follow?

Yet, such a notion of gathering support and momentum didn't seem impactical either considering how the vote was shaping thus far. The Senate had entered the opening phases of the vote, and so far they were gridlocked, with the nays steadily gaining momentum. Before things grew out of hand, Anton elected to stand and speak his peace.

"My fellow representatives, I must indicate my whole hearted agreement with the Senator of Bestine, and despite our differences, I must also agree with Senator Todan of Nubia. We can only champion peace and prosperity if we remain standing to do so. Recent events have proven that our Republic is under attack. None of us want war, but we cannot ignore that a form of war is already upon us: that war being for our Republic's very soul - it's very existence! We must defend it, both within and without. If we do not, then the fall of our dear Republic is on all of our hands. Corellia votes Yay for rearming the Grand Army."

Hopefully his colleagues would see reason, and that they all had to stand together now more than ever.

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás found it interesting how the Senators who voted in favor of the proposal accompanied their vote with a convincing excuse or a singular claim. Yet in stark contrast, those he assumed voted Nay, like Senator Greyson or the younger Antilles given their record on prior proposals, they had nothing to say. Obviously, they were either hiding underlying motives or their own excuses were too weak to bother voicing. And indeed, they were. Those who voted against the bill would only make themselves out to be either spineless or suspicious.

Not that Senator Cormond despised pacifism, but this proposal was clearly not an attempt to provoke war. Especially from what Senator Todan mentioned, rearmament and reconstruction of the Grand Army did not immediately give cause for battle against any outside force. This proposal was not a declaration of war. It was only a stepping stone made in an effort to safeguard the Republic in case unwanted war ever did come to their borders. Like employing guards to protect a home, hiring them would not suddenly provoke a slew of burglars to attack. If anything, it meant to ward them off, not invite them in.

Either way, as interesting as this whole session was, Nicolás still had better things to do. As tempting as it was to add in his own opinion and justification, he remained silent like the Naysayers. And with a flick of his hand, he pressed Yay. Of course, the decision was not made purely for protection of the Republic. Nicolás had other things in mind too.

 

[Adrian Quin]

The last month had been a blur. After winning the election, he had rushed to catch up on Galactic events that seemed to be spiraling out of control. Now as he sat in his first meeting of the Senate, awestruck by the gathering of Senators. The power of the room was tangible. There would be no time for easy decisions it would seem when the topic of re-building the Republic Army was brought up.

The Republic had barely survived the last century of War, but they had survived and they would do so again. Diplomacy had always been the Republic's first and best weapon against its enemies, but the lack of a standing military offered them little in the way of power with which to negotiate by.

Ultimately what made his decision was the people of Andara. If it came to war, their planetary defense force would do little to stop an invasion. If he had been asked this several years ago, he probably would have voted no, but now he had seen the documents, had studied the threats.

He had no words of wisdom to add. He silently entered his Yay vote in before sitting back in his pod.

 

[Amelys Hearst]

Recalling the events of her first session in the Senate and comparing it to this one with a combination of perplexity and amusement, Amelys couldn't help but wonder if Senate sessions were all destined for madness. Fortunately, so far, this session showed no signs of heading down that path.

Waiting and observing the positions put forth by the other senators, and the few arguments that came with them, Amelys found little to challenge her previous commitment. When it came to her turn, there was no hesitation.

"As I made clear the last time we discussed this issue, I will not call for war. But I will call for preparation. I will call for insuring ourselves against the many threats in the galaxy, and the ever-present possibility that our diplomacy might fail. And I will call for making ourselves an independent force in this conflict, rather than a playground for the other powers in the galaxy. This is merely an exercise in caution in a set of highly unfortunate circumstances."

Almost certainly, there would be consequences. Unintended parties benefitting from all this, even exploiting it. Huge casualties. Untold suffering. But between the risk of preparing for war against the risk of not preparing, the choice was sadly obvious to the senator for Humbarine.

Voting Yay, Amelys took her seat as her senate pod retreated back into the masses.

 

[Aurora Adasca]

.

Another day, another vote.

Aurora's life as a Senator was becoming busier by the day. With the Chancellor resigning, the vote for a new one impending, that wasn't likely to change anytime soon. Compound that with the debate on rearming the Republic military and the recent charges of corruption swirling around Alderaan and Brentaal, and there was much for a senator to concern themselves with. But, right now, this vote on rearming the Republic military was the most important thing.

There were a few things clear to Aurora: the Sith were not the friends of the Republic, no matter what their rather obvious supporters in the Senate tried to spin, and the Hutts were active in Republic Space. The second was an act of war under most conventional circles, and the Sith... well, Aurora was no Jedi, but she had a gut instinct that they were about to be a much larger problem. With enemies on all sides, and these fools blindly turning away from the one natural ally the Republic had in the galaxy, it was clear that, at the very least, they needed to retool the military so that they could defend themselves.

She quickly brought up her vote screen. The vote was going to be close and she wouldn't be able to forgive herself for not lending her voice to the Republic's defense. She voted Yay and sent her vote to the Vice-Chancellor's central pod. Then, she sat back and crossed her arms. This was going to be a long, tense wait.

.

 

[Sul Rusk]

And with that, the vote was done. It was not unanimous, though Rusk didn't think it would be. Still, the majority had spoken. The Grand Army of the Republic would be reborn, not to attack but to defend. The details would be decided upon later, though a glance over to the Admiral's pod showed him already working with his aide on details. The man was dedicated, perhaps now that his chains had been cast off he could truly show why he deserved his position. In any case, enough time had passed so any votes to be made should have been done by now. With a few presses of his console the voting closed down, tallying the totals and displaying them to all of the assembled. He let the results sink in for a moment before speaking, again pondering just what this would mean for the future of the Republic. Perhaps this vote would make it so the Republic would be able to have a future in the first place.

"The voting has concluded. By the will of this Senate, the Grand Army of the Republic is to be reassembled. Admiral Deryck will assume command of this force and will be afforded what funding he will need to rebuild our forces as needed. With this matter decided, this session of the Republic Senate is concluded. As usual the agenda and date of the next session will be relayed to your individual staff. Unless there is anything else, we are adjourned." And it was done. Looking over again, Admiral Deryck and his Rodian Aide were already making their way back to their headquarters on the planet. There probably wouldn't be any sleep for them for a good while, not until they'd planned for their expansion. Time was now of the essence.

((OOC: Voting has ended, the motion has passed. Details and missions reflecting this will be available soon, keep an eye out!))