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Post by Jedi Knight Mahir on Aug 20, 2014 17:50:09 GMT -8
I shrug my massive shoulders, there wasn't a short answer to this question.
If it was assumed, it was not assumed by me, but I was least senior of the Jedi at Ryloth, so perhaps they were commissioned. I have no record of being officially commissioned by the military and I never interacted with republic military personnel. The pirates disabled the command vessels comms when they rammed it for boarding actions. So I was only able to communicate with the ship briefly, but that communication lead me to believe that the boarders were outmatched. I did not know that some of the boarders were mandolorians, or at least they used mandolorian gear. I suspect this surprise to be the cause of the republic retreat from Ryloth. Though I doubt that was the only surprise considering the probable numbers of combatants on both sides, since just the troop contingent of a Victory destroyer exceeds the max crew and passenger count of Carrak Light Cruiser, the pirate's ship of choice for this engagement. Both ships crashed to the surface, though the pirates managed to repair enough of the their ship to leave system after the engagement had concluded.
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Crom'nen
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Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Aug 21, 2014 7:04:54 GMT -8
Crom'nen was taken somewhat aback. This is what happens when he did not get to depose the witness ahead of time. Froz. He nodded, as if understanding. He had to appear in control. He had to appear impartial. Even if things did not go his way today, he could still win a personal victory.
We then, it appears that we have the wrong being here today. Would you please provide us with the names of the ranking Jedi, those aboard the ship, so that we can verify your testimony and question the right person or persons?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2014 0:17:21 GMT -8
Rawkill listened to the exchange between the Chancellor, Knight Mahir, and Senator Crom'nen, not quite sure any of them really knew where they were trying to lead the discussion with their statements. His own thoughts were soon interrupted by the arrival of the head of security for the Scipio delegation, whom gave a bow to Master Rawkill, before the man straightened up
=Scipio Security Chief=
Good day Master Jedi, I come on behalf of Senator Onwa Fortis of Scipio, to invite you to his pod, to allow you to voice your opinion on this matter...
=Jedi Master Rawkill=
A most generous offer, one that I think I shall take him up on...
Rawkill touched a button on the seat, before it lowered itself down, allowing Rawkill to hop off the seat and follow the Head of Security out of the visitors viewing deck and around the Senate Chamber to where the Scipio Pod was located. He gave a short bow to Senator Onwa Fortis as he entered the pod, taking in the slightly different view of the massive Senate Chamber, now that he was 'in the trenches', so to speak. It was then they he took note of the small exchange between Mahir and Crom'nen, in which Mahir went back on a statement he had made earlier, and Crom'nen asked after the Jedi whom had been in command
=Jedi Master Rawkill=
Thank you for inviting me down. It seems as though I will need to borrow your pod, however...
Senator Fortis gave Rawkill a nod, before activating some controls to bring the pod out and fly over to the gathering that was around the Chancellor. It was strange being in one of these hover pods, so close to the action that he had only seen from afar, amongst these giants, so to speak. Rawkill stood on a seat, so that he could get a good view of the other pods occupants and so that they could see him as well, as the pod came to a stop in formation with the others, before Senator Fortis cleared his throat
=Senator Onwa Fortis=
Scipio requests the floor to yield its time to the Dignitary from the Jedi Order.
With that, Senator Fortis took a seat, as Rawkill gave a short bow, as was customary. He had spent far too much of his time on the sidelines during this inquiry, now he was going to try put this twisted set of events to rest, at least so far as the Jedi were concerned. Or at least, that was the goal, since sense seemed to be in very short supply at the current moment, considering the situation they had all found themselves in
=Jedi Master Rawkill=
Thank you Senator Fortis. Esteemed members of the Senate, allow me to introduce myself, I am Jedi Master Rawkill, member of the Jedi Council of First Knowledge, Deputy Headmaster of the Yavin IV Jedi Temple, and Advisor to the Jedi High Council. My duties were to remain as an observer to this inquiry, but no longer. Let me start by saying that all other Jedi whom had been present on Ryloth are all either dead or MIA, since, as Jedi, their responsibility was to protect their fellow Jedi, just as your Republic Naval Personelle's responsibility was to protect the people of Ryloth. We are allies, and equals, not your lap dogs to be called upon to deal with rouge Mandalorian Pirates when our people are stretched across several battlefronts by fanatical Mandalorians hell bent on killing all Force Users. The fact you would demean the deaths of all those whom died fighting not only to protect their way of life, but the way of life of Republic Citizens, is sickening. That is not to say that the losses that Ryloth has suffered are no less important, for every life is sacred. But do not try and lay the fault of your Naval Officers, whom acted of their own volition to disobey your Rules of Combat, nor the actions of the Mandalorian Pirates, whom were the ones that dropped a Star Destroyer on Lessu, at the feet of the Jedi. It is quite clear that the Republic Navy needs some reforms, if an entire Star Destroyer of Republic Soldiers was unable to deal with a band of Pirates, and decided to jump ship, without following proper protocols, on the orders of someone wielding a laser sword whom had no official military ranking within the Grand Army of the Republic. At every turn, the Jedi have done their best to protect and serve the Republic as allies whenever we were called upon to help, laying down our lives for them, but where was our great and noble ally, during the Jedi's darkest hour? What of Yavin IV? What of Carida? and where was the Republic when the Jedi put their differences with the Sith aside to fight at Kuat? And now we are to be shamed publicly for the actions of others? I weep for this once great government, whom once would have thought rationally, and handled this matter in private first, to work out all the facts, before bringing this matter to the Senate, instead of waiting to learn the facts in public and embaress both sides. A great deal of damage has been done this day, and so I implore the Senate and the Chancellor to put an end to this. The Jedi Council were willing to entertain this inquiry, just in case it turned out that there were indeed Jedi at fault, but it is quite apparent that this is not the case. Since this is clearly an internal affair for the Republic, regarding the actions of their own officers, I would request Knight Mahir's release, provided he does not wish to assist your internal investigation...
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Crom'nen
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Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Aug 25, 2014 14:08:04 GMT -8
Crom'nen was delighted at Rawkill's words. The issue seemed to be dead in the water, and then he was presented with Rawkill, on a silver platter. He made a mental note to write out a thank you card later, though he would not send it. He would disintegrate it. Perhaps he could anonymously send the Ewok a dead animal. He stood, proud but calm, and began to respond.
Let me address your issues point by point. First, your last point. I just admitted Jedi Knight Mahir's presumed innocence. But who are you to demand his release? What authority do you have to make such a demand? You are correct in saying that you are not our lapdogs. It is true that in the past the Jedi were servants of the Republic, but your outburst, Master Rawkill, shows that you do not share their fine tradition. Perhaps it would do you well to remember that we are not your lapdogs either.
Secondly, you have attacked me for questioning Knight Mahir in public without information. How can we gain information if we do not question the relevant witness? Would you rather me announce charges and claim things without giving Mahir a chance to answer. Remember, Master Jedi, that I could have filed accusation as ranking member of the government of Ryloth, but I asked for this hearing, broadcast across the galaxy, that the truth might come out. What is it, Master Jedi, that you are afraid will come out? Is there more truth than has been seen here today? It seems that you would want the facts to come out. Your hesitance to see the facts come to life might give the people of Ryloth, as well as members of this body, pause to consider what you might be hiding.
Thirdly, you state that the citizens of Ryloth's lives are just as valuable as yours. Pretty words, but your actions do not bear them out. The Mandalorian group that sought to wipe you out was a threat, while the Mandalorian group that wished to exterminate and enslave my people were not, you say. Why is it that those Jedi Masters decided that their lives, that the Republic Defense Fleet around Ryloth, were worth sacrificing to protect your people, but not mine? We have buried seventy-three thousand and counting. I tell you what I would like to see. Go down to Lessu, as I have been. Work to unbury our citizens as I have done. I found one child, alive, because his father had flung himself onto the child as the roof collapsed. The father did not make it, nor did they boy's mother or sister. Why don't you go down to the emergency shelter where he sits alone, and explain to him how his life, his family's lives, were valuable, but not valuable enough to defend. I have sought answers, not to besmirch the memories of fallen heroes. Please do not besmirch the memories of fallen citizens, because you deem that the people who killed them were of lesser value or skill. If that were true, then they should have been able to defend Ryloth quickly and handily. Let us not forget, it was your Jedi who were repelled, and your Jedi who ordered the retreat, by Mahir's own testimony.
As for where we have been, we have been here all along, fairly elected Representatives of the people. Can you say the same? Who appointed you, Master Jedi? Where have you been. Crom'nen pointed to an empty pod. That pod, with two seats, is reserved for the Jedi, to have two non-voting functionaries, to speak for the Jedi and to provide us with the information that we need to assist you. And yet, in all my time with the current incarnation of the Republic, that pod has been empty. Even now you do not speak from it. What of Yavin? Yavin could join and be represented, even selecting a Jedi to be a Senator, but the Council has deemed to do otherwise. What of the military council? The Jedi are supposed to send a representative, so that the Republic and Jedi can support one another. Master Starflare came to--four?--meetings. We were never notified of attacks, until we received after-action reports. How can we respond to battles that we don't know are happening? And if our fleets are commandeered like on Ryloth, how are we to have the resources to respond? Do not blame us because the Council had kept us uninformed. It is not the Republic, but the Jedi, who have chosen to break the relationship that we once held so dear.
As for my personal involvement...
Crom'nen reached up and grabbed his robes, pulling them off of his shoulders, so that the robe caught in his elbows, but still covered him from the waist down. His green skinned had stripes of lighter color over the compact muscles of his chest, shoulders, and back. One thing was apparent. The wounds were healed without the use of bacta.
I personally went undercover among the Mandalorians to try to protect the Jedi and the Republic. I convinced the Mandalorians to attack Kuat instead of their original target, Corellia. I gave us the chance to survive. This mission was Top Secret. Only the members of the military committee were aware of it, unless the Vice Chancellor informed Chancellor Cihlbar of this. I cannot attest to that either way. What I can attest to is that I was caught, after my mission was successful, and I spent a month languishing in a prison on their homeworld. Master Rawkill, that fur of your appear pristine. I have the scars I received for your people. Where are the scars you received for my people? Even Jedi Knight Mahir returned to Ryloth to help in the final push to drive off the pirates. He was wounded. But where are your scars, Master Jedi?
Crom'nen paused for a moment. He knew that the scars would be a stunning visual for the media outlets, so he waited for a moment, a mixture of pride and anger on his face, then he pulled his robes back up. After that, he turned from the Ewok to address the Senate at large.
One thing the Jedi Master and I can agree on. The Republic needs to better define the relationship between itself and the Jedi. As he said, the Jedi should have no authority as things stand. We need a complete overhaul. Either we need to work closer together, or break away militarily. Either the Jedi should have authority but be accountable for their actions, or else they should have no authority. We can have it both ways, no longer. I ask this not as a Senator, as I have not retaken my seat, but as a citizen of Ryloth and ranking member of that government. Make the changes necessary to ensure that my peolple have not died for nothing. If we must sacrifice, we do so as proud warriors. But we ask that you honor our sacrifice.
Finally, I ask that this body grant emergency funding for the people of Ryloth, long-term funding for the rebuilding, as well as funding that we might have our own, independent fleet so that this tragedy does not happen again.
I thank this body for hearing me, and recommend that no charges be filed against Jedi Knight Mahir at this time.
Crom'nen hit the button to redock the pod, then walked out of the Rotunda and into the hallway. Yes, he needed to thank Rawkill. He might not have gotten a chance to recommend reforms without it. That was, after all, his actual purpose in the hearing. Grandstanding to do so, that just made it pleasurable. It could not have gone better if he had put the words in Rawkill's mouth himself. And now the stunned Senate was in need of change. And while reforms would be enacted, the Twi'lek Senator would be free to do as he pleased, and start playing the other side of the game.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2014 12:10:21 GMT -8
Sitting within the confines of his chair, Derrick could not help but remain a silent observer to this insipid proceeding. He was nothing more than an Ambassador, while it was true he could exercise his right to speak out, his words would have fallen upon deaf ears. It seems that both the Republic and the Jedi grew into a certain typecasts that had caused such an interesting divide. Not that he could complain, since he had several items to address once he and his portion of the Tion Cluster were accepted into the folds, but it would make his rise to power all the more interesting now that the truth had been made apparent. Perhaps he could use this truth to bond the two errant factions into one, reform the ideals of the Republic from the glory days long past.
It seemed like that would be a popular move, as everyone he knew cherished the past more than they eagerly awaiting the new adventures of the future. They were nothing more than myopic bigots, squawking in the hopes of being fed their daily requirement of attention.
Pushing such sour thoughts aside, the Ambassador roused himself from the confines of his chair and moved towards the table adorned in various refreshments. Eying the silvered ewer filled with a fragrant wine, he began choosing what would complement such a divine drink. The only issue there was that Derrick could not decide upon what he believed would go well with the wine and not leave a curdling taste upon his palate. Settling for a small cube of foreign cheese, the Ambassador poured himself a goblet of crimson wine. The wine would purge any lingering doubts in his mind, and the cheese would ensure that he wouldn’t faint before the assemblage.
These were simple preparations that would positively echo throughout the application process. Though, he was unsure when they were supposed to take place, so if he was to wait for hours upon end, several goblets of wine and a round of cheese would have been consumed. He chortled softly at the idea of showing up to this application hearing as a drunkard. That would really shock the senate, he mused, as he sucked down a paltry mouthful of the glorious liquid.
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Post by Jedi Knight Mahir on Aug 26, 2014 15:23:15 GMT -8
I speak only briefly, using the mic in the pod to project my voice.
Esteemed senators and Master, in my experience our two bodies cannot survive separately so I humbly suggest that we finally and completely join ourselves into one coherent, cohesive body. May the force be with us all.
Mahir then followed Crom'nen out of the chamber. If he was recalled he would return, but for now his purpose here had been fulfilled. He finally began to understand the most basic moves of the game Crom'nen was playing, calling for reforms in such a public and graphic manner demanded an answer for the senate, and the populace would be watching carefully to see how their government would react to this audacious challenge for reforms within the senate's policy. The road ahead would not be smooth, but it was at least no longer clouded with doubt, not for him anyway. Either the Jedi and the Republic learned to walk as one being, or they would both become paralyzed in the near future.
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Sept 2, 2014 23:14:58 GMT -8
Enough! Senator Crom'nen, you are our of order! The Jedi is here as a guest to answer a subpoena delivered- by your hand- lawfully. He has answered your question and is free to go UNDER MY AUTHORITY. Do not make the mistake in believing you are among the only beings in this rotunda that has bled for his people. I have bled for my people, and saved by the jedi no less; and I will no longer tolerate you besmirching the dignity of them nor the proceedings of this chamber.
The innocence of Jedi Knight Mahir has been ascertained and the matter is closed, and this ridiculous rhetoric is concluded. I am issuing an executive order, a commission will be assembled by delegates of the Senate and my office to forge new terms with the Jedi Order without delay. There will be no Republic for long without the defined relationship of it's long standing guardians and partners in peace.
The bulbous eyes on the Mon Cala Chancellor are red with dryness and fatigue, his voice more gravelly from the stress.
To the motion of long term funding, I have no control over the purse of the Republic; though I know the military council has already diverted funds to shipyards in Rendili, Corellia and Mon Calamari. You are a standing member, unless reassigned, to the military council, you'd know better then most of the beings collected here today, the current state of our defenses. To that I ask, for the Republic or for Ryloth is this motion made? Whichever, the case, the motion has weight and will put to a vote. All in favor of providing immediate funds to support the relief and rebuilding of defenses for the good people of Ryloth?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2014 0:55:28 GMT -8
Rawkill had considered individually addressing everything that Crom'nen had said, up until the moment the Twi'lek revealed that he was behind why the Mandalorians had attacked Kuat. He could not believe the hypocrisy that had become so rampant within the Republic Senate, for with one hand they committed war crimes, and with the other, falsely accused the Jedi to cover up their own wrong doings. With Crom'nen's overly dramatised exit made, and the Chancellor wrangling order back to the Senate, Rawkill waited until an apparent calm had settled once more over the chamber, before clearing his voice to garner everyone's attention
=Jedi Master Rawkill=
Forgive me Chancellor Cihlbar, but I must briefly interrupt this vote before I take my leave. I came to this Senate hearing, as a representative of the Jedi High Council, nominated by my peers, so that we, as Jedi, might try and better understand the events of Ryloth, since no chance to discuss this had been raised before. The truth is important, and I make no attempts to hide anything that the Jedi have done, just as it seems Crom'nen makes no attempts to hide what the Republic has done. Whilst it is true I bear no physical scars, I bear the mental scars of having lost friends, family, and mentors because of the actions of the Mandalorians. And I am not the only one, the families of the seven hundred and sixty eight civilians whom were killed during a rescue mission by the RDMC at Kuat, also bear the scars of now knowing whom it was that brought the Mandalorians down upon them. What is worse, is that they are also the very same people whom the Republic denied aide to, because you were unwilling to cooperate with the Dark Tide, thus causing the creation of the very Empire we now both must fight against. I cannot abide a Government that would falsly accuse the Jedi of War Crimes, in an attempt to try and shift focus from the War Crimes that Crom'nen has admitted to. This Republic cannot claim that it is for the people and share the Jedi's views, if it let's the actions of one whom would involve an innocent bystander in a war with a murderous horde. If this Senate has any conscience, then I strong urge that it should not stand by and allow the current members of the Military Committee to continue to serve as they are, nor should it allow Crom'nen to retake his place as a Senator, and make sure that justice is served upon him following his self-confession. Thank you.
Master Rawkill gave a bow to the collective Senate, and the camera's that had just broadcast not only his speech, but the confession of Crom'nen across the galaxy, from the depths of the Republic, to even the furthest reachs of the Empire. Senator Onwa then hit some commands and docked the Scipio pod back in it's place, as Rawkill hoped down from the seat, thanking the Senator one last time, before he made his way out of the Rotunda to head back to the Jedi Temple, so as to meet with the Jedi High Council
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Crom'nen
Member
Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Sept 3, 2014 5:52:10 GMT -8
Bel'fima, acting Senator of Ryloth, was shocked. She had always believed in Crom'nen's goodness, had drug it out of him kicking and screaming many times. Today was different. Crom'nen had played a dangerous game. He had set both himself and the Jedi up as villains, willing to sacrifice his position in order to rebuild and strengthen the Republic. Then he had calmly walked out, having accomplished his over all purpose, to spark a debate. It was unlike Crom'nen to do something for the good of others. Why today? She knew him well enough to know that he had not lost his temper, but had calculated the day's events. She had learned to tell the difference. The Chancellor, however, seemed to blow a gasket, as did the Ewok master. She stood, and pressed the button to speak.
It should be noted for the record that Crom'nen was acting on behalf of the government of Ryloth and not as a Senator, therefore he cannot make motions, just appeals.
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Ludo Karesh
Member
Posts: 40 
Affiliation: Galactic Republic
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Post by Ludo Karesh on Sept 3, 2014 6:16:21 GMT -8
Ludo Karesh stood to address the chamber.
Jedi Master Rawkill's proposal is how dictatorships are born. They always start with well-intentioned individuals, who gain absolute power over another individual or group.
The Jedi Order that I used to serve would never abide such a proposal. They were the guardians of justice and freedom. Freedom, a word that seems to have been forgotten by some. While I share the Jedi's frustration over their dwindling resources and the Kuati revelation, this verbal attack on the sovereignty of this body crosses a line. The leadership of this body needs to defend its members and its decision from this attack by our ally.
As a former Antarian Ranger, I believe that we should be doing more to help the Jedi in their difficult task. But we cannot allow anyone to dictate our actions.
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Sept 7, 2014 23:06:44 GMT -8
The Supreme Chancellor literally shook like a fish out of water in near rage. He slammed a webbed hand into a silencing button, muting all microphones. Yet voices continued to raise in outrage. He opened his hand on the console in front of him, and brought the other to brace his weight and in exhaustion for the varying and the ever swaying Senate favor for the jedi; a oversized pupil finds Vice Chancellor Darma who stands right behind him in stoic silence. He must take order if this meeting.
I have to say, though your opinion is valued in my administration, Master Jedi, your perogative is out of order. An investigation will be launched into the precise movements of Crom'nen-- despite his capacities when conducting, he represents the Republic. But the question of who leads and who does not belongs to the people, Master Jedi. Not you. I will invite you to return to your dock, and request your presence in my chambers at the offset of these procedures, with all due respect, Master Jedi.
But, if the Representative Bef'ima does not raise an objection, I will table the motion for long term funding to Ryloth and move straight into the acceptance of petitions.
Will the guests from the Tion Cluster, the Correl System, and Rodia please join us in the middle of the rotunda.
As the three pods hover into place. If gentle beings from the respective entities would be so kind as to announce themselves, their cohort they represent and the purpose of their petions.
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Post by Avaro Qoode on Sept 8, 2014 16:27:40 GMT -8
Avaro arrives in the senate chamber barely on time. When his pod begins to move and he is announced by the Chancelor he hesitates for a moment, pulls out some notes, and begins reading softly in Rodese. He catches himself after a couple seconds and restarts in basic with a loud voice.
I am Avaro Qoode from Rodia. For many years my homeworld was defended by Oraltor Nadon, Brulax Ruso, and the free Jedi Order. One by one, the order began to die off until only Master Nadon and his two padawans remained. At his urging, the Grand Protector has sent me to petition the Republic to admit our world into its fold. Thus, I petition this body to admit Rodia into the Republic
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Sept 9, 2014 14:50:00 GMT -8
Well, so much for a quick public hearing to bring out the truth of Ryloth.... Oh well, now if only people would stop fussing about the ruined decorum and get to the work they so obviously need to get done, we might survive yet. And the master Rawkill is trying to incite a new war with the empire now, as well as blaming us for the losses of a strictly neutral medical group? Yes, what Crom did was risky, but what he fails to see is that Kuat was ready to face the Mandolorian hordes, and we were not. Just because the Jedi were foolish enough to meddle in Sith affairs, and allow the catalyst that would become the empire to survive the battle, then why should the republic bear the blame? Besides, the empire is a threat yes, but not a lethal one, we need not resort to bloodshed so soon after the cease of hostilities just because you deem them a threat to your ideals. And now Cihlbar wants to drag it all out on the HNN? that's going to end well, still if that's how he wants to end his career so be it. But at least he has the sense to move to a safer topic while peoples heads cool. Senator Ludo's virulent reaction to Master Rawkill was painful to watch, had he no sense? He would have to be watched closely.
The hopeful-senator, from Rodia began his introduction, stopped and started again in basic. Wonderful, exactly what we need, second guessing doubtful beings to bog down any decision making process with their own indecisiveness. Still, the Republic needed all the help it could get, so Darma hoped the Senate would accept this petition. Darma waited for the other two petitioners to plead their case before considering his response to the first, since Cihlbar had called them out together Darma assumed they had similar requests.
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Oct 15, 2014 12:30:55 GMT -8
The petitions were delivered and voted on, Rodia was accepted, but only just, as many senators, were finally beginning to worry about the defense of the republic and feared that gathering yet another world that needed defending would break the republic's feeble forces. The fools, yes defense was an issue, but the republic's strength was on the rise, and it looked to finally be approaching appropriate levels of skill, numbers, and equipment. Besides, Rodia would provide new resources to pool together with the rest of us to strengthen our defenses. The other two petitions were struck down, probably largely due to the sour mood of the rotunda following the mock trial. Darma stepped forward at the conclusion of these proceedings and motioned for a brief recess a motion readily seconded and passed, the Senate would reconvene in one weeks' time to vote on a new charter with the Jedi order, hopefully the Jedi would make an appearance for the session, if only to show some modicum of unity.
As the chancellor's pod receded into the floor Darma sighed, wondering why any of the whole thing had been necessary, if indeed it had been, and why the Chancellor and Master Rawkill had decided that starting a shouting match was going to help anything, even if their words and logic were sound. Taking his leave of the Chancellor, Darma left the senate complex entirely, quite done with his official duties for the day.
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Oct 29, 2014 11:05:48 GMT -8
Two days later:
Upon the senate's reconvening, Darma and the Chancellor along with Belf'ima and several Jedi in attendance, pushed to get the new charter approved. It had been written by several of the Jedi masters with a penchant for such things, with most of the work being put in by Master Rawkill and Diamonte Tuhlute. Four hours later, it was finally accepted as it had been written, a credit to it's authors for having written the document so well that even the galactic senate couldn't find any fault with it. Not only had that, but the Jedi had managed to write it in the course of a single night; a feat no senator in the entire history of the republic had ever managed. Chancellor Cihlbar saw to it that the record showed that the senate unanimously chose to accept the Jedi's Charter unchanged, planning perhaps to use the fact to further sooth the damaged relations between the two factions.
Yavin put forth a delegate and the request to become a member of the galactic senate. An odd request as it had to date been a strictly Jedi installation, but not an unreasonable one. The voting was close, due some insecure senator starting a completely fraudulent rumor that this was just the Jedi trying to get into the senate and use their talents in mental suggestion to assert their agenda over the senate. Somehow or another reason prevailed, and the Yavin IV was granted a senatorial seat. Darma beat Cihlbar to the punch on calling out the base attack, and strongly encouraged that henceforth senators avoid such pedantic measures.
Things began to settle down to a normal level of chaos and discord as the senate moved to approve budget spending for the civil aid of Ryloth and the equipping and training of a republic military. The latter went by very smoothly after certain parts of the last broadcast were played back for the senate with a popular HNN news anchor wondering where the empire's strikes would land, as they were sure to come. Surprisingly, no one was very interested in being the next Ryloth, and even those with moral and traditional arguments against war and fighting acquiesced that there was a difference between avoiding conflict and inviting trouble, which was probably already on the way.
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Post by Senator Zarine S'daya on Oct 29, 2014 16:00:51 GMT -8
A quiet bustle of activity culminated in the arrival of three people: two of them were staff, and they flanked the third member of the party, a woman standing about five feet, nine inches in height. They moved calmly to their designated pod and took their seats.
~So, this is it. The Galactic Senate. The weight of my attire gives me reassurance, the ability to maintain a calm facade. My home is a jungle world inhabited by people who are determined to survive. The Jedi Praxeum is largely responsible for our continued existence, and yet I find myself wondering what it is like to be a Jedi whenever I see any of them. I've never had the ability to feel the Force. In fact, I often feel mundane. But that is only for myself and the woman who looks back at me in the mirror to know. Right now, I have a job to do. More than a job. Hearing Vice Chancellor Darma's words suddenly make my decisions more real to me. The universe has been upset for months. I'm here to serve my people, not necessarily the Jedi, but those of us who embody the ideals of the old Rebellion, those of us who are the normal everyday people who do the jobs that need to be done in order for the heroes to do theirs--the people of Yavin IV.~
A brilliant smile flashed across Zarine S'daya's lips as she shook imaginary dust particles from her sleeves and grasped the steering controls of her pod.
~Come on, you've always wanted to fly one of these things...~
With a burst of repulsorlift coils, Yavin IV's pod drifted free from its holding ring along the edge of the Rotunda building and moved just far enough into the Senate that when she stood and bowed to the Supreme Chancellor, she could be easily seen, and the voice amplification system could pick up the calm, firm, and yet warm tone of her words and relay them to the rest of the Senate.
"Supreme Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Senators, allow me to present myself formally as Senator Zarine S'daya, representing the people of Yavin IV."
That done, she resumed her seat and returned to her place.
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dyvius
Member
As if a ghost from the past, the veteran from those old days remains watching.
Posts: 80
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Post by dyvius on Nov 21, 2014 21:06:12 GMT -8
Sometime in the past... (Private Storyline)
The Senate Rotunda was a place heralded as the pinnacle of democratic progress in the galaxy. Despite the oxymoron that pundits insisted came along with the description, there was no institution more dedicated to extending equal rights and fair treatment to all sentient beings across the galaxy than the Galactic Senate, even if mounds of red tape and political bureaucracy slowed the process down considerably. This virtuous mission tasked to the Senate was one of the myriad reasons why the Jedi Temple was situated merely a short walk away: the Jedi, as Guardians of peace and Protectors of the Weak and Just, were the perfect asset to have displayed next to the Senate building in order to give the very necessary appearance that the Senate and the Jedi were allies, not enemies, as much as critics and the odd smut writer would like the public to believe otherwise. But that was another effect of extending so much liberty to the galaxy: critics were allowed to be critics.
Jedi Masters Keth Agrav and Orian Katal were just now reaching the level on the outer ring of the Rotunda that held the Jedi Council's delegation pod where they were currently engaged in meetings to discuss the future or Republic Defense and Recovery efforts around the galaxy. This was why Grand Master Milara had not hesitated to summon both of the Masters straight to the Senate meeting while still in the midst of it; the jarring encounter with the Cathar revolutionary Durm Storm was a perfect current topic to bring forth at the meeting. In fact, the Jedi hoped to bring it up merely as a formality, or at least in Keth's mind. He had every intention to seek permission to spearhead the mission to bring Storm and his contingency that had covered his escape from the Temple steps to justice himself, and at the same time help decide the fate of Cathar and the revolutionary government currently controlling the planet but also holding a Republic delegation hostage.
Walking at a brisk pace across the lushly carpeted floor of the corridor, completely ignoring the evenly placed busts of past Senators and other Republic statesmen honoring the Rotunda for eternity with their sculpted likenesses, the pair of Masters easily dodged past bustling aids and some Senators strolling leisurely through the halls. Any annoyed glances thrown their way at the haste they were exhibiting were subsequently ignored as trivialities. There were lives hanging in the balance here, and other lives already lost at the hands of this Durm Storm.
The opening to the Jedi delegation's pod was guarded by one Master Haska Herotyne, standing in a relaxed pose and guarding the entrance from any unwelcome eavesdroppers or intruders with his imposing Barabel figure composed of tough scales, a swishing powerful tail, and sharp predator's eyes scanning everything that walked by with a nearly contemptuous ease. It was not a matter of insulting the Barabel Jedi Master by making him stand guard outside the meeting proper; Haska was an alien of action and preferred to remain clear of meetings as often as necessary. But as a very patient predator regardless, guarding such proceedings and "people-watching" was something Haska not only tolerated but somewhat enjoyed.
Recognizing his fellow Masters, Haska's eyes lit up and the Barabel nodded only marginally, brushing Keth's and Orian's presences in the Force as a way of greeting. No doubt the Grand Master had already explained the reason for their arrival to Haska so as to expedite any need for greetings however informal. The Master stepped aside ushering them in with body language only long-time friends of Barabels could understand as welcoming. Ducking inside the tunnel, Keth and Orian were quickly stepping onto the Jedi pod, mostly filled with the other Council members but with enough room for two more. It was fortunate that they were currently not floating in the vast expanse of the Rotunda, presenting their positions or positing opinions on matters and that they were merely observing at the current time.
The Jedi seated on the available benches around the circumference of the pod were the Nautolan Master Rael Starfall, the Kel Doran Master Seleck Tanes, the human Master Templus Cro, the Bothan Master Gadriel'lya, and at the controls stood the Mirialan Master Vuuray Milara. Notably missing was the human Master Lapay no Ryu, but Keth did not waste time asking about her absence. Instead, he merely nodded to each of the Masters as they turned from the proceedings and acknowledged the arrival of the new pair. The Grand Master turned and arched a very articulate eyebrow, as was the norm for Mirialans, who were very controlled in their actions by nature. Vuuray was the first to speak.
"The incident at the Temple? What happened?"
Keth gruffly replied.
"When we responded, we found an armored transport bearing a squad of Cathar soldiers and their leader waiting. Jedi Apprentice Aan Celui was held at gunpoint by the leader, a Durm Storm. We were presented with an account that this Durm Storm was a leader in a Cathar revolutionary group that had risen up to capture the planet for themselves after they were discontented with the way the government conducted itself during the recent war. They captured the Republic delegation dispatched to Cathar, killed the Master and brought her Apprentice back to us as a demonstration that Jedi involvement with a Republic they no longer respected would not be tolerated as it stands. Masters Katal, Herssek, and I were unable to prevent Storm from killing Padawan Celui or escaping into the city."
The mood of the other Masters in the pod had darkened considerably as Keth gave his curtailed account of the proceedings. Orian added,
"I tried to reason with this Cathar, Durm Storm, but he was hardly convinced or willing to actual negotiate the situation. It was when my attempts ultimately failed that he concluded our confrontation by shooting Padawan Celui."
Vuuray was gazing past Keth and Orian into space as she analyzed the information given to her. Always calm and analytical, but decisive at the conclusion of her deliberations, Grand Master Milara would take the necessary time to decide how to act on the recent turn of events, and no interruption or further persuasion would work until she had made her pronouncement at which suggestions or alterations could be made.
"I have decided. Orian: you are favored well enough within these walls, and you are the only other Jedi besides Keth here to have an eyewitness account of the proceedings. Present everything to the Senate committee here and now. Keth, you'll step outside with me, we need to have a conversation."
Both Masters nodded their acceptance of this course of action. Orian asked, as a brief shuffle of positions left her at the controls and Vuuray next to Keth.
"To what outcome am I trying to guide this account?"
The Grand Master surveyed the looks of the other Masters seated in the pod. They all seemed to give her the same unspoken piece of information she was hoping to get from them. Vuuray looked back at Orian.
"Jedi involvement on a mission to Cathar. We're most suited to solving this crisis either way. Emphasis is not on returning the old government to power; if the new government is stable and this Storm just an aberration, there is no reason to oppose the wishes of the Cathar people for the sake of the aristocrats. However, we'll be assessing that situation on the move, as it were."
At this Orian nodded. She also knew the other Masters were now charged with giving weight to this verdict reached by the Council in order to convince the Senate of their wishes on the matter and the urgency of the cause. They were fully-fledged Masters, they could reach the proper ends on their own without Master Milara's input from here.
Keth and the Grand Master stepped back into the tunnel and Orian promptly navigated the pod away from its dock, intending to interject into the current debate about funding requirements for the restoration of the trade lanes to the Eastern Outer Rim sectors and bringing the Cathar matter to the forefront. Not feeling it necessary to go past Haska into the corridor outside, Vuuray and Keth remained in the tunnel. Keth asked.
"What is it you wished to speak with me about, Grand Master?"
Vuuray seemed to consider something in the confines of her mind briefly before bringing her level gaze up to meet Keth's.
"You may have noticed Master no Ryu is not present as she was supposed to be. Or rather, she was definitely with us until your urgent message reached me. I have since dispatched her."
This was an intriguing development to Keth. He asked.
"Dispatched her for what end?"
The Mirialan continued.
"I sent her to pursue the vehicle those Cathar revolutionaries. As you know, she is skilled in the art of Psychometry, and after you and Orian had departed the Temple to join me here, I had told Master Herssek to remain available to Master no Ryu with the body of the Jedi Padawan Storm had killed. Before you and Orian had arrived, I had received confirmation that, thanks to the robe the Padawan was wearing, Lapay is now tracking the Cathar speeder hopefully back to its origin where the revolutionaries had boarded it originally. The shuttle was not spaceworthy, and so it had to be docked with some other vessel. With any luck, Master no Ryu will be able to beat the Cathar back to their docking bay and head them off."
Keth was suddenly very interested in the machinations the Grand Master had put in place while he was merely walking across the plaza. The plan was a good one; the revolutionaries were no doubt playing cautious and keeping a very slow and steady course back to their ship so as to avoid detection from anyone alerted to the visual characteristics of their transport. Master no Ryu had no such limitations, and could fly straight to the place she was tracking the Apprentice's robe's origin.
But the Grand Master was not yet done. She added in the midst of Keth's thinking.
"I want you and Master Haska to fly fast and join her, so that you three with the element of surprise stand a chance of catching these revolutionaries before they make it off-planet. It will save us much trouble later on."
This was the only order Keth needed. Wanting so badly to correct his mistake in allowing Storm to escape, Keth was ready to let his predatory instinct kick in and get him to the prey he so badly sought. He was already backing out of the tunnel as Milara called gently to Haska.
"Master Herotyne, go with Master Agrav. You two have some criminals to catch."
The pair of Masters were already jogging down the corridor, barely containing their urge to burst into a Force-assisted sprint for the nearest high-speed vehicle.
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Kel'Al Raganella
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
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Post by Kel'Al Raganella on Jan 17, 2015 20:35:36 GMT -8
=Alyse Naberrie=
The representative from Naboo, after filing her report to Queen Adrianna on the latest Senate developments, and also participating in a private holoconference with her dear friend concerning the new treaty between the Jedi Order and the Republic, returned to her seat in her planet's designated circular hoverpod just in time to catch the introduction of Yavin IV's new Senator, Zarine S'daya. Nimbly taking a datapad from her belt, the young woman quickly typed in S'daya's name to the Republic holonet records. A quick glance did not bring forward much information of interest, and she switched to a report on Yavin IV.
The famous moon of the gas giant Yavin had long been a Jedi stronghold, but boasted little else in the way of civilian population, and thus had rarely been represented in civilian galactic politics in recent decades. Alyse wondered to herself what this new development meant. Was it a goodwill gesture on the part of the Yavin Jedi, or were they seeking additional voice and access to the Republic to counter some portion of the new treaty? She doubted there was anything sinister at work, but it was always good to keep an open mind, and question events in the Senate. Nothing was ever as simple as it first appeared, especially when the Jedi were involved.
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Sara Ruluwoor
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Post by Sara Ruluwoor on Jan 18, 2015 21:20:41 GMT -8
Spotted as she took her seat in the largely-empty rotunda, Senator Naberrie was soon joined by two Senate staffers: Dmitri Koronov's secretary Aylee'saresh, and representative Louie Nertt, the Gungan member of Naboo's delegation. The pair took seats opposite the Senator from Naboo.
=Aylee'saresh=
"Senator." The blue-skinned Twi'lek began in a low voice. "Louie tells me that you share Senator Koronov's concerns and the private concerns of many others in the Senate concerning the current Senator from Ryloth. But it seems we agree that no charges can be laid against him, without taking the Republic into a dark place." She glanced around furtively before continuing. "Ryloth would be better served by a new representative, with more respect and trust among these halls, to say nothing of the benefits to the Republic, but we must assume that he will refuse any polite request to resign. If the Clan Council does not act, then we must prepare for his continued presence." She glanced directly into Naberrie's eyes, waiting for a reaction.
"So the only remaining question is whether anyone will take the political risk of publicly asking Crom'nen to resign?" Aylee already knew the answer. No one could make that request, at least not publicly, not even a powerful Senator like Darma or Koronov. The Republic needed unity. Any campaign would have to be in private, and was very unlikely to succeed.
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Kel'Al Raganella
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 530
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Academy
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Post by Kel'Al Raganella on Jan 19, 2015 20:33:25 GMT -8
=Alyse Naberrie=
Alyse frowned at her friend's words, not because she disagreed, but because she had been stubbornly ignoring the question until now. Crom'nen was a hard problem to solve. He wasn't quite a traitor, but he wasn't quite a trusted ally anymore, either. She would have liked to slap him, if she weren't a lady of the Senate and expected to maintain decorum. "I do not disagree, Aylee." She answered quietly. "But the time is not right. We must be vigilant to prevent any further harm to the Republic, and trust that he will eventually pick a fight that he cannot win." She sighed, and glanced out toward the speaker's tower in the middle of the Rotunda, her face a perfect picture of annoyance.
"If any Senator were to openly oppose him now, I think it has to be a non-human Senator. Anything I would do, or my fellow humans, would play into his hands and only serve to make him a martyr to the other half of the galaxy. And we can't afford anymore divisions right now." She turned back to her friend, and shrugged. There really was little more to be said about the topic. The Senator from Ryloth had played them all, and she could only wonder what he would do next.
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