A Case for Collaboration

[Gerault Rush]

Having only served in the Coruscanti Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a short while, Acting Secretary Rush wasted no time in seeking an international audience for Coruscant First's mission: unconditional independence, a local government free to act on behalf of his people without a secondary government to interfere. Rush published a memorandum which opened the borders, formally inviting various factions throughout the galaxy to not only witness the operations of Coruscant First's City Hall, but also collaborate in its development. It was possible to be patriotic and have a pro-domestic economy without neglecting the importance of foreign trade. The invitation was met with success exceeding that which was anticipated. Representatives from various developing factions all over the galaxy have notified the Foreign Affairs Department of their intent to attend. Through this, City Hall was hopeful to build a foundation of foreign support for their domestic cause.

------​

​

​

​

A single round table sat in the center of the room. At it's center, a map of the known galaxy, and at the map's center, Coruscant. Only one item was on the agenda today: the future of Coruscant. This was a time to ask questions, make inquiries, and forge bonds. It was also a critical juncture in the life of Coruscant First, one in which it's audience would reach far beyond Coruscant and the Deep Core. It was an unprecedented move in the party's history, but it was one in which party leadership was hopeful it would yield favorable results.

Chairs were spaced evenly. Only one sat at the table, though there was ample seating for supporters and staff of the representatives to attend and advise as necessary. The placards identified each faction at the table: the Chiss Ascendancy, the Corellian Confederation, the Fel Empire, the Government of Naboo, the Mara-Perlemian Trade Council, the Republic Remnant, the Worker's Republic of Reecee. Even the Coruscant Security Forces would have a representative at the talks.

Today, history would be made.

Gerault pounded the gavel, if only to demand the attention of the gathering officials. As the hosting official, he would serve as the meetings chairperson. Leadership of the party though fell to Arcann Law, in the wake of Mayor Zeradias Mant's continued detention. Law would also be in attendance.

"Thank you all for attending, it means more to us than you know.", Gerault lead with. "We have a number of factions and representatives present, so I hope this gathering will be fruitful for all involved. We'll begin the forum shortly."

Now was the time for idle chatter and small talk. Soon, the conversation would shift to the business on the agenda.

[member="Arcann Law"] | [member="Apolline Wynver"] | [member="Hircine"] | [member="Julius Sedaire"] | [member="Olivander Cardiff"] | [member="Marina Dachi"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Toran Fel"] | [member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Yarlo Musakovy"] | [member="Harley Fenstermacher "] | [member="Kole Harper"]​

 

[Jamie Pyne]

It had become an increasingly rarer sight for the Queen to leave Naboo. With the galaxy in its current state of affairs and reports of rampant pirating along shipping lanes, coupled with an ever looming presence of hostile forces encroaching on the sovereign world's space, the time to sight see had long since expired. The alliance and its systemic defeats when engaging its First Order neighbor along the western galactic border, as well as the Confederacy and Empire's growing expansion to the east had been cause for many sleepless nights. Naboo had vast defenses, and a respectable security force, but there was no mistaking the fact that they were no military equal to these other mega-governments.

In times such as these, rekindling old relationships was important, not only for self preservation but for the preservation of a common, and decent way of life.

One that did not involve being under the thumb of oppression.

Jamie arrived alone, though this appearance would be left off the books in terms of public accord on Naboo. That's not to say that this congregation was to be kept in silence, but it was safer that the people assume their monarch was not subjecting themselves to potential danger by venturing off world in such times of conflict. For all intents and purposes, her handmaiden was more than capable of handling day-to-day necessities, while her ministers convened on more pressing matters, should they arise in her absence. She wore simple dress, not wishing to draw needless attention to herself during her departure, nor arrival to Coruscant. No lightsaber swayed at her hip as one might expect a Jedi, though truth be told she wasn't quite certain that those in attendance were aware of that particular grain of information, nor did she presume to think they troubled themselves with the notion of desiring the knowledge, as non-secretive as it were.

Taking her seat quietly at her posted table the blonde adjusted herself, smiling at those who passed by and those already seated, yet she remained politely quiet while Gerault spoke.

On this day she was to be surrounded by a roomful of strangers.

[member="Gerault Rush"]

 

[Coratanni Cartel]

Coruscant
Felix

"Remain outside." Felix said flatly to the two guards that had been flanking him since he'd first left his speeder. The men shifted slightly, stiffened, and then simply nodded. In robotic unison the two men pulled back and away from the young man, placing themselves at the opposite end of the hall from where Felix was heading.

It only took him a few more short steps to reach the doorway, his eyes already flicking over the faces of half a dozen people inside.

Felix was here for one simple reason, to listen. In a room filled with Kings, Queens, Governors, and other planetary representatives the young Thawne was a bit of an outlier. He ruled no planet, no system, only oversaw the interests of SIN here on Coruscant. His first thought was that his mother or father might have been better suited for this meeting, but their duties here on this world had fallen squarely on him. He was the legitimate face that they propagated here.

Had it been a meeting of criminals Mara might have shown her face, but no, this was all perfectly legal.

Supposedly anyway. The line between politics and sedition was growing more and more blurry by the day. Felix didn't involve himself in such matters of course, save when they entered his little scope of expertise. So far the Coruscant First rallies had left SIN's holdings entirely untouched, but there was a concern that eventually the party would turn the entire planet into another rebellion.

Felix frowned at the thought, mostly because of the headache that it would cause him.

The young man walked around the room, glancing at the faces that were already sitting around the circular table. He spotted the Queen of Naboo [member="Jamie Pyne"], and then the Secretary of Civil Affairs [member="Gerault Rush"]. It was that man whom had invited Felix, or rather, who had accepted SIN's request for attendance. Without a word the young man took his seat at the table.

 

[Sila]

An opportunity had presented itself to Marina and the Chiss Ascendancy as a whole. An open invitation for governments across the galaxy to send representatives to Coruscant in order to show their support for the movement of an independant Coruscant, free of the Galactic Alliance's clutches. Marina could not pass up this moment for anything. It was the perfect chance to show other leaders that the Chiss Ascendancy had been revived. That, and this was the chance she needed to take to gain an upper hand on the Ascendancy's enemies. They were few and far between, but the enemies of the AScendancy were fast approaching and Marina would need help to fight them.

Marina had arrived to Corsucant aboard a Peregrine-class star yacht and had some of her advisors alongside her and a small guard duty. She hadn't expected any trouble and did not want to offend anyone by bringing weapons into the political meeting.Upon landing, Marina was briefed on what would and might occur during the meeting.

"Lady Dachi'marina'kuhn, as you know, this Coruscant First movement sent out an open invitation to hear them out and see that they are the righteous path for Coruscant to go down. We've gathered dossiers on several important figures that will make and appearance here at the meeting. Especially the special one requested by you on the Fel Emperor."

"Much appreciated, Mr. Jaego. Anything else I should know?"

"Nothing at the moment, ma'am. Your security detail will be nearby at all times so if your safety is for whatever reason threatened, they shall act."

"Thank you. It's about time I head off."

"Good luck, ma'am."

Marina walked down the ramp of her star yacht, followed closely by her security, and moved towards the city hall. She was dressed to impress on this day, wearing a finely tailored, pristine white women's suit with a pin of the Chiss Ascendancy's emblem attached to her lapel. She walked through the front doors and showed security her papers. After thoroughly looking through her credentials and confiscating her security's weapons, security let Marina on through. The activity within the building was bustling as diplomats were discussing whatever they were discussing. Marina paid none of it any mind. It was all just random babble to her. She had her mind focused on the big picture at hand. Further along she walked until reaching the main discussion room. Finding herself a seat, Marina looked around to see who else might have arrived that she had received a dossier on. She quickly noticed the Queen of Naboo in attendance before anyone. Marina felt it would be unlikely to receive support from her due to already having contacts with the Sith Empire. However, none of that was public knowledge so Marina began to have second thoughts about speaking to the queen.

But that would have to come later. For now, Gerault had spoke up. The man of the hour who had brought all these people together. Marina provided her full and undivided attention to him until he finished speaking. AFter that, she continued looking about for more familiar, prestigious faces.

[member="Gerault Rush"] | [member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Coratanni Cartel"]​

 

[Harley Fenstermacher]

To say that Harley came to this gathering out of interest of the Republic Remnant and to strengthen ties with other political figures and governments would be a lie, the Echani arms trader attending this meeting out of sheer selfish reasons. Such reasons being to look for any potential business partners in the short or long term and just in general spread for the said arms company the politician owned. Though if it did give the Republic some reputation points no harm done, after all they needed all the allies one could get, quite a few issues already proving a annoyance for the new democratic faction. With arms folded together in a respectful but at the same time cocky manner the Senator of Nar Hasska listened to [member="Gerault Rush"] short welcoming speech, keeping an eye on those already gathered and arriving to the large round conference table.

[member="Jamie Pyne"] was probably the most influential and well known person here, what was her reason? probably just supporting a fellow planet that wanted self rule for the Galactic Alliance. A nice concept to some, seemed to work for the FWC, well that was until the Sith came and royally screw them over in a blitzkrieg that made the fall of the dominion look tame in comparison. Anyways a subject for another time, as of now more light hearted issues where to take place, Harley returning a small genuine smile to the blonde beauty before looking elsewhere, silver eyes diverting to a new arrival, some [member="Coratanni Cartel"] representative by the looks. Not that the Echani dealt much with the Cartel, but having a company stage around Nar Hasska, and thus Na Shadda and Hal Hutta the underworld syndicate names and dealings became common knowledge. Their presence here was easy to understand, no doubt such a group having valuable holdings on the core world and major trade hub,

Soon another new representative came, one not known to the Echani, but by the looks a Chiss Ascendancy Representative, a rather odd group, seeming to have just milled around for a while and then suddenly becoming active all of a sudden. Had the recent turmoil in the west sparked their movement? or had the group gotten some special benefactors to help them progress? At the end of the day though it may just have been typical Chiss keep out of the galaxy affairs unless necessary, and with the Fel Empire on the rise perhaps the necessity was not coming closer. ([member="Marina Dachi"]) For the moment that seemed to be everyone of interest, now was just the waiting game to see who else showed up.

 

[Gerault Rush]

The delegations seemed more interested in the business at hand than the other parties present, as most simply sat at their assigned seat to wait for the forum to begin. They wouldn't wait long though, as Gerault too was eager to press along with the matters of state. With four pounds of the gavel, the background chatter quieted to hushed whispers.

"Ladies and gentlemen.", he began. "Welcome to Coruscant, and thank you for your interest in our future. We have much to discuss, and we have much to show."

The man acting as the leader of the party was a man of many words, often times incendiary in that they would ignite a spark in people, stirring their emotions and encouraging them to act. While some may paint him as the ring leader of Coruscant First's mobilized movements, he was also responsible for their security and containment. As the Chairman of the People's Security Commission, he not only ensured the safety of those who wished to speak out, but also kept them in line as to conform to the party's mission of nonviolence. Their cause was infinitely more important than one's urge to give the Alliance cause to paint Coruscant First as an insurrection.

"As the mayor is unable to be here due to his continued detention at the hands of the Galactic Alliance, the acting leader of Coruscant First, Chairman Arcann Law, would like to make a few opening remarks."

[member="Arcann Law"] | [member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Coratanni Cartel"] | [member="Marina Dachi"] | [member="Harley"] Fenstermacher ​

[member="Olivander Cardiff"] | [member="Julius Sedaire"] | [member="Kole Harper"]​

 

[Zef Halo]

Envoys joined them one by one, while Law felt not in place on the round table. He wished Mant was here. The man fitted such official, political gatherings much more than him. Nonetheless, Arcann did not lose neither heart nor confidence. His passion for an independent Coruscant burned within.

The arrival of a Chiss delegation was a surprise that made him ponder on what the motivation was. Moreover, one couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised that the Queen of Naboo, a planet known for its strong independence, had arrived personally. This all aligned fairly well with what the Coruscant First movement was trying to achieve. Then Law's eyes shifted to an incredibly young man. He did not raise an eyebrow but kept his smile on. A powerful interstellar corporation which had requested to attend the meeting. Their motivation also blurry as the Chiss' but if Arcann had to assume - economic interests. Surely, both could benefit from each other in some way.

And finally the time came for Mr. Law to speak after the round Mr. Rush introduced him.

"Good day to everyone." Law's husky voice came out with confidence. "As the acting chairman, I would like to thank you on behalf of Mr. Mant for accepting to attend a noble cause of freedom. A cause against tyranny and oppression."

"Unlike most of my political colleagues, you will find me mostly direct to the point. That said, we all know why we are here." Law continued as he gave each of the attendees a glance. "Coruscant, my home, has been the capital of the galaxy for as long as we all know. Yet, it has always been shackled by chains of different interstellar governments over eons and when such governments fail, crash and burn we are the ones to suffer. But that fate has not just been exclusive to Coruscant, many of you here may have very well experienced that on your own homeworlds." The end of his sentence resulted in his eyes falling on the Chiss representative.

"We will not stop till we achieve what we live for but we ask you for recognition." Arcann stated. "To recognize our cause and to support it. A friendly Coruscant is beneficial for everyone." He cleared his throat before turning to Gerault. "Mr. Rush, you may continue. Thank you."

[member="Gerault Rush"] | [member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Coratanni Cartel"] | [member="Marina"] | @Harley Fenstermacher​

[member="Olivander Cardiff"] | [member="Julius Sedaire"] | [member="Kole Harper"]​

 

[Gerault Rush]

Chairman Law had a matter of fact manner of speaking. It did not reek of the typical vocabulary possessed by seasoned politicians, but Arcann Law was not a seasoned politician. He was an idealist, a leader of men, neither of which necessarily constituted a political profile, but certainly could serve a political role well. He did well to speak of his experience, and his nonverbal cues suggested that other foreign worlds too shared in Coruscant's struggle. Perhaps not at the hands of direct subjugation, but living as subordinates under some foreign masters. As Law completed his remarks, Rush was already preparing to speak.

"Thank you, Chairman.", he said, clearing his throat as he prepared to delve into the finer points of the meeting, starting with as brief a history as he could muster.

"Coruscant First is a young party, founded by Mayor Mant, Chairman Law, among a handful of others to effectuate meaningful change. The importance of Coruscant has arguably eroded over time, especially under the domain of the Galactic Alliance. It was not until the party gained more widespread recognition in the system that the Alliance took notice and relocated their capital. This was the party's first catalyst, but it was also it's first mistake."

"Shortly prior to the transition, Mayor Mant and other party members were elected to the Galactic City Common Council, officially recognizing the party in Coruscanti politics. After he was elected Executive of the Central District, Mayor Mant used his position to challenge the cronyism of the incumbent at the time. Clearly shaken by the accusations, Mant was ordered killed along with those that supported him. Needless to say, this didn't happen, and only drew other district executives to lose confidence over his leadership. He was promptly removed from office, and Mant appointed his successor."

"The Alliance, as if on cue, interrupted the common council meeting and denounced the appointment, going as far as to threaten those that voted to appoint him with charges against the Alliance. Mant was then detained indefinitely and continues to be to this day. He's been denied legal representation, and disallowed contact with party officials. That is not how democracy functions."

"The Alliance has launched a smear campaign which raised some concerning allegations. Let me be absolutely clear when I say there is no merit to anything they say. We're branded as humanocentric, yet not only do we not discriminate against non-humans, we welcome them. It's neither morally nor logistically feasible on Coruscant. We're branded as radical, debatable I suppose, but if nonviolent protests and internal political disagreements are considered radical, what's the right way to enact meaningful change? They imply we're in the pockets of the First Order, a baseless allegation that contradicts the core values of the party. Where the Alliance disallows political opposition, Coruscant First welcomes bipartisan cooperation. I myself am not a member of the Coruscant First party, I'm a Unionist, yet I find myself at the highest echelons of a government controlled by a party which supposedly stacks government with their own members."

He paused a moment only to realize his monologue had gone on longer than he anticipated. Coruscant First's age was short, but it's history was anything if not colorful. He would apologize for nothing.

"That's quite enough of the past.", he said with a nervous chuckle. "Before we pivot to the topic of the future, one we hope to share with each of you, are there any questions?"

[member="Arcann Law"] | [member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Coratanni Cartel"] | [member="Marina"] | [member="Harley"] Fenstermacher | [member="Olivander Cardiff"] | [member="Julius Sedaire"] | [member="Kole Harper"]​

 

[Coratanni Cartel]

Felix listened intently as the two men went back and forth, his face never changing and his body language remaining even.

Though he had been raised in a massive adoptive family, Felix was Lorrdian by birth. His people had a unique gift for reading people, not the tone of their voice, but the slightest twitch of their eye, the smallest movement. Everything that someone did was a way of communicating, and Felix could see it all. He watched them all intently, listening quietly as his eyes flicked between the lot of them.

He couldn't help but feel amused.

Rhetoric was a powerful thing. The stories that you told others, what you told yourself. It could be used to sway masses and individuals alike. He wondered if they actually believed what they said, or if it was just another veil that they were attempting to pull over the eye. He had no doubt that some of Coruscant First truly wanted an independent world, but he also doubted that it was for the good of the people. Cynicism ran strong in his family, perhaps more than in others.

If he had to guess, he would say these people just wanted power.

There was no way to be sure of course, and truthfully Felix didn't particularly care.

It didn't matter to him who ran Coruscant. Whether it was the Alliance or and independent government. All that he cared about was their business, allowing SIN to function and make a profit off of the trillion people that lived upon the world. So he remained quietly, listened, and watched.

 

[Harley Fenstermacher]

Harley was not expecting the two long speaches but it did highlight some interesting factors, if the Alliance had indeed acted this way, (which he was not going to believe on face vales), then it did make sense why many moved to the outerrim worlds near Nar Hasska and make the Republic Remnent. Establishing an original senate and same ideals as the Republic that came before the One Sith, himself being appointed as a Senator for Nar Hasska due to his current company business and just social standing among the planet.

So why was he here in the first place? just interested, it would be useful to see how the core of the galaxy was going politically wise, though this did raise a few questions that he wanted to ask, "May I inquire into the parties goals"? "Are you seeking to have Coruscant become independent from the Alliance? to stay as a separate planet? and if so, though you have said that you are not allied with the First Order I imagine that you would conduct appeasement talks with them to avoid conflict". No doubt the First Order or some other major power would try to take control over Coruscant, and he doubted they would be a 'linnet' as the Alliance was.

[member="Coratanni Cartel"] - [member="Gerault Rush"] - [member="Arcann Law"] - [member="Marina"] -

 

[Jamie Pyne]

The Nabooian sat, listening quietly to first [member="Gerault Rush"], and then shortly thereafter the words of [member="Arcann Law"], and again once more a monologue by Mr. Rush. Coruscant had a uniquely troubled history, by all accounts. It had been forcefully aligned time and again with various government entities backed by both Sith and Jedi counterparts. For the better part of her lifespan, it had been occupied by the Galactic Republic, One Sith, and now, the Alliance. While Naboo was in a manner of speaking under the protection of the Alliance, and still within friendly boundaries of that government, it seemed there was an uprising on Coruscant, one that was unhappy with how the Alliance conducted itself on the planet, whilst using it as its base of operations.

Still, with what little she gleamed from the discussion thus far, Jamie was still very much an outsider with respect to the customs of Coruscant. She was confused as to the circumstances surrounding this 'Mayor Mant' and why he had been detained by the Alliance if the proceedings of the people were lawful and in good faith. Perhaps if she were to better understand the charges against the man, and by extension, the party, she might have a better view of the purpose behind the political standoff.

The woman waited until [member="Harley Fenstermacher"] had inquired as to the party's stance on the First Order and their intentions to conduct peace talks. Politely after Jamie stood from her seat and addressed the two men. "May I inquire as to the levied charges against the party and Mr. Mant, and on what grounds is he being held?" To be threatened with charges against the Alliance sounded something like treason, but what exactly did that mean in this case? Generally the Alliance did not involve itself in the politics of the worlds it served. That had been her experience on her own home world, anyway.

[member="Coratanni Cartel"] | [member="Marina"]