Populate A Change is Gonna Come | THR Populate of Iphigin

[Rue]

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"Vūm is a peculiar investment hedge fund who act in a variety of fields including business negotiation, political influence and as economists. They selectively and financially back exclusive clientele, individuals or other organisations for the purpose of influencing politics, commerce and policies within galactic powers located in the Outer Rim and Mid Rim systems."
-- A description of Vūm.

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Tags: Guinevere Cavello | Arcelon Varellan | Aurelian Veruna

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There was a tranquillity on Naboo that needed to be protected. The people who come from here are often isolationist in their principles which was ironic when you considered the fact that it had been one of their reigning Monarchs who had reformed the Naboo Royal Republic into the High Republic that it is today. A decision which, after Thyferra, appeared to have been foolish and ill-considered. These types of principles would useful to foster in these dark times. At least Veruna had his head in the galactic game. The King had told them what was coming before it happened during his interim Chancellorship. That was why they still liked him.

Rue took a moment to admire the scenery as the boat pulled into dock while Theed got closer and closer along the seaways which turned and broke into rivers leading towards the city. Fresh air was something of a commodity Rue hadn't considered much until she tasted Mahporeem's air in her mouth. It was a stench that assaulted the senses in a way that Rue would never forget. To be back on Naboo (after travelling back out there into the dangerous Outer Rim Territories) was something that she ought to take the moment and enjoy when she could take it. Alas, when the boat docked with the quay, Rue departed almost immediately before the cargo men nearby could start to deliver their wares. She's on task now.

Marble blocks (that had been degraded and assaulted by Theed's serene waters where the ship docked to) soon gave way to road and pavement as Rue traversed the path towards the Cultural Centre. Her attire was distinctly different from the affluent and minor exotic designs of the Nabooian class. The sleek black tunic and overalls were reminiscent of someone who came from Lianna. It was a blend of business class and the type of regality not of a princess, prince or king but that of an industrialist which carried the air of an Imperial. Rue knew something of tragedy and fire, you see. Thyferra wasn't the first planet that the Sith had burned.

Beneath the screens and between the audience following the publicised emergency senatorial session Rue navigated their way through the hall. She had met Veruna only once during a thinktank about militias being raised outside of the Republic military created for the protection of distinctive planets who sought to recruit them. He had been rude to her on that day. As she walked through the crowds Rue wondered if he would even remember who she was. After searching the centre for the man that she was looking for Rue recognised Veruna in the distance. He was already talking with two people Rue didn't know about yet. Unlike her master Rue wasn't familiar with the aristocrats and other important figures who lived in Theed. But Rue didn't feel like she had to know who these people were given the reasons for why she had come here today. Travelling back from Mahporeem to Naboo had enamoured Rue with certain developments that her organisation wanted Veruna to be aware about. She endeavoured to tell him a few things that he ought to know.

Naboo's fate could hinge on it.

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[Sira Esmeray]

Ala Quin , Acier Moonbound
​

Sira was almost completely absorbed in looking around when Ala spoke, and the Knight nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise.

She turned back toward the Grandmaster, offering an apologetic smile before straightening herself. “Oh,” left her first in a single breath. “Yes. I understand, Grandmaster. You’re looking for a, um... strategic site assessment.”

Sira glanced over the plateau again, this time with considerably more purpose.

“Well, there are several reasons we should consider it. The terrain is naturally defensible, and this particular plateau would require relatively little work to make suitable for transports.”

She crouched, scooping a little of the loose soil into her hand without really thinking about it.

“And I'm pretty sure I spotted a plant called Banda root along the wetter edges of the plateau during the flyover. Its root system prefers the same mineral composition and drainage as several Naboo tubers. We may be able to grow at least some Naboo crops without having to alter the terrain.”

Her fingers shifted through the soil thoughtfully.

"The possibility this area has some underground cave systems is another consideration. If there is one, we could potentially build part of the Temple underground and establish a controlled route between them. It could serve as an emergency evacuation route."

Sira looked up.

“But there are reasons we should hesitate about building here.”

"There is a cave mouth roughly two kilometers south-east of the plateau. It's a little too close for comfort if there is anything dangerous inside."

“There also appears to be several structures, or possibly the remains of them, farther into the region. It wasn’t possible to tell if they were occupied from the quick flyover.”

Sira’s attention shifted as Acier came into her view. She stood, straightening as dirt still fell loosely from her hand.

The Jedi Knight smiled softly, her eyes lighting up as she addressed him. “What do you think... sir...” She hesitated. Sira had read his record, at least what was available to her, and what had stuck with her most was his experience in certain areas. “Acier.”

 

[Ala Quin]

Listening without interrupting, her gaze moved from Sira to the distant ridge. The answer was considerably more thorough than she had expected. Sira Esmeray was, Ala thought with quiet approval, rather effectively living up to her reputation.

"That is exactly the sort of answer I was hoping for." She muttered in quiet approval. For a moment her composure slipped, her nose wrinkling and cheeks bunching into a delighted little grin before she managed to find an expression more appropriate for a serious Grandmaster.

"Which unfortunately means I am going to reward your thoroughness with more work."

Her eyes shifted toward Acier. "Sira, take Acier and find that Banda root you spotted. Take a sample of the soil, then continue south-east and investigate that cave. Do not go farther inside than either of you is comfortable with."

Ala adjusted the satchel at her side.

"I will examine the plateau, meditate for a while, and catch up with you both afterward."

| Outfit: xxx | Tag: Sira Esmeray Acier Moonbound | Equipment: Survey Equipment, Satchel |​

 

[Xandyr Carrick]

XANDYR

Vendaxa

Fiona Tierney

Xandyr crouched a few paces below the crest of the hill, one knee pressed into the wet grass. He studied the churned ground along the edge of the valley.

There were three-toed prints along the ground. These things had weight. As the alpha predator, he doubted anything had spooked them recently.

He rose and brushed the damp from his trousers, the hem of his coat already speckled with grass stain.

"The punch line is usually the companion, by the way. I have heard every joke this profession invites, and I assure you mine are better."

The morning light was turning the grass to gold, and somewhere below, six-tonned killing machines were ambling toward the coast. It was, he reflected, a stark contrast from a tea service on Naboo.

"I'm happy to take your lead on the tracking. Let's go sout west. The tracks are fresh, and they will want water before the heat of the day."

He started down the slope, then paused and glanced back at her, one brow raised.

"Although I should confess, I read the behavioural notes in the club library before we landed. Acklay have been known to hunt in pairs on the flanks. We need to pick off just one or two. So if the joke becomes a punch line today, I would prefer it be you who gets swallowed first."

His old hunting rifle only had six shots. He didn't want to get rushed by a whole herd. He was used to urban environments and was a mediocre tracker. The truth he kept to himself was simple. After a week of noble functions and looking after nobles in every way they paid for, the prospect of mud and danger had been enough for him accept her invitation before she had properly finished offering it.

 

[Tycho Irogane]

CORPORATE ALLIANCE
​

A golden man sat at one side of the conference table, his fingers steepled. He wore an impeccable Atrisian suit of jet black with gold embroidery. His hair was perfectly coifed and his teeth when he smiled perfectly white, but when his silvery gaze fastened on Makai… the depths appeared empty.

“Interesting proposal, Makai. I have some seed credits to throw around and a few Selkath contacts. Maximizing Manaan exports will require a heavy industrial lift.”

A frown creased his brow.

“What brand are you wearing by the way? I don’t recognize it. Is that Heartbreak Couture?”

Vira Halor Lodd Grimmin Makai Dashiell Nerys Ordon Claudius

​

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Vendaxa

Equipment:
Vanguard Robes | Lightsaber | Shoto | Cybernetic Arm | Tic

Ace listened quietly as Sira worked through her answer. He'd expected something about the plateau being defensible, maybe the landing space.

Instead, she kept going. Agriculture. Soil composition. Underground construction. Evacuation routes. Nearby structures. The cave. By the time she finished, Ace found himself genuinely impressed. She'd considered the place from more angles than he would've thought to. Then she looked at him, and his brow rose slightly.

Sir?

His eyes briefly shifted behind him as if checking whether somebody else had wandered over while he wasn't looking. When Sira corrected herself, settling on Acier instead, his attention returned to her.

What did he think? Ace looked across the plateau again, taking a few seconds before answering.

"Defensible works both ways. Those cliffs make it harder to reach you, but they also limit where you can go if something cuts off the landing area." His gaze moved toward the surrounding ridgelines. "I'd want another way on and off the plateau that doesn't rely on transports. If there are caves underneath us, that could solve it. Assuming they're stable and don't lead into something worse."

He shrugged lightly.

"Water's nearby. You've got enough open ground to build without clearing half the forest. If you're right about being able to grow food here, that's another thing you wouldn't need shipped in." Ace glanced back at Sira. "But that's just my observation. I've got no stake in where you decide to build."

Ala apparently decided that was enough observing. Ace rubbed the back of his neck as she assigned the two of them to find Sira's Banda root and investigate the cave she'd spotted.

His gaze drifted toward Tic. The little droid had been occupied near the edge of the plateau, inspecting something between the rocks. At Ace's glance, his photoreceptor swiveled toward him. Tic abandoned whatever he'd found and hurried across the stone.

Ace barely reacted as the BD-unit reached him, climbed his leg, and scrambled into his usual place against his back. He waited until Tic had settled before finally leaving the spot he'd occupied since arriving. He crossed the distance between himself and Sira, stopping beside the Jedi Knight.

"Alright then." Ace nodded toward her. "Lead the way."

Ala Quin | Sira Esmeray​

 

[Jaun Smyth]

Jaun Smyth applauded with the rest of them at the end of the Chancellor’s speech.

He did not stand.

As the former Senator of Thyferra when it fell, Jaun knew that he had the vast ‘weight’ of the sympathy vote with him when he spoke, if he spoke.

Wrangling another political appointment so soon would have been an impossible feat for most people, except Jaun Smyth was not most people. After a few centuries, you learn a thing or two about a thing or two. His Selkath connections and knowledge of medical supplies production with bacta pivoted him nicely into the Senator seat for Manaan, famous for its kolto production, which had recently joined the Republic.

His smile remained fixed in place as he heard the first to speak after the chancellor.

Odd. Why would Belazura be so outspoken? Perhaps just a chance to ride coattails. Jaun’s toothless smile widened.

Or perhaps not.

He leaned to an aide.

“Get me everything you have on the Senator from Belazura.”

Another speaker stepped up and urged caution.

“Cato Neimodia too, thank you,” Jaun whispered, still smiling.

Events were afoot. He did not rise to speak yet.

Let them wait and wonder.

Ilsoon Jul Anet Raine Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris​

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[Vaerelyn Thorne]

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Location: Senate Building, Theeds, Naboo
Objective: THE HIGH REPUBLIC AT WAR
Sub-objective: Define the War
Outfit: Casual Dress Suit
Tag: Dominique Vexx | Ilsoon Jul | Anet Raine | Sae

Xaerelyn Thorne had learned that there were occasions in the Senate when being quiet was wisdom. There were also occasions when being quiet merely meant allowing everyone else to decide what your people believed. For most of the debate, the Senator from Gorath's Haven had remained seated upon her delegation's platform, hands folded neatly in her lap as she listened. There were words being spoken here that carried considerably more history than Xaerelyn understood. Sith. She knew the word, of course. She knew enough of what had happened upon Thyferra to understand why it was being spoken with anger. She understood that people had died. That a Republic world had been attacked. That whatever disagreements existed within this chamber, allowing such violence to pass unanswered could invite more of it.

But there was knowing a thing was terrible, and then there was understanding what ought to be done about it. The latter seemed considerably harder. Her gaze wandered between the speakers as the discussion continued. Some seemed ready for war. Others questioned whether such a war could actually be won. Xaerelyn found herself caught somewhere between them.

Gorath's Haven had no great fleet waiting beyond its skies. There were no ancient military traditions for her to invoke. Her people grew crops, tended animals, practiced trades, raised families, and—until remarkably recently—had known very little of the enormous galaxy beyond their home. Now their Senator was being asked to help decide whether the Republic should go to war with all Sith.

Xaerelyn shifted uneasily in her seat. Perhaps everyone else understood precisely what that meant. She didn't. That realization might once have been enough to keep her silent. Xaerelyn had spent much of her early time in the Senate quietly worrying that asking the wrong question would reveal just how thoroughly unprepared Gorath's Haven had been for galactic politics. Today, another thought occurred to her. If she did not understand what was being asked of Gorath's Haven, how could she possibly explain it to the Agrarian Council?

Her fingers hovered over the controls for several seconds before she finally activated the microphone. "Madam Chancellor." Xaerelyn's voice lacked the practiced projection of some of the chamber's more experienced politicians, but she had become considerably more comfortable hearing it carried throughout the Senate than she had been when she first arrived. "I hope you will forgive what may be a very simple question."

She hesitated. Actually, no. Xaerelyn straightened slightly. "I would like to understand precisely what you are asking us to declare." Her eyes settled upon the Chancellor. "I understand defending Thyferra. I understand defending the Republic. If someone comes to one of our worlds intending to hurt our people, I do not believe that we should simply wait for them to choose another."

That much, at least, felt straightforward. "But you have asked us to declare war upon all Sith." There was no accusation in the statement. Mostly curiosity, accompanied by a growing seriousness. "I have heard several different Sith organizations mentioned since coming to the Republic. I have been told that some fight one another as readily as they fight anyone else. I confess that I do not understand all of the differences between them."

A tiny, somewhat self-conscious smile briefly touched her lips. "I suspect most farmers on Gorath's Haven understand them considerably less." Her expression became thoughtful again. "So if I return home and tell the Agrarian Council that I have committed our people to this war, what exactly have I committed them to?"

Xaerelyn glanced briefly toward the other Senatorial platforms before continuing. "Are we declaring that wherever Sith attack the Republic, the Republic will answer together? Or are we declaring that every Sith, upon every world, is now an enemy whom the Republic intends to seek out and fight?" There was a considerable difference between those things to Xaerelyn. Perhaps there wasn't to everyone else. That was why she was asking.

"Gorath's Haven cannot offer you great fleets. We have only recently begun discussing the creation of even a small militia. What we can offer is our support, our resources where we are able, and those people who freely choose to defend the Republic." She paused. "But they deserve to know what they are being asked to defend. And I believe I should understand that before I cast their vote."

Xaerelyn settled back slightly, leaving her microphone active just long enough to add one final thought. "I do not ask because I believe we should do nothing, Madam Chancellor." Her eyes returned to Dominique. "I ask because declaring war seems far too important for me to pretend that I understand when I do not." With that, Xaerelyn switched off her microphone and returned to listening.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

CORPORATE ALLIANCE

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Lodd Grimmin | Tycho Irogane | Claudius | Nerys Ordon | Vira Halor

Grimmin was quiet, which Makai took as a positive sign. It meant the Nemodian was thinking and pondering all angles of his proposal. No doubt the man would have more to say soon, perhaps as the other chimed in and either pledged their support or countered.

Mister Irogane mentioned contacts with the Selkath and extra credits to 'toss that way'. Makai assumed this was a casual way of not opposing the idea, it was difficult to tell. Perhaps in time.

'In time' though was Mister Irogane speaking of either his cologne or suit. Makai blinked. It was not the turn he expected. It was more a comment made at the end of a business transaction. Maybe Irogane wanted to know more about him and was a clothes horse. Very difficult with this new bunch of CEOs.

Best to cover both his bases.

"Uh...the cologne or the suit? The cologne is a custom,personal blend made by a fashion house out of Empress Teta. Lots of bergamot, sandalwood, sea moss, ambergris, among a few other notes. I can pass on their information If you're interested, even with the so-called Blackwall they are getting out product."

Not that he didn't stock up before the Sith went knocking on the door of the world.

"As for my fashion...my droid coordinates with my wife's droid and orders from there in order to ensure we are matching in color theme. This happens quarterly. Then I get it tailored from there...I can also pass on the name of my tailor. Older gentleman, has a great eye."

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

LOCATION

THE SENATE CHAMBER

THE DRUCKENWELL POD

EMERGENCY SESSION

♫ WE SHALL GO TO WAR

x

x

Verity rose to her feet at the appropriate moments throughout the Chancellor's speech, joining others in the chamber in the ovations that came with each assertion of strength uttered by the Chancellor, every time she made it clear that the High Republic would not be bullied, would not roll over, would not yield to the evils of the Sith scourge. This was not mere political theater for Verity Stuyveris. The Senator for Druckenwell was one of the most outspoken critics of the Sith in the Senate; it had made her life difficult at times to be so public with her view against the Sith, but it was not a simple matter of political positioning.

Where Sith flourished, chaos flourished. Where Sith ruled, people died, in numbers so large as to defy the human mind's ability to grasp it. The human brain would rather treat it as a statistic, something it could contextualize, something it could file away neatly in a textbook or spreadsheet.

Verity Stuyveris refused to file it away as a statistic. She forced her eyes to stay open.

She activated her indicator and waited to be recognized, then when she was, she allowed the pod to float into a lazy current around the Senate. "Thank you, Madam Chancellor. I rise to echo the comments of the Chancellor and to formally second the motion of the chair to declare war against the Sith. Both Sith nations were involved in the treacherous assault on Thyferra, and both have exhibited a troubling pattern of escalating interference and violence. Whether we like it or not, whether we acknowledge it or not, whether we declare it here tonight or not, the war is already upon us. Declaring it formally provides the High Republic with the tools it needs to stand against the tyranny of the Dark Side. Madam Chancellor -- fellow honorable members -- Druckenwell stands ready to defend the Republic. I urge all members of this body to consider how they and their worlds can commit to contributing to this war effort. Though it is a war the Sith started -- regardless of what their unhinged propaganda may say -- it will be ours to finish. We stand alone as the bulwark against evil and aggression, and we must be prepared to keep standing."

Verity paused for a moment, swallowing. As a reformist, as a believer in the supremacy of the Senate, the next part felt heavy, almost too heavy for her to lift. And yet, her bona fides were the reason why the motion was best coming from her. She did not seek to empower the executive as a matter of course. In this instant, with worlds burning and war marching this way, making command decisions by Senatorial decree was a luxury they could not afford.

"Madam Chancellor, I also rise in recognition of the great danger facing us, a danger requiring extraordinary measures. My colleagues will recognize me as a woman not often inclined to empower the executive at the expense of the legislature. But a war cannot be run by committee, and we will require decisive action going forward. I therefore cannot, in good conscience, shy away from the duty before me. I move, Madam Chancellor, to activate the Chancellor's emergency powers in Article II, Section IV, Paragraph II, subparagraph e of the Charter of Unity."

The Senator for Druckenwell straightened, allowing her cool blue eyes to survey the Senate. "Some of my colleagues may believe I am offering the Chancellor a blank check. I fear instead I am serving her a poisoned chalice. The responsibility is great, and where there is great responsibility, great accountability must follow. But I have faith in the wisdom of the people of the High Republic that elected you, understanding fully that this outcome was possible, even probable."

Her gaze returned to her hands on the podium briefly, where ordinarily she would have notes; tonight she had none. "Already I hear the beginnings of a Senate seeking to demand specific strategic and tactical details concerning the prosecution of the war. There is a time and place for that -- for Senate oversight, for executive accountability -- but a publicly broadcast session is not it. This body's authority is limited over military command and the Charter is clear. The Chancellor is Commander-in-Chief. I stand ready to advise her when she requests advice, and to support her when the Charter demands it. I urge my colleagues to stand with me, now, and vote yes on the motion to declare war and the motion to activate the Chancellor's emergency powers."

Verity met the Chancellor's gaze steadily. She knew Dominique would understand the cost of this rhetoric for Verity. The Senator for Druckenwell lowered her chin in what might have been a nod, a bow of the head, or a concession to the gravity of the situation. "I yield, and reserve the remainder of my time."

x

x

WITH

Dominique Vexx • @Senators

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x

Dominique Vexx | Ilsoon Jul | Anet Raine | Sae | Verity Stuyveris

​

The tall Ithorian Senator of Enarc remained quiet for several long moments after the High Chancellor's declaration, those great amber eyestalks sweeping across the chamber as the debate began in earnest on where the Senate would land.

Harrammm....Sarn hummed, the deep, resonant sound rolling from both of the Ithorian's throats as long fingers gave a gentle tap against the railing of his pod.

Senator Jul's concerns were valid. War on this scale could not be sustained longterm without an appropriate plan. What was important were supply lines, the borders and trade corridors, the quarantine they were still fighting, but also ensuring the remaining borders would not be defenseless.

But the Republic had not sat idle the past few years since the State of Emergency in the wake of Wielu.

But it was Verity, with her powerful speech that made the elder Ithorian's mouths spread wide in an approving grin.

"Here here," he called out with a jaunty shake of his fist. He had known that the young Senator from Druckenwell would come far, and in fact had been very supportive of her platform -- even if it had moved against the King of Naboo.

Honestly, he would have preferred it if young Abrantes had taken the crown instead.

"While Senator Jul is correct to inquire how we intend to accomplish this," Sarn's translator rumbled across the chamber. "I would remind this Assembly that we have spent years answering precisely that question."

That act had jumpstarted not only the production of a hearty Republic Fleet, but a vast clone and droid army. Sector and planetary defenses had been bolstered as the Republic strengthened its borders and military infrastructure in response to Black Sun aggression. It had authorized greater resources against the Sith Covenant, expanded its ability to defend threatened systems, secured strategic corridors, and established safeguards intended to keep member worlds resilient even while Republic forces operated beyond them. The Senate had debated these measures repeatedly precisely because Black Sun and the Covenant had demonstrated what happened when the Republic had been caught unprepared.

Thyferra had shown them the Sith Empire's brutality; now they had to ensure they could answer back and still protect their constituents.

"We did not pass those measures merely to admire them from the safety of this chamber." He added with another low thrum of his throats.

"The Chancellor is correct. The Sith Empire have crossed our borders and attacked Thyferra, Frego, and Bassardo -- This has painfully shown us the cost of only reacting. I am sure the Sith Covenant is watching every measure to determine what they will also do next. We must be the one to bring the fight to them on our terms. "

None the less, the Ithorian gave an incline of his broad head toward Jul.

"Senator Jul's concerns regarding our borders must be part of whatever strategy follows suit, but we have prepared for this moment. Now we must determine how best to use what we have built. To utilize our Retainers or even perhaps even make new allies to join us in this fight." those amber eyestalks panned back toward the Chancellor and then back at Verity in the wake of her call to activate the Chancellor's emergency powers.

"Enarc supports the declaration and Senator Stuyveris' motion to activate the High Chancellor's emergency powers. ."

​

 

[Jaun Smyth]

​

A button chimed, all stilled as the Senator from Manaan at last rose and was recognized. Jaun Smyth clasped his hands and looked around the room. His aide dialed the microphone up.

"My friends... my fellow senators...

A moment for those lost on Thyferra and for all who suffer at the hands of Dark Side extremists.
...

History will tell how it fell, but not, I think, how the screams sounded.

...But I know.

I heard them.

I saw how they turned the gentle Vratix, mutated them with indiscriminate chemicals and Sith poisons into monsters that ate their own families and ripped apart their friends.

My heart aches for all those who have lost their friends.

Colleagues.

Families.

Who is next? Druckenwell? Naboo? My new home of Manaan?

I tell you now that they will not stop their atrocities at Thyferra. They will poison every ocean, burn every city, enslave every family. They will not be satisfied until they have built a Black Wall around the galaxy... and then they will fight over what scraps remain.

Manaan stands with Chancellor Vexx. Thyferra's spirit stands with Chancellor Vexx. The whole of the Republic should stand with her as well. I vote yes for emergency powers.

And what's more!"
​

He pounded the edge of the podium.

"I condemn anyone who shelters these Dark Side occultists.

Anyone who renders them aid.

Anyone who shares a meal with them.

The ashes of Thyferra's fields stains your hands and your hearts.

And for those watching from the safety of their homes... the safety of the Republic is in your hands.

You.

The People.

If you see a Dark Sider walking among you, will you stand by and wait until they have a chance to murder you in your home? Or will you take a stand for what is right?! And if you stand with me, when you stand with me, cry out these words:

Justice for Thyferra.

Justice for the Republic.

Justice for the Galaxy."​

 

[Ilsoon Jul]

Ilsoon reached beneath his pod's console and slipped his fingers into a pair of thin white gloves. Keeping his hands hidden, he pressed the detonator's silent contact and started the five-minute countdown. The gloves were designed to vaporize in the blast, leaving no trace of the chemical residue on his skin or clothes.

He leaned back and listened as Senators Vaerelyn Thorne , Verity Stuyveris , Eharl Sarn and Jaun Smyth debated the emergency powers motion currently on the floor. Stuyveris had proposed granting Chancellor Dominique Vexx the use of emergency powers under Article II, a move that he considered unnecessary. The Senate had already approved fleet expansions, border defenses and resource allocations over the past few years, leaving the infrastructure for a protracted war in place.

Handing the woman sweeping powers now would only mean surrendering the authority of this assembly in a moment of panic. He wasn't sure how his constituents would feel when they learned that their concerns no longer seemed to matter, and that the Republic would firmly be within the grasping hands of Vexx who could do as she willed with enough support.

None of that would matter in a moment as the timer continued going down, giving him just enough time to speak into his microphone. "The delegation from Cato Neimoidia will abstain on the motion of granting the Chancellor emergency powers." By appearing neutral, it would deflect blame away from him as the primary suspect. As the timer reached zero, Ilsoon raised his hand toward the Chancellor to speak further but never got the chance.

A flash erupted beneath his pod, followed by the roar of an explosive as it tore through the repulsor coils keeping him afloat. The console ripped free from its mounting, and the bottom of the pod was blown apart, sending the burning wreckage directly into the ground of the chamber. The sudden loss of lift sent Ilsoon backwards, though he managed to get to a safe spot near the tail end of the blast zone, as it wasn't meant to kill him outright. ​

 

[Jackson Lesan]

TAG: Sophelia Ardemark | Rathir | Chiassa | Kuhbee

What happened on Thyferra had changed the meaning of a supply run.

Before the Sith took the planet, Jackson probably would have thought of the assignment as little more than an excuse to get away from camp for a few hours. Pick up food, medical kits, replacement equipment, maybe something that tasted better than whatever passed for field rations, then haul it all back before someone important noticed how long they had been gone.

Now there was a list.

A very specific list.

Jackson glanced down at the datapad in his hand as he walked alongside the repulsor cart. Food stores occupied most of it, followed by water purification cartridges, power cells, field dressings, replacement parts for survey equipment and anything remotely useful for treating injuries. Bacta sat near the top with a quantity beside it that Jackson already knew they were unlikely to find.

That was the part nobody had needed to explain.

The Sith had Thyferra. The galaxy had less bacta. The Jedi had people scattered across Vendaxa doing exactly the sort of work that tended to get people hurt.

Perfect combination.

Jackson tucked the datapad against his side and looked ahead toward the collection of transports and supply stalls that had become the closest thing the region had to a proper trading point. Most of the larger Jedi ships had remained near the temporary staging area. Sending one of those for a handful of crates would have been excessive, so the Padawans had been given a smaller transport, a cart, and enough credits to hopefully bring back everything on the list. Hopefully they were doing enough work.

Vendaxa had not been chosen as anything yet. Jackson had heard enough talk around the camp to understand that much. Masters and Council members could argue over possible Temple sites, defensible terrain and whether settling on a planet populated by acklays was a sensible idea. Jackson was considerably farther down the chain of command.

His contribution to the future of the Jedi Order currently involved finding canned food.

There were worse jobs.

He slowed as they reached the first row of supply vendors and checked the datapad again. The medical supplies were what concerned him most. Food could be stretched. Equipment could be repaired. Someone clever enough could usually find a substitute for a broken component.

There was not much of a substitute for bacta when somebody came back from the wilderness torn open.

Jackson lifted his gaze toward the nearest vendor and slipped the datapad into his pocket.

“All right,” he said, reaching for the cart handle. “Food, power cells, med supplies, and if anybody sees bacta, yell before somebody else buys it.”

A faint grin tugged at one corner of his mouth as he started forward.

“And if we somehow have credits left after that, I’m adding something to this list that doesn’t taste like ration paste.”

 

[Anet Raine]

Vaerelyn Thorne Ilsoon Jul Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris Eharl Sarn Jaun Smyth​

Anet sat back down in her pod and sighed.

She shot her aide a sideways glance; she was busy transcribing the session and highlighting items of note in her datapad. Fair enough, Anet reckoned.

Other senators went on to speak. Druckenwell's proposal was provocative enough. It reminded Anet that she had spent far too little time mingling amongst her peers since that awkward affair on Alderaan. Her attention returned to the dialogue again when the Senator from Cato Neimoidia abstained on the matter of Druckenwell's proposal.

Finally, her aide shuffled over and leaned into Anet's ear. "I would back Stuyveris' motion. You've already been vocal. Don't back out now." She said.

"Oh, very well," Anet murmured.

Then, she stood and activated her pod's broadcast system.

"Belazura supports the Senator from Druckenwell's motion to activate the Chancellor's powers."

That was it. No need for further speeches.

 

[Ephram Pryce]

Ephram did not fully support emergency powers. It was how one gained a dictator. Had no one paid attention in history class? However, going against the tide in a rise of patriotism was unwise. A death keel for his political career. Some may worry he was dragging Loronar in to it, yet he could merely point out the flush of credits coming the planets way due to the vast shipyards. The pride of the planet.

Just as he was going to speak, the Senator for Cato Nemodia just...blew up. His pod to be specific. Yet the Senator from Belaruza went on as business as normal, ignoring the smoldering wreckage and activating her pod's communication to give her vote.

Was he seeing correctly? Ephram had abstained from spice for the past week. Too much of importance going on in the Senate to indulge. He was beginning to regret that choice. Did the Senator from Belaruza just not care about the man down below? Very odd. Something he would have to keep an eye on. Perhaps she could not be trusted.

Realizing this was a moment to capitalize on - always be campaigning - Ephram left his pod and rushed down to assist Ilsoon Jul as the pod smoldered.

"Senator? Senator? Can you move? I do not trust the way this pod continues to smoke..."

Anet Raine | Eharl Sarn | Jaun Smyth | Dominique Vexx | Vaerelyn Thorne | Verity Stuyveris​

 

[Anet Raine]

Did the Senator from Belaruza just not care about the man down below?

Indeed, from Pryce's perspective, that was absolutely the case. A textbook data point in Anet's case, of what she perceived (or lack thereof at the moment), to support the Akala-Merrill Grand Unifying Theory of Time Shavvit, and that the passage and perception of events had only gotten worse since the Planeshift.

Of course, if the Senator had the opportunity to share his thoughts with the Senator from Belazura, she would've cleared the air right then and there.

It wasn't that she didn't care for the Senator from Cato Neimoidia - she didn't care for Cato Neimoidia altogether.

At any rate. Anet reckoned it was about time for Senators to be casualties of war.

 

[Rathir]

THE HIGH REPUBLIC

RATHIR
JEDI INITIATE • LIVING FORCE

LOCATION TRADING POINT, VENDAXA ◆ OBJECTIVE SHOPPING

────────────────────────────────────────────​

Rathir felt that any opportunity to see a new world was a good one.

There were the sights, the smells and, hopefully, the food. New places also meant the chance of noticing something familiar. A name, a symbol, some small indication of people he had spent years looking for.

For now, the Firrerreo walked with several of his fellow Jedi through the market, looking over the vendors and the items laid out for trade. He resisted the temptation to start buying things for himself. They were here for the Jedi, after all, gathering supplies.

It wasn't the most exciting assignment, but Rathir was happy enough to be stretching his legs outside the Temple.

He listened as Jackson detailed the list.

"Got it," Rathir said with a grin. "Look for those items and shout out if we find bacta. Easy."

With a nod to Jackson, Rathir headed toward another stall in search of something from the list. His attention wandered freely across everything else along the way, although he did remember to keep looking for what they actually needed.

"Hello," he greeted the vendor with a smile. "I was wondering if you..."

Rathir's voice trailed off as he glanced up, his eyes widening.

"What is that?"

An elongated skeletal skull hung from the stall marquee above him, belonging to some alien creature Rathir had never seen before. He stared at it, trying to imagine how large the rest of the animal must have been and, more importantly, whether there were still any alive somewhere.

For a moment, the supply list was forgotten entirely. With considerable effort, Rathir dragged his attention back to the vendor and managed a tight-lipped smile.

"Sorry. I'm looking for these items."

He held out his datapad with the list.

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TAGS
Jackson Lesan • Sophelia Ardemark • Chiassa • Kuhbee ​

FIRRERREO • FORM V • JEDI INITIATE​

 

[Ilsoon Jul]

Despite Senator Ephram Pryce best attempt to assist him from the burning wreckage. It was all for nought as Senator Anet Raine had gotten their wish. Eyes slowly closed then faded. The Republic would go to war with the Sith with his death.

Senator Ilsoon Jul is no more ​

 

[Chiassa]

VENDAXA
Supply Run
Jackson Lesan | Rathir
​

When volunteers were called upon to go with the older padawans on a supply run, the young Tholothian raised her hand lickety-split like pick me, pick me! Of course Chiassa batted her big blue eyes and smiled nicely and was rewarded with an affirmative nod. YES!

Ever since the youngling's rather exhilarating outing in the streets of Theed recently, Chiassa had gotten the bug to spread her wings a bit. She still loved the archives and getting lost in all the stories and knowledge, but adventure was looking pretty enticing to her right now.

Plus, if the padawan learner was to be ever eligible to be chosen by a master, her worthiness would have to shine and sticking to the stacks of data pads in the library didn't get one noticed. Really only the stuffy chief librarian had so far, though the elderly woman wasn't so bad except for her bad breath, eww.

​

"All right," Jackson said, reaching for the cart handle. "Food, power cells, med supplies, and if anybody sees bacta, yell before somebody else buys it... And if we somehow have credits left after that, I'm adding something to this list that doesn't taste like ration paste."​

"Roger that," Chee answered all snappy like to the padawan with the lushest dark head of hair she'd ever seen. "I sure hope it's a sweet treat cause that would be awesome," she grinned back, then Chiassa quickly trailed behind the other padawan through the market.

As the youngling walked along, she was totally amazed at all the mundane and exotic items for sale. So many things to ponder upon.

When Rathir stopped at one stall to inquire about the supplies on their list, there was a very unique skull displayed. The little archivist thought for a moment then the lightbulb turned on and her long-fleshy tentacles hanging from the back of her decorative skull cap began to sway about.

"That.is.so.cool!," the Tholothian exclaimed excitedly. "The skull there is from an acklay I bet. I've only read about those amphibious reptilian crustaceans. Now, that's a find."

Chiassa realized after a tick she'd lost her awareness again and gotten distracted. She centered herself in the Force as all Jedi initiates are taught to do, then looked up at the Firrerreo and shrugged her diminutive shoulders and flashed him a soft apologetic smile. "Sorry... "