Acceptance Address

[Geneviève Lasedri]

This was a most unexpected turn of events. The raven-haired woman clad in all-white, who now held the platform, had surprised everyone, stepping out from being practically forgotten as a wealthy Chandrilan businessman's long-lost daughter and somehow coming out on top in the race for the highly contested Chief of Senate position. Sincerely, she had not thought it possible for her to win. But apparently she had what it took to be the dark horse.

While Geneviève was known to often carry herself in almost arrogant confidence, this was an event that overwhelmed even her. Scanning the cavernous Senate auditorium to take in the view of the ten thousand physically and digitally present representatives, the newly elected Chief of Senate sucked in a vast amount of air before initiating her speech. She had made political speeches before, but they were nothing more than the rhetoric of a social activist--and she certainly had not presented anything before the grand Senate of the Republic, save her campaign oration. This would be an experience, for sure.

"People of the Galactic Republic," she started, releasing the entire volume of air contained in her lungs to blow away the butterflies. "I must first say that I had no expectations when I entered the race for this esteemed position. I had supposed that my lack of political qualifications would be a drawback in my nomination for the chair. Naturally, I'm incredibly honored, and I thank you for hearing my voice and having the faith to elect me. I am still finding my success difficult to comprehend--so, thank you, again."

She paused to accept the courteous applause, dipping her head slightly to establish what little grace she may have. After the moment had passed, Lasedri proceeded to reinforce her nomination speech and proclaim her wishes. "As I had stated in my nomination address, I am unconditionally dedicated to the defense from and, eventually, aggressive retaliation to the One Sith--this evil empire--and its allies in its crimes against all sentient life. I hope to collaborate with our Chief of Military and, with the support of this grand Senate, promote an agenda that would place the safety and wellbeing of the Republic's people over what less-imperative issues may be at hand. It is, after all, our survival that is in the balance."

Lasedri broke from her oration to allow the weight of her words sink in. She was not here to play games, but to help save the Republic as an entity and wipe out the One Sith and its conglomerates in their entirety. "I am aware of the risks that shall befall me as I take this office, knowing that I will be a target of high priority to our enemies from this point forward. I am willing to accept those risks without hesitation.

"What I will propose in the following weeks and months may be seen as radical to some, but I fully stand behind what I say, and I am committed to nothing apart from the sanctity of our Republic and a brighter future for our people.

"First and foremost, I believe in an extensively greater emphasis on intelligence efforts, as knowing the most about our enemy is the most vital advantage to be sought in war and peace. I will put forward a proposition to expand the military and increase funding and resource allocation for our defense forces. I would pursue an all-in policy that will divert as much as possible to our fleets and armies in this time of need.

"Finally..." Lasedri took a generous breath, knowing that what she was about to say might alarm others. She had no fear--all was no-nonsense with her--but the possibility of alienating certain parties was always a concern in such a political environment. "I would like to put an end to the consuming debates over the Jedi Order and fortify the Republic's authority as the government of the people, and not endlessly concern ourselves with the matters of the Jedi. That does not mean that we will dismiss this prestigious Order, but I would like to call for the sovereign Republic to stand firm and not bow at the whims of this government-sanctioned Order."

There may have been murmurings, but Geneviève did not linger long before concluding her address. "I hope that the Senate will support my endeavors to strengthen our Republic and repel the invaders who seek nothing less than to destroy us; eliminate every trace of us from this galaxy. And I pray that I shall stand firm in faith and defiance of those who slaughter and waste these worlds and people we hold dear. It is with this determination and humility that I wish to accept the title of Chief of the Galactic Republic Senate.

"I thank you all."

Having ended her speech, Chief Lasedri looked upwards to the heights of the auditorium and awaited the reception of her unanticipated ascendance to the Senate's highest leadership position.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]
"Who is this woman, Dannos?" Aurelia demanded in her private chambers.
"She is the new Chief of the Senate, Consul," Dannos supplied.
Aurelia peered at her nephew. The weedy little runt had unfortunately become any less weedy, little or runty since she'd last seen him.
"She appears to have no idea how this works," Aurelia stated. "Now it seems we have lost another Chief of the Military, it appears it is just me and her."
"Of course, your position of Chief of Government is superior," Dannos said.
Aurelia was not sure whether the little maggot could be any more of a brown nose. "Yes...indeed. Well, go back in there and applaud her, or something. Her grand plans sound more like grandstanding, but I am sure she will deign to discuss matters with me. Go and ask her to attend upon me at her earliest convenience."
Dannos Saelari hurried out.

Aurelia's eye twitched. You could choose your friends, your enemies and your lovers, you could not choose your family though. There were times when she wished the Force was a sentient entity so she could smack it for landing her with the Saelari clan. Still, it could be worse....

 

[Terras Zordok]

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

"Huzzah! Huzzah!" cried a drunk, dark-haired woman watching the live speech broadcast from a small cantina in Kuat. The Kuati woman, who looked suspiciously like the former Chief of the Senate, took her unfinished glass of Corellian Ale and pounded it vigorously on the table infront of her as though in approval. "All hail the Chief of the Republic Senate!" she exclaimed before passing out on top of the table.

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Some shrimpy, snobby twerp engaged her after all the theatrics were over and she had descended from the platform, adjusting her sunhat against the crown of he head to complete her new image. Being political seemed to have its queer habits and obligations, but Geneviève had always been one to maintain a solidly consistent appearance for certain reasons.

After going through the formalities--shaking hands and lying to liars that she was happy to meet them--Lasedri entertained the runt's request for her to meet with the Chief of Government, noting that no one else in the vicinity seemed to be surprised by his presence. Of course she could not decline this. It was the Chief of Government, after all. Besides, Gen wanted little to do with this charade of a party. Unfortunately, it took nearly an hour to wade through the handshakes and half-embraces to pose for the cams. Even her detractors along the campaign trail wanted to be seen in the presence of the underdog victor.

It was a relatively decent journey to arrive at [member="Aurelia Saelari"]'s quarters--everything being located within the same cluster of buildings, as it were--but merely a matter of minutes if one could slip past the media and crowding political wannabes. They took a restricted access turbolift and were soon arrived at the checkpoint, protected by a squad of Senatorial Guards. Admittance was quick and painless, and Geneviève was soon at the door of her 'peer'. "Chief Saelari," she greeted, letting her apparent nephew take care of whatever unnecessary introductions.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]
Aurelia Saelari was in the room as the guards admitted the new Chief of the Senate to the room.

With regal bearing, Aurelia was looking out the window at the afternoon vista of the city. She turned when the door opened, looking at Geneviève, crossed to her and extended a hand.

“Congratulations on your election, Ms Lasedri. I look forward to working together with you to put things back on course.”

She gestured to a spare seat at the conference table, and took another herself.

“I followed your election campaign somewhat, but remind me of your plans and goals?” she asked politely.

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

T-Eya had listened politely to what the new Chief of Senate had to say. She didn't know the woman personally, but it sounded like she had a relative grasp of the political world, which was a good start. Of course it wasn't the only thing that was necessary to manning the position that she'd been elected into. Her companion Triumvirate members had taken notes for her to pour over later on, but she was more concerned with the political gamble of focusing on what really mattered rather than the Jedi. Her studies indicated that the Jedi were an oft spoke of topic. Worthlessly and needlessly so.

When the speech was over, and the Chief had left, she let her companions leave, and then pulled out her datapad, which she entered a message on before sending it to the Chief herself.

Congratulations on your election, Chief Lasedri.

I was intrigued by your speech, and wish to speak with you at your earliest convenience. You may find me in my office, or you can send for me at your leisure. No rush.
With regards,

T-Eya Carn
Representative of the Taskai

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Typically, Geneviève never took a seat, preferring to own the room with her presence and impose her dominant will upon the other persons in concern. But, typically, Geneviève had never been Chief of Senate and immersed in the political lifestyle. It was time to utilize what charm she probably did not have, and learn to develop some grace. She had already developed some of that over the course of her election campaign. So she took the seat.

"My primary goals are to strengthen the military in any way we can, naturally. The Republic seems to habitually care too much about the Jedi and too little about the contributing citizens," she answered, after sitting down and appraising the security of this room. It was a natural habit, and cams bothered her, even now. Protocol was protocol, however. She would have to learn to deal with it as she was to be thrust into the political world from now until the foreseeable future. "I'm hoping I can get Senate backing to divert any funding considered 'expendable'--relative to the economic and bureaucratic facets--to the military. I'd even propose rationing of civilian resources and food. Starving is trivial to those who are dying on the fringe worlds." It was perhaps a bit radical to suggest, but it was a matter of surviving or not.

But Lasedri had never met [member="Aurelia Saelari"], so it was difficult to say how approving the Chief of Government would be of such policies.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]
“Ah yes, the Jedi,” Aurelia said thoughtfully. She paused, drawing the moment out. “I have noted your opposition to the Order before. I must say in basic I agree. The Jedi have proven themselves to be unreliable, fractious and ultimately unsuccessful. Whilst the Sith gain victory on victory, the Jedi on our side dwindle in number. Some have defected to those cowards in the Silver Jedi and Levantine Sanctum, others have turned on us fully. Those who remain with us seem quite unable to stop the ‘omnipotent’ Dark Lord.”

“But tell me, what measures would you suggest as an alternative? The Jedi has a part to play, even if they are wayward, and imposing controls on them would only cause more to desert our banner. It is a matter of record that I do not approve of the Jedi, but they have powers which make them useful.”

“As for the economic side, I would agree with austerity in order to provide maximum resources for the military. We have lost much of our population and territory. The Republic is in a battle for its existence, and we cannot scrimp on the resources to preserve it. You cannot make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, as they say.”

“One matter which also concerns me is the prospect of traitors in our midst. Traitors, criminals, cowards, a triumvirate of cancers eating at the Republic’s heart. If found they must be destroyed, would you not agree?”

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"Oh, my intent was never to impose restrictions upon the Jedi Order," Gen clarified, trying to get a glimpse inside the eye of the Chief of Government. She was hoping to find something in her composure or in the movements of her iris that might betray the directive of this seemingly accomplished politician. "I'm hoping to instigate a Policy of Apathy--leave the Jedi alone, but make sure they leave the Republic's business to the Republic. They have the potential to be a powerful asset, but I have seen them try to take control in ways that compromise the people.

"That would include protection of those valuable citizens whom the Jedi seem to be pursuing the detainment of." She was referring to the arrest warrant issued by the Jedi Order for the 'murderous' warrior that had headlined a rather gruesome killing of a Sith Lord. No matter how he may have gone about it, Lasedri believed him worthy of applause and certainly not scorn. This was a war, after all.

Traitors, criminals, cowards... That was an interesting 'triumvirate' to suddenly bring mention of. The new Chief of Senate subdued a reflexive eyebrow raise. "Naturally, traitors and criminals have no place here. Though the definition of a criminal--as we've seen with the Jedi--seems to be left to selective interpretation," she responded, carefully considering what the extra layers to this question might be. "There's nothing illegal about being a coward, however. Not that I sympathize with such behavior..."

[member="Aurelia Saelari"]

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]
Aurelia lifted her head slightly, her customary gesture when she was about to speechify.
“Is it not a crime to be a coward? Dereliction of duty, cowardice, lack of resolve. These are all things which, if not starting as treason, soon beget it. A soldier who abandons his post is betraying the Republic by not serving where is needed. The citizen who fears to report another is betraying the Republic by not doing their duty and exposing the greater body of the Republic to corruption. This cannot, and will not be tolerated any longer.”

Aurelia sniffed, and unable to control herself any longer, she stood and started to pace, talking as she did.

“Ms Lasedri, the Jedi manipulate and twist matters to their own end. However, without them we would have lost every land battle. Our soldiers are no match for the twisted abominations which the Sith spawn. Even the Jedi are failing. We are losing the war, Ms Lasedri, and there is no point trying to deceive ourselves otherwise.”
She turned to the new Chief of the Senate.
“So with this in mind…we must push on with the plans you mention. I will allocate whatever resources I can to the new Military Chief, whoever they are, and hope that it helps us.”

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

There were many levels of cowardice, and Lasedri had encountered people on every one of them throughout the course of her life. Cowardice was simply hard to judge as a generalized ailment. Hearing this bit of a rant, Gen withheld her suspicious thoughts on Saelari's dogmatism. The Senate's Chief could get behind a lot of that, but some things infringed upon her belief in the right to free will, to some degree. She would make a note of this and be cautious in the future.

Near the end, Lasedri could not withhold a bit of commentary. She was not known for any sort of joking behavior, but the truth often presented humor in itself. "I know we are losing the war. I got elected."

A vibration from her datapad alerted her of yet another message of 'goodwill'--though, she had already set her device to signal only priority messages, which meant that, perhaps, the sender had something more important than just trivial congratulations to give. It was someone within the government. That much she knew. There was still no need to rush a peek at what it could be, but this meeting seemed to have accomplished what it must. She seemed to have the good tidings of the Chief of Government--for now, at least.

Geneviève removed herself from her seated position, standing straight and tall with the slightest of slight smiles. "Thank you, Chief Saelari. I very much appreciate your compliance. I will see to it that the most is made of it."

[member="Aurelia Saelari"]