Faction Election Season I: Shaky Foundations [GA Senate]

[Spirit of the Dawn]

In a surprising turn of events, the Senate has voted against providing Chancellor Alicio Organa Emergency Powers nearing the end of his term. The ongoing war with the Galactic Empire has led some to question the Chancellor’s leadership following the loss of the Deep Core and continued expansion of the Empire, while others lament the departure of such a staunch servant of democracy in a time of great need. Many fear what this period may bring in the face of continued uncertainty.

Senators across the Galactic Alliance’s member-planets prepare for the upcoming election. Rumors have already begun to circulate throughout the Convocation Chamber pertaining to who will run, with many looking to seasoned representatives in these trying times. New voices ring out in the face of opportunity—rising stars from across the cosmos who believe themselves the answer to age old conflicts. They all gather together on Fondor to usher in a new era for the Alliance.

The hour is late within Fondor City. The sun has long since sunk beneath the horizon, yet the Grand Convocation Chamber is alight with hushed conversation. Recent discussions on how best to approach the war has seen a growing divide between the Senate on whether or not the Alliance can truly stand the test of total war against the Empire. Hundreds of worlds have already fallen beneath the shadow of Darth Solipsis, with the potential for more at any given moment.

To determine the best course of action between a consolidation of power or all out war, a new Chancellor must first be elected…

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DISCLAIMER: Each nominated Senator will require support in the form of a second writer to be taken into account. Have fun. The more the merrier.

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra had come to the halls of the Senate today dressed in the same silver colored robes that she had worn for so long. The same ones that she had first arrived to the Senate in and had refused to change from. Adara Raxis had certainly tried to sway her towards other clothing, but her body still felt more right and safer in these robes that she had relied on to keep her safe for decades. The hidden sabers in her sleeves keeping her from ever feeling like she was defenseless as well while Eve stood just to her back and continued to offer updates on numerous projects that Alexandra had involved herself in.

Recently her throat had been healed more significantly, the dutiful work of Adara matched with further meditation under the branches of the Nexus she called home kept her mind clear and her thoughts careful. She would enjoy this peace, atleast this reduction in the pain she normally felt while speaking. Her left arm remained incapable of movement, her corrupted soul still heavily damaged after the battle on Coruscant and her bathing in the dark nexus beneath the Temple. She had hoped she would have solved and cured more of the damage by now, but the process would remain a slow one.

Of course, those concerns were minor compared to this day.

Even now she could feel the uncertainty and discontent sensation filling the halls. With Alicio's term over, and the fall of Coruscant, the Galactic Alliance could arguably be considered without someone to lead it forward. There were options for a new face, individuals who had stood at the forefront in the last few months that could take the reins. She did consider Lander might place his own name forward but if he didn't were there others she could think of that shared the same intentions she did.

And with the fact that this uncertainty could invite darker influences to creep into the halls of the Senate?

They needed to be certain that whoever stepped forward would not lead them down a path of no return, as well as that the individual was strong enough to drive the spirit and heart of the Alliance and those who put their faith into it.

This meant that there would be many who likely thought themselves capable of such a thing. She had infact considered putting her own name forward, even now as she looked among those she had only recently joined in comparison to those who were far older. Of course, she did have some insight the others couldn't or didn't have, especially in regards to the enemy they faced now.

The Darkside and its practitioners could be a threat to the very galaxy, and would a leader who had no understanding of the Force be able to accurately combat the enemy? Or would that devalue the majority to think like that. It was an uncertain thought of her own even as she stood there and considered her own policies she would bring forth.

When the time came though, as the others filtered in she would nod to Eve.

Soon, individuals in the hall she knew in the recent months would begin to receive information to their Pods or to their personal assistants. Alexandra had ensured that Lander Stalwart , Tiber Septimus and Cressida Tolliver knew her intentions. That they knew she intended on placing her name forward today to stand as a beacon for the Alliance.

And now she waited, waited to see who else would move to announce their name, or to seek support from those in these halls.

 

[Arsenio Tagge]

Arsenio Tagge swept out of his office with a flick of his cloak, Hassan keeping close at his side, datapad in hand. The marble corridors of Fondor's Grand Convocation Chamber thrummed with the sound of aides and Senators converging, the air thick with whispers of war and succession. Arsenio walked as if the entire building belonged to him, each step deliberate, his chin held high.

"This speech is boring, Hassan," he declared suddenly, loud enough to startle a passing clerk. He waved the flimsi draft like a piece of rubbish. "Do you know what bored Senators do? They yawn, they drift, and then they vote against you."

"The speech will give you votes, Uncle," Hassan replied evenly, without breaking stride. "You need a second. You need to be boring. You need to be likeable."

Arsenio scoffed, rolling his eyes heavenward. "Likeable? I am not some provincial councilor begging for a mayoral seat. I am a Tagge. My very name outshines half this chamber. Our cousin Emmen did not become the first Chancellor of this Alliance by being likeable. He commanded. He set the tone for an era. And so shall I."

Hassan finally glanced up, his expression calm but firm. "Times are different and you are not a High Lord. They want to believe you're safe, not dangerous. Cousin Emmen was never dangerous."

Arsenio stopped in his tracks, pivoted to face his nephew, and smiled. "Safe? I am telling the truth they are too afraid to utter. I tell the tale of an Empire that only respects force, and that's not hyperbole. I tell my fellow Senators that ceremony will not save their worlds. That diplomacy is not a fleet at Fondor." His voice lowered. "That's safe. Predictable, even. They remember what I say. Do you think they remember Organa's speeches? No. They remember his absences."

Hassan only shook his head. "And yet you still need a second."

With a theatrical sigh, Arsenio straightened his robes and resumed walking. "Very well. I will be likeable. For precisely the amount of time it takes to win."

The doors parted. The chamber's vaulted expanse stretched before them, filled with voices and echoes of power. Arsenio strode into the his Senate pod, aides rising to greet him. Hassan followed, settling beside him as they waited for the floor, mentally checking the list of Senators most and least likely to support his uncle. He smiled at Arsenio. That was a good sign. He might just make it. ​

Alexandra Feanor | THE SENATE ​

 

[Feridade Parthi]

| Location | Senate Chamber, Fondor
| Objective | Rise Up

"Sir. You must rest. You are in no condition to be moving," an assistant said in protest as the Echani stood to attend the announced meeting. Feridade winced as he made his way through the halls of Fondor's senate building, having only recently been liberated from the grasp of the Empire following the events of the last senate meeting, where he openly announced and declared his defiance to the Imperial delegation. The senator waved off his assistant as he spoke, "Now is not the time to be sitting idly by..." - a quick soak in bacta had healed the visible cuts and bruises he had sustained, but his insides had yet to fully recover from the trauma delivered unto him. Despite rigorous medical treatment received upon his rescue, the pain and soreness of his body were still very much fresh on his mind, his hand tenderly pressing against his ribs, but the Empire would not relent in its assault on the Alliance. ​

​

He had a duty and obligation to be there to speak for his people and the future of the Alliance going forward in the face of their enemy. He did not have time to waste, sitting by while the war was waged. The Empire heard his voice enough to warrant his capture, so he was clearly doing something right, going so far as to have Koda Fett secure his capture. Despite this and the subsequent attempts to break him to bending the knee, he still did not waver in his stance. The Alliance would either stand or fall fighting. ​

​

His rescue at the hands of Jedi, chiefly the Lightsworn had garnered much respect, but in equal measure had built a resentment within him that the Alliance had not given much notice nor rendered any aid to rescue him. His newfound appreciation for the Lightsworn and its allies had given him a second chance at continuing his fight against the Empire, so he would do what he could to ensure such efforts were not wasted.​

​

He made his way to his pod as he entered the grand chamber, resting himself down on his seat as he awaited the beginning of the meeting. From what it seemed, there was much to be discussed. While he respected Alicio Organa 's attempts and efforts for the Alliance knowing that they were done with good faith and intentions, it was clear that new leadership was needed in light of their enemy and their growing efforts to destroy democracy as they knew it. ​

​

Good intentions and faith did not win wars - action did.​

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[Ariana du Couteau]

Ariana du Couteau
Location: Fondor
Outfit

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​

Everything was quite surreal, strands of fate that seemed ready to tear at the slightest touch. Ariana walked carefully with that in mind. Anxiety was a well-known emotion to the du Couteau heiress, her hands keeping one another tied; fingers interlaced behind the small of her back. Fondor appeared no different than when she had last visited, but even the serenity of the planet could not offset the panic engulfing the Alliance around them all.​

​

Ariana looked around her brother’s office. The many mannequins all wore either completed or near-completed outfits that ranged from her own designs to her father’s and brother’s. Still, even in a somewhat familiar setting, Ariana feared to reach out and feel the fabrics of the many capes. She drew in a deep breath, strength swelling in her chest as she walked toward the center desk and nodded to herself when she found the data-slate.​

​

It contained a litany of reports, an incomprehensible number of unread messages, but more importantly an alert indicating ongoing Senatorial events and meetings. The most pressing matter was the Chancellorship, and the reason for her brother’s strange message grew clearer. The weight of past wrongs pressed heavily on him, and Ariana hoped it would not cause him to spiral deeper into that dark chasm.​

​

Her hand slipped free and quickly pressed against her forehead as she uttered an exasperated curse at how the galaxy had metaphorically moved them all into this situation. Ariana grimaced and silently apologized to her father for such an undignified expression and outburst. She grabbed the data-slate and headed out of the office. It mattered little how ready she was for the political storm ahead, duty and honor compelled her forward.​

​

Ariana had expected the weight of it all to make her steps feel heavy, but the lightness and quickness of her pace as she entered the Convention Chamber surprised her. Maybe I’m actually more ready than I think. Her eyes dropped briefly to the data-slate as she shuffled through several reports before snapping back up to the gathering Senators in the Chamber. Numbers were far more terrifying than social gatherings in Ariana’s mind, a realization she had only just come to moments ago.​

​

For now, it was best to see if there was someone worthy to carry Organa’s mantle.​

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Not a feat Ariana personally believed possible.​

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|| Alexandra Feanor | Arsenio Tagge | Feridade Parthi ||​

 

[Cressida Tolliver]

Cressida watched the unfolding events with growing concern.

Following the contentious meeting at Roxuli, she had begun to hear more and more whisperings about condensing the Alliance's power, using it more sparingly in defense of more strategically important worlds while withdrawing from great reaches of its holdings west of the Deep Core. A generalized lack of optimism seemed to have grasped her colleagues, leading her to wonder, when the Empire once more attacked -- and certainly they would, how many of her colleagues would stand firm, and how many of them were -- now, this minute, considering ways to commandeer bits of the fleet to escort them home, and devil take the hindmost.

It was troubling. Deeply unsettling. Frightening for the people she represented, close to the border with the Imperials.

Alicio Organa 's term was ending, and from what she gathered, the Chancellor did not seem to be taking up candidacy for the office a second time. It was a shame, in a way. The Renascent Heirate owed Organa more than could be stated; his bravery in freeing Natasi Fortan from the clutches of the Mandalorian Enclave showed a level of distinction that was rarely seen anywhere, let alone the politician's quarter of the Senate. And yet, was it possible that Organa was -- too good, somehow, too gentle, to prosecute the kind of war against the Empire that would be demanded to win it.

She was momentarily distracted by the ping of her datapad, and she glanced down at its screen briefly, then almost immediately across to Alexandra Feanor in the neighboring pod. She was surprised, she supposed, but ought she to have been? Was there a Senator in this rotunda that didn't think they had a chance at the brass ring? Cressida had to wonder whether the heat in her chest was pride at her friend Alexandra or envy that she was so willing to come out and state her own ambition so plainly. And yet, in a way -- her intention unshackled Cressida. She had total faith in her own ability to do the job, but she wondered about the propriety of someone so junior putting themselves up for the top job.

Now the ice was broken.

She smiled at Alexandra and stood, going to her podium to request floor time. When she was recognized, Cressida activated her pod and microphone. "Mister Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our colleague the Right Honorable the Chancellor, Alicio Organa, as we mark the closing of his term in office. I do not know the Chancellor personally, but as a citizen of Aegis and the Renascent Heirate, I call him friend in recognition of the service he gave my people when its Senator and its Sovereign was abducted and brutalized by the Mandalorian Enclave. He placed himself in their custody in her stead, allowing her to receive life-saving medical treatment -- knowing, all the while, of what they were capable. Truly a stalwart man. Truly a servant leader."

She paused a moment and leaned closer to the microphone. "Times have changed since those days. Then, the Senate sat in its rightful place on Coruscant. Then, when the Galactic Alliance was struck by a foe, it struck back and hard. I will not say the Senate was universally unified -- when is it ever? -- but there was no talk in that chamber of abandoning Senator Fortan to the tender mercies of the Mandalorian Enclave. No talk of leaving the worlds that they brutalized unsecured and unavenged. Indeed, times have changed, and as we stand at the crossroads of a choice of who will lead us into the future -- whatever future we may have in the face of the Imperial onslaught -- we must be frank with ourselves and with each other and with our constituents."

Cressida went on, her voice grave: "There is a poem that my predecessor liked to quote. I am a lawyer by education and by trade, a prosecutor and a diplomat, and I though I confess that I find poetry to be banal at the best of times, I'm afraid after some time this particular stanza has set in:

Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are,
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find... and not to yield.

It reads as appropriate in days like these. When the Galactic Empire gloats from our former capital. When they feel so emboldened as to send would-be diplomats to this very chamber with a sneering and insulting demand of our subservience. But I propose that we are only made weak, by time or by fate, if we say we are. We are only beaten if we give up the fight. We have an opportunity in the coming days as we convene to choose a new leader to show the temper of our heroic hearts, the strength of our will. I would contend that the critical issue in this choice is singular. It is not -- marginal tax rates. It is not -- tariffs versus free trade. It is not, even, the role of the Jedi in our government and in our society. These matters, important matters about which reasonable minds may differ and which politics may one day settle, will mean nothing if we do not confront the big issue. The real issue."

She paused a moment and swallowed before proceeding: "With this election we will send a message -- not just to our citizens and constituents, not just to the men and women and other beings fighting in ships and trenches and cities in our name across the borders of this nation, not just to the people gathered around their radios and holovisions, inside and outside of the Imperial occupation zones, waiting to hear what happens next, but to the Empire that so boldly traipsed into these halls to demand our surrender. The message will be either: come back, please, let's hammer out a deal... or that we will strive and seek and find and not yield -- never yield -- never, ever, in the fight for justice and prosperity and freedom for the people who have placed their trust in us."

Cressida allowed the reverberation of her voice to fade before she finished: "I know not yet which among us will earn the confidence of this chamber, but I know this for certain: we must send the latter message, or this will be the last such election we will ever be privileged to hold. With that, Mister Speaker, I yield and reserve my remaining time."

She deactivated her podium and turned toward Alexandra as her pod settled back into place. If I know my Senate customs, hopefully that will buy us some time to get organized, Cressida thought. She sat on the inside rim of her podium and gestured to Alexandra. "My dear, are you serious about this?" she gestured at her datapad. "I think it should be one of us, for heaven's sake. Someone who's not going to go cap-in-hand to the Imperials, I mean, but -- are you well enough?"

Alexandra Feanor | Tiber Septimus | Lander Stalwart | Arsenio Tagge | Feridade Parthi | Sycorax Laveaux | Annasari | Marek Bancroft | Ariana du Couteau | William Harris​

 

[Tiber Septimus]

"My dear, are you serious about this?" she gestured at her datapad. "I think it should be one of us, for heaven's sake. Someone who's not going to go cap-in-hand to the Imperials, I mean, but -- are you well enough?"

Tiber reached out, lightly clasping his colleague's shoulder. "She's right, you know. We'll support you, but your no good to nobody if you aren't taking care of yourself. Force knows we need all the help we can muster", Tiber whispered. With another squeeze, he turned to his podium, requesting and receiving time. He maneuvered his pod forward.

"I concur with the good Senator Tolliver, although, I admit that I don't have a adequate poem at the ready. Despite my father's- and my instructor's- I never gained an appreciation for literature; the Nehali are, fundamentally, a martial people. I joined the Navy, as every man and woman of Niahelios. I learned a great many things, but above all, I learned to plant my feet."

Tiber paused, to take a sip of water.

"I hail from a planet from the Unknown Regions that many of you probably are not familiar. Niahelios is a rich, vibrant world, temperate and extensive natural resources. It is why we have been invaded many times- by the Ssi-Ruuk, the Nagai, the Tof, and the Grysk, to name a few. Every generation has faced a threat. And every time, we did not compromise. We did not equivocate. We planted our feet, and routed the invaders."

"Niahelios is not the galaxy, I know this to be true. But here is the truth- in this collective body, we are the duly elected stewards of trillions of lives. They have undoubtedly lost family and friends in the Empire's offensive into the Core. They are looking for us to lead- to provide solutions, to bring hope, to fight for their freedoms."

"Senator Organa was a good man. I hate to see him go. The next person to lease this office will face as big as an existential crisis as the Alliance has ever seen. And I hope, in the face of this crisis, they can plant their feet. Thank you Mister Speaker, I yield and reserve my remaining time."

Alexandra Feanor | Tiber Septimus | Lander Stalwart | Arsenio Tagge | Feridade Parthi | Sycorax Laveaux | Annasari

| Marek Bancroft | Ariana du Couteau | ] William Harris​

 

[Mykel Dawson]

Robes

As his homeworld was now one of many under the fresh occupation of the Galactic Empire, the Watchman of Coruscul considered it to be of utmost importance to be present alongside his Senate counterpart in the chamber during this pivotal moment of transition. He was also there as show of solidarity - some Jedi of the NJO still remained in direct support of the Galactic Alliance.

Even before arriving to the chamber, a review of previous debates had left him unsettled. Far too many Senators to his liking were already leaning toward steep concessions while the war was still only in its infancy. By his estimation, the Galactic Alliance had yet to even begin leverage the full scope of its resources as a galactic superpower against the (admittedly deft) Imperial upstarts. That's why his presence mattered. Alongside the delegations of other occupied worlds, he was a living reminder that this was no abstract exercise. The millions of his constituents still trapped behind enemy lines would not be forgotten, and he would not consent to them serving as sacrificial lambs on the altar of pragmatism.

For now, the Consular listened carefully in silence, seemingly open to the sway of each aspiring candidate now making their introductions, but in truth his mind was already set. Whoever rose to claim the mantle of the Chancellor would find the support of Coruscul only if they vowed to wield the full might the Alliance toward one unyielding goal: taking the fight to the Imperials and driving them out of all occupied worlds.

He was ready for a crusade.

Spirit of the Dawn Alexandra Feanor Tiber Septimus Lander Stalwart Arsenio Tagge Feridade Parthi Sycorax Laveaux Annasari Marek Bancroft Ariana du Couteau William Harris

 

[Exum Jern]

"Let us not delude ourselves, senators." The Muun began, the floating pod drifting out further as if to accompany his voice. "I am remiss to tread old ground without reason, though it must be said: the time to plant our feet, as senator Septimus so demands of us, has gone. Slipped out from underneath us, as it were."

His voice was a high-whine in that classic sniveling Muun fashion.

"The newly-elected Chancellor, whomever it may be, must seek to secure peace with the Imperials. If that must be concessions made, then so be it. I, and I assure you those who's homes are under siege, would much sooner face a sour deal than annihilation. To those that would demand the Alliance continues to fight on, I ask you this: with what? The Jedi have all but left us, with but a meagre handful left at our disposal. Our militaries are but hollow imitations of what once fought the Maw, defeated at every turn, all while the Imperial war machine marches on and grows ever-stronger."

Exar leaned forwards, long-limbs pressing on the rim of the pod.

"Pride will be the death of us if we do not elect a chancellor with the eyes to see the situation unfolding-- no, that has unfolded around the Alliance."

Alexandra Feanor - Arsenio Tagge - Feridade Parthi - Ariana du Couteau - Cressida Tolliver - Tiber Septimus

 

[Annasari]

Pale eyes fell to each member as they spoke, regarding them thoughtfully. It was to be Senator Vahl's sixth election in the chancellory term with the Alliance. If her time had revealed anything, it was that no statement upon declarations or within the race itself could be taken at face value. She and her colleagues would do as they had all done to enter this chamber in the first place - lie, and scheme, and claw - and come out bruised and bloodied to drag themselves to the top of the food chain.

The bleeding hearts cried out first, as they were wont to do - and though the naive idealism still made her nostrils flare, some hint of empathy flickered from within the hybrid's chest. The board had begged and pleaded for her return to Tatooine, but Jakku was as close to a home as she had. It would do naught but distract her whilst it's fate hung in the balance. Samaria followed quickly on the heels, laying the direness of the situation before them. Jakku's pod surged forth to voice it's support.

"I must agree with the good Senator Jern," Annasari stated, rising from her seat. "A leader who would stand their ground simply to send a message does not serve us. Jakku has avoided the wrath of the Empire thus far - but over the decades we have known the challenge of the worlds that stand at the heart of this war. You bleed, time and time again, without reprieve, and symbols are worth little."

The dark-haired woman began facing one side of the room and spun to face the other, a cloak of ebony dancing behind her.

"Let us know these candidates out before us understand the value of temperance and wisdom. Those traits will do more for the Alliance than any hollow displays of valor and moral grandstandings. Yield, if it means we survive - the starbird's promises are worth nothing to our peoples if we are decimated. We can rise to take up our fight again later, better prepared and on our terms."

With that, the woman yielded, eager to see the names put forth - and still considering her own avenues.

Alexandra Feanor | Arsenio Tagge | Feridade Parthi | Ariana du Couteau | Cressida Tolliver | Tiber Septimus | Mykel Dawson | Exum Jern​

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

Despite their political differences, Sycorax had been an avid supporter of Alicio Organa . In fact, she was one of the first Senators to pitch him as a candidate for the Chancellorship. With his selflessness and dedication to ordinary people, he had almost convinced her that it was possible for the federal government to actually help the citizens under its rule, encouraging her to pen the Equal Rights Act and assisting Necropolis while she was out of commission. But now the Core was under Imperial occupation, Alicio's term was up, and the Senators of Samaria and Jakku were working to reverse all of the progress she had made towards a more measured stance toward federalism.

"With all due respect," she began, trying very hard to be patient with them. "What is the purpose of this 'Alliance' if it will abandon its members to foreign invaders? We might as well dissolve the Senate and rely on our own planetary governments to lead and protect us."

Was it even worth fighting this battle anymore? They had already handed the Hapes Cluster over to pirates and slavers under the guise of respecting planetary sovereignty. If it were to be revealed that the Assembly was crawling with "secret" Imperial operatives actively working to destroy the Alliance, devouring it from the inside out, she would not be at all surprised. Bancroft and his cronies were about as subtle as a brick.

Their campaign to break up the Alliance wasn't the main topic of today's debate, thank the loa. Instead, they were here to discuss who was to be the next Chancellor. Sycorax had no interest in occupying the hot seat of a galactic state on the verge of collapse; at the end of the day, she would always put her planet's safety and wellbeing first. Nor did she think any of those present was worthy of taking Alicio's place. But she would do her damnedest to try and keep the suspicious actors out of it.

Arsenio Tagge Feridade Parthi Tiber Septimus Cressida Tolliver Exum Jern Annasari Alexandra Feanor Spirit of the Dawn Mykel Dawson Ariana du Couteau​

 

[Marek Bancroft]

In an unusual deviation to the standard pattern of Ord Mantell's seat, the young Senator had been explicitly quiet, nor interested much in voicing his opinions. The time had arrived for the Galactic Alliance to determine who would succeed Chancellor Oragana. It had fallen upon him to mediate the proceedings, to ensure that their gathering of Senators far and wide would come to a decision as to who would succeed as Chancellor, and to determine which among them would be the vanguard in democracy's battle against the threat of Imperialist expansion from within the Core.

Each of his fellow Senators were allowed ample time and room to speak, and by the stroke of half-past the hour reaching its mark, there would finally be a noticeable shift in his seat as his microphone went live across the room. His gaze swiveled predictively towards Senator Leveaux, the corners of his lips creasing into something that could be inferred to be a hint of subtle amusement. "We will have time to discuss the intricacies of policy, and the theater that most certainly will follow such a debate in the future, Senator Leveaux." His hands slowly intertwined on top of the table, his posture leaning forwards ever-so-slight as his eyes washed over the rest of his peers.

"Senator Tolliver delivered us a beautiful speech, and each of us present have been afforded the chance to spare a few opening words for the room." The hint of amusement on his lips disappeared. "But now, my good Senators, is the time to proceed with nominations. You may nominate yourself, if you possess the confidence to do so, but your nomination must be seconded by atleast one of our peers gathered. Otherwise all nominations by a peer must also be seconded by another in order for us to proceed to the next stage."

He paused for a moment, letting his gaze rest upon his peers around the room. "As the arbitrator of this nomination, I shall be withholding from both nominations and seconding them as well. Once we proceed to the next stage, I shall also hold my vote until all votes have been submitted." Marek leaned back in his seat once he was finished speaking. His microphone cut off, and the floor was opened to the first of his peers to speak up.

Arsenio Tagge Feridade Parthi Tiber Septimus Cressida Tolliver Exum Jern Annasari Alexandra Feanor Mykel Dawson Ariana du Couteau Sycorax Laveaux Spirit of the Dawn

 

[Salocin Lear]

"Not all have spoken, who wish to, Senator Bancroft. I elect to claim that right now."

The time was now; it was the defining point upon which the Alliance balanced. To falter would be to fail, to surrender would be death, slow and agonizing, as the Imperial war machine continued to stomp unimpeded into new territory - it was the antithesis of democracy.

Senator Lear waited a beat, for the Speaker, then proceeded to levitate his pod forward.

The Fondorian cleared his throat and smiled:

"Senators of the Galactic Alliance, I would first like to speak of the definition of alliance:

A formal agreement between two or more parties, typically planets, to support one another mutually, for the betterment of both. A commitment to safeguarding the freedom and security of all Allies, against all threats, from all directions, and to prosper in unification to a purpose.

“My fellows, need I remind us that we are the Galactic Alliance? Need I mention that - by definition - it is our responsibility, or commitment, to work together and protect one another? How else can we reasonably call ourselves an alliance?"

Salocin looked around, as his voice projected through the chamber.

"Today, we stand on the precipice of destiny. The galaxy watches, its heart racing, its pulse quickening. And what will the galaxy see when the dust of this battle settles? Will they see a galaxy shackled once more by tyranny? Or will they see the flicker of freedom’s fire, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of oppression?"

His eyebrows raised.

"The Imperial war machine seeks to crush us, there can be no misunderstanding in that regard. They seek to tear down every world we’ve sworn to protect, it is their nature to want and control. They’ve already begun their assault on the very soul of our alliance, enslaving planets we liberated, erasing the very freedoms of populations we fought to defend...

"But I tell you this: to fall, to bend, to surrender, is to fail in our commitment - our responsibility - to our Allies."

Salocin slammed his fist onto the curvature of his pod edge as he raised his voice.

"I believe, first and foremost, that we must stand. As other Senators have proclaimed, so too do I agree.

"For every planet they take, for every life they claim, for every soul they seek to control - I say we stoke the fire in our hearts to burn brighter, stronger, fiercer! We are the voice of the oppressed! We are the shield for the helpless! We are the final bastion against the Empire’s cold, heartless reach!"

The Fondorian settled a moment, as he lowered his tone:

"Let us not forget that this Empire is nothing but a direct threat to democracy, to freedom, a false throne built on fear. They try to convince us that their might is invincible. They tell us that no one can stand against them. But they forget one thing... they forget us. They forget our alliances, they forget our commitment to justice, protection and freedom." Salocin pointed as he swept his arm around the chamber. "We are not just soldiers. We are not just commanders. We are not just fighters in a war. We are the heartbeat of hope in a galaxy starved for justice. We are the collective will of millions who will never kneel to oppression:

"We are the Galactic Alliance!"

Salocin stood straighter, his chin lifted, as he closed:

"Empires will always fall. An Empire’s reign of terror never lasts. It is by its very nature unable to maintain the control and fear it demands and enforces. And every time, the galaxy - sentients, like us - have stepped forward with the courage to fight back. And today, we must remember the people we've sworn to protect. We must rely on our Allies, on the commitments that brought us together... because, together, we are unbreakable. Together, we are unstoppable.

"Because together... together, the Empire knows what will happen next. It is the same as all Empires. Do not let those here, who speak of surrender, cloud your logic and reason. We have seen what befalls tyranny before, many times over, and every time all it took was sentients - us - to send it back from whence it came!"

Salocin called out loudly, as he thrust a fist into the air:

"So we will rise! Rise up, warriors of the galaxy! Let the Imperial fleet hear our roar! Let the Empire tremble as we strike back! And let every world they’ve conquered know… we will liberate them! For freedom! For justice! For the galaxy!"

With a final exhale, Salocin looked to the chamber and nodded.

"Thank you, Mister Speaker, I yield and reserve my remaining time."

___________________________________________________________________

Arsenio Tagge | Feridade Parthi | Tiber Septimus | Cressida Tolliver | Exum Jern | Annasari | Alexandra Feanor | Mykel Dawson | Ariana du Couteau | Sycorax Laveaux | Marek Bancroft | Spirit of the Dawn​

 

[Exum Jern]

"Our roar, as you say, has proven to be but a whimper." He sighed, "Such empty platitudes."

He had nothing particularly kind nor inspiring to say, it seemed.

"I would nominate senator Parthi, however. As much as I would like the seat for myself, I believe the senator of Eshan has the right head to navigate these troubles."

Salocin Lear - Feridade Parthi - Tiber Septimus - Cressida Tolliver - Annasari - Alexandra Feanor - Mykel Dawson - Ariana du Couteau - Sycorax Laveaux - Marek Bancroft - Spirit of the Dawn

 

[William Harris]

​

​

---

Time- occasionally, lined up strangely. Harris had just dug into the infrastructure developments on Osseriton when rising unrest lead to his decision to hire private security. The company he chose was one he trusted, that of the old Imperial guard-master Kael Virex, who had- since the fall of the Fel Imperium, run the company OPEX and handled many number of requests. A discounted price was offered for the job due to the connection, and some of the best men were given for protection. A personal guard unit of 50 men for William Harris and the now restored King Alexander I of Osseriton. The unit had just barely started their journey to Osseriton when the opening exchange between Alliance and Imperial forces started, and Harris knew that very quickly he'd have to stop lobbying for funds, and start lobbying for defense.

As he entered the hallowed halls of the Senate on Fondor, he was trailed by two guards. Two at the ship ramp, two to escort, and two to stand inside his office. B1-175, his now trusted companion and a repurposed battle droid had took on more and more responsibilities as a form of secretary, and he really was quite good if you could get past his wit.

Harris had already decided his hat would be in the ring before even arriving. His wardrobe was meticulously chosen, striking a balance between militaristic and noble aesthetics—befitting a man who commanded ships, stormed beaches, and stewarded an empire, now returning to an elected post. He wore a pale blue high-collared jacket with gold piping, freshly steamed; on the left collar sat the alliance symbol, on the right, that of Osseriton. His trousers were high-waisted and white. Mid-length hazelnut boots, polished to a sheen, matched his leather belt, which cut across his midsection. All buttons were brass, and the buckle bore the alliance crest. His uniform was a mix of political garb and militaristic heritage from his time in the fleets.

Harris thought to himself as he slid past crowed of senators, was he good enough? The Fel Collapsed, but was that his legacy? No- he stabilized a state plagued with turmoil and chaos. Built a town of timber and smoke into marble and steel, he lead armies on campaign despite being outnumbered and disadvantaged, and he survived his entire military staff revolting. His whole career had been narrow victory after narrow victory, he had experience as a commander and a statesmen, and this would be his chance to use both and gain favor with the people who had little clue who he was or what he proposed. Many of them had no interaction with Osseriton all those years ago, and if he could turn an absolute empire into a functioning democracy despite the odds, he could win this war.

Harris slowed near a group of senators as Salocin Lear voice echoes though the chamber.

"So we will rise! Rise up, warriors of the galaxy! Let the Imperial fleet hear our roar! Let the Empire tremble as we strike back! And let every world they've conquered know… we will liberate them! For freedom! For justice! For the galaxy!"

Harris shook his head after a brief pause, as if those words had shocked him. Audibly, he asked "What roar would that be?" Though unsure if anyone actually heard him, he looked in the direction of the speaker.

 

[Arsenio Tagge]

"I rise today to enter my name into nomination for the position of Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance of Free Federations." He lifted a hand, palm outward. "Before I speak further, I ask this chamber to rise with me in silence. For the people of Tepasi, trampled under the heel of the Empire. For the trillions in the deep Core, cut off, unheard, waiting for us to rescue them."

The silence pressed down like a weight. Tagge's eyes swept the chamber, his expression set. When he spoke again, his voice was lower, steadier. "We must be honest. We were caught unready. The Defense Force has been on a downward slide for years. The Senate was too timid. The Jedi were caught unprepared and scattered. There are some in this body who fault them for this decision, but I hope to remind you that some still fight. Some still believe. That, my colleagues, should be enough for us to believe too."

Hassan shifted beside him, stylus twitching. This was not in the script.

Arsenio leaned forward on the rail, voice firm. "This war will not be won with empty platitudes or half-measures. We must reshape the Alliance. I promise today that my first action as Chancellor, should I be elected, will be to form a Grand Coalition, one that will draw from every ideological bloc in this chamber. It does not matter if you are a Federalist like I, or a Populist or a Nationalist, or whatever you wish to call yourself. We must recognize that in these trying times, the people demand unity, not factionalism."

Hassan's stylus stilled. Interesting.

"And more than this," Tagge continued, "I will introduce a War Powers Article to amend our Charter. This War Powers Article would correct, I think, the grave mistake this Senate made in the twilight of Chancellor Organa's leadership. It would create a mechanism for decisive executive action in times of grave emergency, tempered and held to account by this body." He paused, gaze level. "I was a proponent of granting Chancellor Organa the authority he needed, though he and I were opponents. He was a great man. He had the interests of the Alliance at heart, and he was robbed of the chance to give us the decisive leadership we so desperately need."

Hassan's throat went dry. His uncle pressed on.

"I know some among you fear that such powers would lead to tyranny. That is a fair fear. It is a fear I share. That is why my proposal will build in limits, strict oversight, clear lines of accountability, and the requirement that any extraordinary measure be reviewed and renewed by this Senate. This is not an invitation to dictatorship. It is a safeguard against paralysis. A safeguard against defeat." His hand clenched on the rail. "Because make no mistake. If we continue as we have, timid and divided, we will be defeated. The Empire will not pause for us to debate procedure. It will not wait for us to count votes. The Republics that came before us fell because they lost their will to act. This Alliance cannot make that same mistake."

He drew in a breath and softened his tone, though his words cut all the same. "Victory takes time. Victory requires sacrifice. We must be prepared to do everything consistent with our ideals and our values to win this war."

His tone hardened, echoing against the rotunda. "We did not surrender to the Sith. We did not surrender to the Maw. And we must not surrender to a thrice-failed Emperor."

"The Empire believed that if they took Coruscant, the Alliance would fall. They were wrong. They believed that if they shattered our fleets, the Alliance would break. They were wrong. They believed that if they burned our worlds, the Alliance would die. They were wrong! So long as one soldier fights under our banner, so long as one ship sails the stars with our ensign flying, so long as one citizen claims our protection, our Alliance endures."

He raised his voice for the last line, driving it home with finality.

"We are the inheritors of the greatest multicultural society to ever exist. Our lineage spans millennia. My candidacy for the Chancellory is centered on our collective legacy, for it cannot be denied that we have one shared story. We have one collective struggle that has persisted over the millennia. We are one people. We are one alliance. And we shall never surrender!"

Salocin Lear | Alexandra Feanor | Tiber Septimus | Cressida Tolliver | Annasari | Mykel Dawson | Marek Bancroft | Ariana du Couteau | Sycorax Laveaux​

 

[Feridade Parthi]

| Location | Senate Chamber, Fondor
| Objective | Rise Up

The chamber was abuzz already as senators began to speak their minds. Some spoke of capitulation and yielding, others concerned for how the Alliance would manage to hold itself, and the rest of fighting back. Following the initial statements made, the Echani senator pushed off his seat with difficulty as he rose. Despite his injuries, he still made an effort to appear strong and dignified. Weakness was a rot that exposed the fragility of the Alliance, something it could not afford during its darkest hour.​

​

"My fellow Senators, when you speak of peace with the Empire and restraint in the face of an insurmountable enemy, I will remind you that our enemy is not a mere Imperial. This is no Rurik Fel nor Irveric Tavlar. The man that many of you seek to parley with is Sith. Peace with such a beast is a lie. Monsters cannot be reasoned with nor appeased; the only desire he possesses is a lust for power to subjugate those beneath him."​

​

He raised a hand to clear his throat before continuing, his gloved hand moving to his chest.​

​

"I have seen and experienced firsthand what our enemy is capable of and how far they would stoop to gain what they want. They tortured with the hopes that I would break, to hear me scream just for breathing a word of defiance. Had I not been rescued by the Lightsworn, I would not stand before you here today to remind you all of what this Alliance stands for. And here I am, once again, despite the attempt on my life to hold true to the words I spoke to the Imperial delegation. Their efforts have only steeled my resolve and commitment to what this Alliance stands for."​

​

"We have been the stewards of democracy in the Galaxy for years - and it has been our sworn duty to ensure its security against those who would plunge it into chaos and darkness. Would you have us kneel so that madmen like Solipsis or the Sith Order can wreak havoc across the stars? To your homes? Razing them for sport, bleeding your planets dry of their resources, and conscripting your sons and daughters to fuel their war machines?"​

​

"If war has come and it is war they want, then let us fight for what we have always championed, so that future generations can remember us for what we were and what we stood for. Let us lessen the burden left to them to fight back against tyranny and evil and give them a chance worth something. Even fighting and losing to exhaust what resources they have to slow them, is a fight worth taking. Every victory, no matter how small to us, is in service to those who come after. A galaxy in chains is not a galaxy worth living for - freedom is."​

​

"We must fight tooth and claw, for our enemy doesn't wish to make peace with us. They wish to break and destroy everything that we stand for and represent. I ask this of you all: Do not give them the satisfaction of destroying everything we have strived to build despite our differences and views. And do not ask that I sit idly by and forsake the lives sacrificed to ensure that the peace we have strived to build is wasted." ​

​

He made no call to nominate himself. He didn't seek power or authority - merely the chance to voice and remind his peers of what they were fighting for. His words may mean little to some of his peers, but he hoped his sincerity and passion would reach those who were skeptical. If his words had found purchase in the hearts of his peers and moved them, then that was all that he could ask for. If his words rallied those to support him, then he would do his best to live up to their expectations. Whether they nominated him out of respect or for nefarious purposes mattered not. He would continue to fight until there was nothing left to give. ​

​

He stepped back so that the mic would no longer pick up his voice as he raised a handkerchief to his mouth, covering it as he coughed into it. A sizable crimson stain appeared on its white, silken threads. Perhaps he had overdone it with his speech despite his injuries, a reminder to himself of what the Empire was capable of and deliver upon everyone else should they succeed in their evil machinations. He folded the handkerchief and tucked it away in his coat, keeping his injuries to himself.​

​

​

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Alexandra Feanor | Arsenio Tagge | Cressida Tolliver | Exum Jern | Annasari | Salocin Lear | Marek Bancroft | Ariana du Couteau | Tiber Septimus | Sycorax Laveaux | Mykel Dawson | William Harris | There are too damn many of y'all to tag next time.
​

 

[Brun Rostu]

Moments before...

A frantic team buzzed with activity behind Brun. The senate chamber was rife with activity and for good reason. This was change. A paradigm shift that would make or break the Galactic Alliance once and for all.

" Brun. Are you sure about this?" One of the koruns sat beside him in the pod and glanced at the large man. Forehead vein pulsing, sweat beading and leg shaking up and down as he listened to the vermin lining up to grab the absence of power for themselves.

" Are you going to forsake me now? If so, I understand." Brun responded lowly. He did not return the glance to his ally. To his brother. Instead the Korun turned and took a look at his supporting team. His family. Men and women he had bled with during the occupation of his homeworld. Haruun Kal.

And now, once again it had fell into oppression.
" We would never forsake you, Dôshalo. We already lost Haruun Kal. We cant loose the Galactic Alliance." The frantic movements came to pause. Collectively the Korunnai all gestured their approval. Silent encouragement for what they knew was going to come next.

"Sir, I've prepared your speech. Apologies if this-" The voice of a korun intern was silenced with the raise of a melanated hand. One that pushed away the sleek datapad.

" I wont need it."

​

The senator of Haruun Kal proceeded forward and halted near the central pod. Waiting patiently for speeches to end. Patting his head with an already damp synth-cloth rag. As soon as the signal was receive to proceed, Brun stood to his full height and nodded to his assistant to introduce them.

" Delegates of the senate. Senator-in-exile, Brun of Gnosh Rostu, of Haruun Kal." The assistant announced and promptly moved away from the hotseat.

Dark brown eyes scanned the room briefly. Brun took in a breath and then assumed a visage of stone. Yet inside something fractured in his heart. " I would like to take a brief moment of pause. For my ancestors who came before me. The ancestors of the oppressed and those dead or suffering right now."

He closed his eyes. His minds eyes igniting colors of the jungle, of Grandfathers shoulder, of Pelek Baw and then transitioned into Coruscant, Arkania and more. Flashing with festivities, district lights and flames.

When his eyes opened, They were replaced with furious resolve. " Do hear them? Because, I am not sure some of you do." He shifted to senator Cressida Tolliver . " Senator Tolliver, You speak like woman who had lived her entire life in gilded halls and polished floors. You have such privilege and luxury to romanticize war. The audacity of your ignorance speaks volumes. Tickling the ears of your audiences with false comfort and cleverly bolstering your image. Promoting your narrative. Your citizens are safe enough for you to talk about metaphors and history. Meanwhile, mine are enslaved, broken, and gone. A small plight compared to the shadow that looms over the Galactic Alliance. So let me ask you, Do you think they care about your stanza? Your babble about not yielding? Most people out there wont have a choice. They yield every damn day because they don't have the luxury of choice! They have nothing! So don't stand here and act like a poem is a plan!"

Then the korun turned to Tiber Septimus . " Then there is you. Senator Tiber. Ever pragmatic. Plant our feet. It sounds so strong, doesn't it? Real sturdy. Problem is, standing still is exactly how you get run over. Now is not the time to plant our feet! Now is the time for action! Maybe on Niahelios that worked, but this isn't your home turf. This isnt Haruun Kal. This is the galactic alliance. And while you're bragging about planting your feet, families are already being marched past you into the chains of Imperial rule! Your people may be warriors, sure. But every time you say plant your feet, what I hear is wait until it's too late. That's not strategy. That's your pride disguised as wisdom."

Again the large man turn. This directing his fury to Exum Jern . Not even bothering addressing him by name. Brun simply glanced at him and gestured firm with a pointed finger. "You. Whining about survival like it's noble. Say we should take a sour deal over annihilation. That's easy to say from a Senate pod, where your biggest risk is your reputation. I'd love to see you say that to the dead on Arkania. Or the displaced refugee's of Coruscant! Go to them and tell them that survival under the Empire is good enough for them! You think that's survival? Your a fething Muun. Thats pure privilege talking. Not to mention credits! Because you'll never be the one ground down in the dirt and you know it! You'll sign papers, make concessions, and sleep in safety. All the while the rest of the galaxy burns. You stunted slime! If you had eyes to see, you would know the value of every citizen within the GA. Force sensitivity or not. But no, instead you focus on heroes and symbols. Heroes don't win wars. Symbols don't hold the line. Faith in such illusions is a rot, And oh how rotten our faith in our Jedi heroes has eclipsed our own worth. He growled.

Next was the Senator of Jakku. " Senator Annasari , of Jakku. Did you write that speech yourself? Do you ever listen yourself? That's the kind of advice only someone untouched by real loss could give. Yielding doesn't give you another chance. Yielding means the fight's over. You're not preparing for later. You're handing over the galaxy now and praying you'll still have a place in it. And you want to call that temperance and wisdom? I call it cowardice dressed up to sound wise and respectable, because as long as you and your peoples dignity is intact, thats all that matters right?"

Once more Brun Rostu wiped away his sweat, only this time he grit his teeth together. His thoughts spiraling around all the words that were oh so carefully said to curate the massed to the illusion of justice and comforts. He could go on and on and on with his blunt demeanor and keen perception of language. Of character.

His judgement was a hammer.

A hand waved toward Arsenio Tagge , Salocin Lear , Sycorax Laveaux and even Feridade Parthi . So much to cover and yet his time was coming to an end.

" The time for posh and formality is dead. People are looking to us to represent and stand for them! And while you all continue to preen for press, for your egos and pride. PEOPLE. ARE. DYING! We, together, are all thats left. And together we are enough. Enough to rally the masses to fight back against the Galactic Empire. But only if we drop the act and embrace a singular reality. War is apon us! It has arrived and urge you all to look around what remains of our territories and see the underutilized value that is crying out. I have already lost my homeworld to the sith. And I will be damned if I see my only other home bond to inadequacy! You can do better. All of you. We can fight. We have had everything we ever needed around us all." He paused and took a long breath.

" If you cant see it. Then I will point it out for you. I, Brun Rostu, I toss my name into the bag for nomination." His voice ended grimly. Taking a seat the Korun fingered the mute function for his pods microphone and took his seat.

 

[Ariana du Couteau]

Ariana du Couteau
Location: Fondor
Outfit

Ariana couldn’t resist the urge to fidget beneath the cover of her cape, draped around her shoulders. The intensity radiating from the Senators carried a rather uncomfortable weight, one she had no real experience in understanding. This was unlike any battlefield she had stepped into, nor could she take comfort in her encounters with other nobles on Teta. Her father always warned her about snakes in the rose gardens, but the Senators here were anything but snakes, more like mudhorns in a porcelain knickknack store.

Leadership was the main pain point among the speakers, one that Ariana had never paid much attention to over the years. Damian had always assured her that Chancellor Organa was beyond reproach: “Alicio the Worthy should be what the Alliance decrees after his tenure as Chancellor,” her brother’s voice echoed in her mind.

Perhaps it was for the best that she had attended Jedi lessons rather than what her brother had been forced to endure. The speeches, though infused with enough passion to stir her heart, carried no further than the walls of the Chambers. Ariana looked down at her data-slate, her eyes settling on the only thing that mattered, a message from her brother, left for her some time ago.

A saddened smile ghosted across her lips as she felt somewhat at ease with the details he had left behind for her to understand. Politics was a strange business, one that made Ariana wonder about the merits of attending a class on its science. She noticed that her fidgeting had stopped, strength returning to her shoulders to help her bear the weight of representing her people.

“Through careful consideration and analysis of the matter, I- Ariana du Couteau, Representative of Empress Teta Governance in Exile, nominate the Senator of Jakku for consideration of the Chancellorship.” Ariana’s voice was cool, even, and balanced. She was never one to raise her voice, but presently she prayed her volume was enough.

Far easier to read aloud the words I need to say. Ariana still considered the possibility of punching her brother all the same when she found him. It didn’t matter if he was making her job easier, the sheer fact that she had been given the job at all was damning enough.

“The Alliance requires plenty; no doubt many of us here today could produce a near-endless list. Thus, what is optimal is a Chancellor who understands pragmatism and possesses strength unique only to them. We all know how unfair the situation the Alliance finds itself in, and in the words of the Senator of Jakku: ‘Those in power are able to choose their founding principles… how to shape the lives of their people, deciding to close the gap in that unfairness, or widen it.’ There is none better than her to close the gap that threatens to send the Alliance into a death spiral than her.”

Ariana nodded once before retaking her seat with less enthusiasm than she had hoped to show. Even with assistance, she found her legs nearly depleted of strength, and all she wanted was to hide beneath her cape, or better yet; run. Imagine it, Damian: your sister walking away from this speech only to collapse face-first after her knees give out. She swallowed hard, suppressing a sigh of exasperation. Whatever game of politics her brother had planned was difficult to comprehend, but at least she didn’t need to worry about doubting the Senator of Jakku. Her eyes dropped back to the data-slate, to the speech Damian had written for her, and near the bottom, she read the line stating that their father trusted the Senator completely.

That’s more than enough for me.
​

|| Arsenio Tagge | Feridade Parthi | Exum Jern | Alexandra Feanor | Annasari | William Harris | Salocin Lear | Sycorax Laveaux | Brun Rostu | Tiber Septimus | Mykel Dawson | Cressida Tolliver | Marek Bancroft ||​

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra was patient, her gaze steady as she listened to the words of all those who had taken the stand and filled the hall with so many different concerns and thoughts. It was alot, the discord that was slowly being created from the different intentions and needs of the people that were being shouted out or proposed by her counterparts. Most of all, the words from Cressida Tolliver who she welcomed greatly as the words were more hopeful than some of the others she had been hearing herself.

The poem that had been spoken by the woman she came to respect by this point causing her to pause as she reached over to her left arm and held it. She looked carefully at the woman as she finished and then leaned over. The concern from Senator Tolliver making Alexandra feel all the more glad to have that kind of woman by her side even if they weren't offering to support her.

Similarly, Tiber Septimus ' own concerns simply brought a soft smile to her lips, letting the man speak to those within the hall while she spoke and made clear what her thoughts were. Her voice low enough to not interrupt the words of the others in the hall, not wishing to announce her own nomination quite yet.

"Senator Tolliver, Septimus..." She began, letting the words be just loud enough for those two. "... The concern is fair, and I agree that I am not the most imposing picture of strength compared to some of the others who are speaking up even now to place themselves forward. But strength isn't what we need, atleast not strength alone. And, what better symbol than someone harmed by their evil acts, scarred by them, and must heal and rebuild her own strength as well as a former Jedi in opposition to the Sith." She would give them both another smile before shifting and starting to stand tall.

Exum Jern 's comments were what caused her gaze to focus upon the Senate as a whole though. Her feet moving her to the front of her own pod and looking out over the others. Hearing as Annasari agreed in some part to what the man had said, while Sycorax Laveaux spoke in heavy opposition. His words were something Alexandra herself deeply disliked and disagreed with, but then came the voice of Marek Bancroft .

Bancroft made clear the purpose of the meeting today, that the intention was simply to declare themselves, not to speak of policy for the moment. A fact that it seemed several others took in part as Exum Nominated Feridade Parthi , Arsenio Tagge nominated themselves, and Ariana du Couteau put forward the name of Annasari. These nominations were curious, some she was unsurprised by, while others she was unfamiliar with. She could not be certain of each of their plans or intentions.

Finally, she spoke, waiting for the statements from Brun Rostu and Ariana du Couteau to be completed and for her to be able to speak without talking over one of her counterparts.

"Senators, forgive me for my more quiet tone, as many of you know the injuries I suffered restrict how loudly I can address you all." She would rely on the microphone within her Pod, allowing it to transmit her voice to her counterparts and letting them all hear her words, as uneven as they are at the time.

"I have no wish to hold up the discussion, or to delay things with a long speech of my own. But please excuse me these few moments to make clear my own wishes. I will be nominating myself as well, putting forward my name as one of the few we have seen so far today seeking to uphold the values of the Galactic Alliance. I did not know Alicio Organa as well as many of you, but I have seen a great many things over the last ninety years. The fall of the Republic to the Sith Empire, Coruscant being held by Sith before, or the efforts of Brynadul in the outer reaches of the Galaxy, or the One Sith that succeeded the Sith Empire." She grimaced before looking down at her left arm.

Slowly, she would use her right to pull back her left sleeve, and for the first time that anyone in these halls would see or any watching via the Holorecordings she would show what damage had truly been left on her form and her soul. Her left arm was a mess, a pale and and unmoving thing, that hung heavy at her side and seemed to not even twitch as she stood there. Darkened veins ran through her arm and she would wince a the sight of it herself before continuing.

"The Alliance and its people are scarred, many of us have lost people we care about just as I lost my dearly beloved to the hand of a Sith only a few months ago. Many are injured and scarred, still healing from the dark works of the Galactic Empire just as I stand before you today with my own voice and left arm stolen from me, the latter of which more completely than the former. But, perseverence will prove that this Alliance and the trust we put in our compatriots within this hall to be a far greater weapon than the fear the Galactic Empire seeks to use against our people. Those who have heard me speak before know what I stand for, that I believe we can weather this storm and push past it... and I will make this clear." She would cough, starting to reach the limit of what she could speak on for now but for the last bit she rose her voice as much as she could.

"And, I will make this clear. Should I be nominated by another, and should I find the trust and faith of the Alliance and its people in this election, there is one action I stand by most of all. The removal of the Jedi from the Alliance's inner workings was a mistake. Simply and clearly. I intend to not only invite the Jedi back, to bring them back into the fold and to combat this darkness that we stand opposed to, but to ensure they are given the power and ability to stand in command and in defense of our people. The Jedi are paragons of our ideals just as we hope to be, and while I favor them, I extend this invitation not only to them but all others who will stand to protect this Alliance. No matter who you are, if you seek to protect the people of the Galaxy from these dark invaders, I will be the first to welcome you and to ensure that your efforts are given the support needed. Even if you are from the High Republic, Mandalorians, Diarchy, or Confederation, I wish to ensure the Alliance can stand shoulder to shoulder with you." She finished, stepping back and starting to cough a bit harder, covering her mouth with her sleeve and grimacing at the stain of crimson that now sat there on the right sleeve. Only then would she also pull her left sleeve down, hiding the twisted damage that her arm had suffered from the Sith on Coruscant.

Her words were meant to make one thing clear. She intended on inviting any who would stand to defend the Alliance. Anyone who would stand by their ideals and goals in opposition to the Empire would be welcomed into the Alliance. That she would help any such individual find a place within the Senate or in the GADF, and that she would support them in doing what they can as long as they upheld the beliefs of the people within these halls.

That was what she saw as their best chance, to reach out and to join in their efforts with all those who saw the danger of the Sith and the Galactic Empire. Just as she had for so long stood in oppisition to those like Darth Carnifex.