Faction Finishing the Hat | THR Senators

[Verity Stuyveris]

CONFERENCE ROOM 202-AUREK
THE HIGH REPUBLIC SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
THEED -- NABOO -- MIDMORNING
​

Verity had made paper copies of the legislation proposed by Katsumi Royal but also had a digital copy on her datapad, she she had placed -- presumptuously, perhaps -- at the head of the table. It was connected to the display that had it projected in large print on the opposite wall screen. She left it there and then crossed over to the refreshments table, where she helped herself to a cup of caf.

As she began to stir in cream and sweetener, she glanced toward Royal. "Do you have everything you need, Captain? Caf, tea, a pastry perhaps?" The Senator gestured broadly to the table. "I'd like you to be comfortable. This has the capacity to be -- unpleasant -- but at least the refreshments are good."

Verity crossed back to her seat and set the caf down, then pulled the chair back, but thought twice before sitting down. "I say unpleasant because clearly you've worked up an idea close to your heart. The unpleasant part comes in trying to turn that into a functional piece of legislation without the powers that be in the Senate either tearing it apart or adding so many riders to it that it collapses under the strain. But don't worry, I'll do my best." She offered a broad smile.

She finally sat and rolled her seat forward, picking up her stylus. "Now. Let's begin. I've informed some of my colleagues of what we're doing and so we may well be joined by others as we progress." She brought up the text so far. "We will need clear controls, I think. The beginnings of them are here -- equipping the citizens without reason is a breach of law, that's brilliant -- but we will want to be more specific or planetary officials have a tendency to run amok. And I think a clearer command structure is required. Of course, that leads us to the first question. We can do this as a grant-type structure, where we say upon request from planetary leadership, the Republic will fund a certain amount of credits -- or, provide a certain credit amount of materiel -- to supply a homeguard militia. That gives the strongest sense of independence, but I suspect the Senate would not be willing to hand over cash without significant oversight. On the other hand, we could accomplish oversight by establishing the homeguard militias as a cadet branch of the Republic armed forces, like a national guard."

She was jotting notes in the margin of her datapad as she spoke, the jotting going on a few moments after she stopped talking. She then looked up at Royal, her eyes glacial. "I can't guarantee what the Senate will go for, but if we choose the preferred direction before it goes to the floor, we can at least have arguments for why. So: what do you think?"

Spoiler: Katsumi Royal's proposal

Senate Bill No. 7200

The "Outstanding Citizen" act:

Intent: To help assure extra protections and unity for any and all planets under the Republic

Purpose: Letting these planets create 'homeguard' militias from those who volunteer, these men and women who volunteer will be given basic training in the art of combat. Any planet that adopts this bill will make armories, these are to be monitored by law/military of said planet and located in defensible military zones.

The conditions at which this armory is opened to equip these volunteers are to follow the laws and regulations of that planet, with the final say being given by that planet's senator or those legally permitted to act on their behalf.

It is to be assumed that the opening and thus rallying of volunteer citizens means that there is a threat, opening and equipping these citizens without proper reason is to be seen as a breach of law.

Citizens who volunteer for these units are to never be taken off planet, nor are they to be used for any personal agendas. Any who abuse this are subject to the law and are to be taken in, this includes senators or other persons in positions of power.

If a citizen under this act is wanting to move off planet, they are to inform their local government. There are many reasons as to why said persons is moving off planet, examples are work related and or they have signed on to the Republic military.

Citizens transferring to the military are to be taken off their homeguard unit, as they are now duty bound to serve the whole of the Republic.

Those within these units who fall in battle are to be given a soldier's burial for their bravery and service.

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: Verity Stuyveris and other senators

It was finally here, the day she got to sit down with the heads of this Republic she has bled for.​

"Do you have everything you need, Captain? Caf, tea, a pastry perhaps?"

"Caf if you will ma'am."

For her there was nothing fancy, nothing needed to be added. She had gotten used to black coffee by now, funny how long ago she hated it with a passion.

"My thanks for your hospitality, senator. And well, for entertaining my little idea."

As per the usual for settings such as this, she wanted to appear pristine and professional. Just like how she did when meeting with senator Ayumi Pallopides on Denon.

Officer's uniform ironed, every little part of her neatly adjusted.​

"I'd like you to be comfortable. This has the capacity to be -- unpleasant -- but at least the refreshments are good."

"If someone ever told me their experience with even everyday bureaucratic processes was fun and enjoyable, I would call them a liar."

The woman jests with Verity.

"But of course, responsibility has never been fun. Each action we take is a labor of love for our Republic."
​

I suspect the Senate would not be willing to hand over cash without significant oversight.

"Credits are always an issue till you have enemies knocking down your door, then you want the fix no matter the cost. My vision and goal is for this to be an investment, a protected people are a productive and loyal people. However, I wouldn't be opposed to a cadet branch."

It was an issue she ran into far too often, concerns over credits. Though she would admit that politicking isn't her strength.

"Command structure... I believe that each planet can oversee these units with ease, and should be able to ask for more federal assistance with this if desired. Planetside it could follow a chain of command, starting with the senator of the planet themselves. Perhaps then allowing an induvial whom said senator trusts to act as their voice in time of need? If a planet decides to take a more federal approach, then I would assume the task is to be given to the senator along with the highest ranking military official assigned to help oversee. If the senator is unable to give the order to mobilize then the military official may do so. With the reason as to why being sent to command, should the unfortunate occur and the senator is killed. The federal government should take charge until the planet has a new senator, allowing this new senator to decide if they need the help of federal officers such as myself or not."

But what about the reasons? She thought for a moment.

"As for reasons of deployment. Each planet under the wing of the Republic has its own issues, even down to something as basic as wildlife. The first and foremost reason for the deployment of these units is to help hold off invading forces for as long as they can. But I could see a more 'wild' planet's senator allowing a handful of appointed officials to help oversee towns, allowing them to rally smaller bands in order to fend off native problems. These officials along with mobilized units are to follow and support their local military and or police in the event they work together."

Saying all this, Katsumi felt as if she needed to work on it a little more.

"Keep it simple right? If something is actively putting citizens at risk, I see no reason why these units cannot be deployed to assist. Hostile fauna? Invading force? Natural and or manmade disasters? Help remove the hostile creature, hold out and defend your home until we arrive, help keep the peace and rescue your fellow citizens in danger."







​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Verity Stuyveris Dominique Vexx Katsumi Royal

The news that Verity was looking to help with the bill had been a nice thing and Ayumi walked as she was arriving with a Sophros Fruits in her hands. The shell pre-cracked for now and they could eat the interior fruit but she would also be able to show them the shells more fun properties. A display like this was a fun thing as Ayumi practically skip;ped into the office. Her eyebrows raising up. "You know in a way I kind of miss Easu, his aids might have had poor judgement working for him but they were lookers. I brought you a gift." Ayumi said it while she was moving and offered the woman some Courtly Wine with a raised eyebrow. "The finest from Denon's reserve, it will surprise you and self refilling in the bottle."

Ayumi stood there in her backless senate dress. The stylized A on her chest as it came from her neck's collar down and left her stomach exposed. Micro tension hooks on the skin making it look impossible but it went down her legs into a skirt and her bare feet wrapped in micro repulsors to protect and keep them clean. THe A that was left in the carpets as she walked was just because as the Repulsors were set up as such. She was listening to Katsumi and gave a nod of her head as she slipped in and had the bottle of wine and large fruit set out. Offerings of other snacks were important to meetings like this.

 

[Rue]

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"A minor, small mining consortium based on Kenari consisting of eleven groups who serve as distinct members within the organisation and who represent the Kenari system within the The High Republic's Senate in Theed."
-- A description of the Kenari Resource Compact.

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Tag: Verity Stuyveris | Katsumi Royal | Ayumi Pallopides

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There was a blonde girl sitting to the side, listening to Senator Stuyveris talk, while the Druckenwell representative begun going over Captain Royal's proposal. Girl was appropriate considering their age. Some kids can pass for older than what they looked but the astute can still tell when you're young. It's the candour and the way they carry themselves, you see. The way they sit and that look. Rue was barely sixteen. No classical education which would rival the other women sat at the meeting. She was, however, currently a quiet observer while Katsumi spoke and Senator Pallopides joined them as the conversation begun in earnest. An oddity amid normality. Rue knew someone who would appreciate the setting in place.

The girl was from Vūm. It's ok if you haven't heard of them. Your friends, family and associates haven't either. Kenari did hear about them, however. The Kenari Resource Compact, to be exact. The consortium certainly hadn't made friends with Senator Stuyveris after they had elected not to vote in favour of her late Diplomatic Accountability and Reform Enforcement Act. Unfortunately their hand had been forced. The King will always have his way. It didn't stop Kenari hearing about today's meeting.

Things get around in Theed. News travels quickly.

K.R.C. This is the abbreviation for the compact. Also, their emblem is striking. You see it and know who it is. That is if you've ever heard of these people. Both Stuyveris and Pallopides would, Rue quietly suspected. Captain Royal, on the other hand, might be oblivious. Rue wore it on the chest. It was how she got into the meeting. By invitation of the consortium Rue had been leased diplomatic access, on the behalf of the Kenari system, to listen to Royal's proposal in person. If there was going to be a new bill, to be put on the Senate floor, regarding the raising and allowance of training pertaining to armed militia among the star systems of the High Republic then it was in the K.R.C's interest to hear about it.

Vūm are analysts. Economic lobbyists. With a political acumen. Yeah, Kenari would want to hear what they would have to make about this proposal. The report would be intriguing for those corrupt businessmen. Triarch would love their own militia. Such a garrison would help them stop anyone from coming planet-side, if they didn't want it, and it would be perfectly legal too, given how the bill was in it's current state. That was if Stuyveris or Pallopides made amendments.

You see, the less people that see or hear about what is happening out there, on Kenari, the better it would be for them. Senate interference, Jedi investigation, or Nabooian aristocrats decrying their methods ought to be avoided. That was why they had brought Her into the board. Strategies were in place. Being executed as Rue sat there, listening.

It's all about disguises. The right story. Access. Everyone in Theed has an ulterior motive. These things come with politics. No, it wasn't Royal's proposal that was of interest to Rue nor was it the K.R.C's interest in the proposal itself. Sometime ago Druckenwell's Senator released a statement about what was happening out there on Coruscant. Malpractice had been the key word. Stuyveris was too polite. But honest. Real. She can change. Say how it is supposed to be said. Even so the truth does carry weight even among all the lies. Vūm were always interested in those who spoke out against the Sith.

"You know in a way I kind of miss Easu, his aids might have had poor judgement working for him but they were lookers. I brought you a gift."

"Those look nice," Rue chirped up while eyeing the Sophros Fruits. "Can I have one?"

Kids. They can't help themselves.

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[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique hadn't set foot inside the room by the time the ladies got to talking. This wasn't a full Senate gathering, and at times there truly was value in 'the Boss' not being present. Some people felt more inclined to offer ideas they might otherwise keep to themselves so as not to give 'the wrong impression' to someone of authority over them. Nonetheless, the Chancellor couldn't help but be curious about what they were discussing.

She'd taken a seat at a delightful little table in the Senate Office Buildings with a cup of caf whose steam lethargically wafted into the air before her. The contents of the legislation in question scrolled on the inside of her lilac glareshades.

It was an interesting proposal. Member worlds should take their own security seriously. It certainly wouldn't hurt for them to have a local garrison of trained bodies to combat an incursion, holding the hostiles at bay until the full force of the High Republic arrived. An emergency response division. Dominique did agree, however, that some manner of... association with the broader forces would be beneficial. A certain latitude for a home unit, certainly, but not so much that they and the Republic forces would treat one another as much as an intruder as the actual intruders.

A quiet sip of her caf later and Dominique smiled to herself. It would be interesting to see where the direction the discussion went.

Verity Stuyveris | Katsumi Royal | Ayumi Pallopides | Rue​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Verity Stuyveris | Katsumi Royal | Ayumi Pallopides | Rue | Dominique Vexx

Aurelian was late. Not that he had actually been invited, which was immensely rude. Hearing about the meeting from low-level senators felt like a slight, especially having to request the proposal be forwarded to his office like some common lawmaker. During the brief window before the midmorning assembly, he had skimmed the file on his datapad. Choice thoughts had already begun to take shape, and they were certainly going to be heard.

Swinging the conference room door open, he paused on the threshold to assess the gathering. Senator Stuyveris sat near the head of the display, directing the conversation with practiced authority while Chancellor Dominique observed nearby. Ambition practically radiated off the Druckenwell representative.

Silently entering the room, Aurelian plucked a handful of Sophros fruits right out of Senator Pallopides' offer before sauntering over to the wall display. With his back turned to the table, eyes tracked across the projected text.

"All good on paper," he mused out loud, tossing a piece of fruit into his mouth. "Have we considered the implications here? This could easily empower an unruly senator to raise an armed force against the Republic using government-funded infrastructure. Not all planetary leaders carry themselves with absolute honesty like myself. Dare I say, a few corrupt figures might even be sitting within our own senate halls."

​

 

[Misha Kaskadov]

NABOO | THEED
TAGS: Aurelian Veruna | Verity Stuyveris | Katsumi Royal | Ayumi Pallopides | Rue | Dominique Vexx

It had been a few years since Misha was brave enough for politics in public. Ever since the Confederacy’s merger into the High Republic, he had been focusing on keeping both the company and Christophsis stable and thriving.

But things were shifting, slowly and perhaps not as glamorously as one would hope, but a shift was evident and he would be a poor representative for his people if he didn’t partake.

The Mantellian walked with purpose, a hand idly patting down his suit jacket while the other tucked a datapad against his chest. He was late by a few minutes, but he at least had more reason than most for his tardiness. The recent mess on Kenari with his company’s operations luckily didn’t seem to reach the news, though the cleanup persisted to take its sweet time.

He found the conference room and entered momentarily after what looked to be the king of Naboo, at least he wasn’t the only tardy one in the assembly.

"All good on paper," he mused out loud, tossing a piece of fruit into his mouth. "Have we considered the implications here? This could easily empower an unruly senator to raise an armed force against the Republic using government-funded infrastructure. Not all planetary leaders carry themselves with absolute honesty like myself. Dare I say, a few corrupt figures might even be sitting within our own senate halls."

A smile tugged at the Mantellian’s otherwise cold features. ”You khave a short memory, lord Veruna.” He spoke with a hint of amusement. ”It was a bunch of unruly senators that saved Naboo from the Mandalorian marauders only a few short years ago.” His attention turned to the various representatives gathered around the table.

”Senators, chancellor. I apologize for my late arrival. Misha Kaskadov of Christophsis.” He was cool and polite as he grabbed a seat and set his datapad down… next to a sheet of paper. A curious hum echoed from the Director as he studied the parchment for a brief second.

Paper was a curious choice, but certainly not out of character for the showmen of Naboo.

”In my khumble opinion, dere are more pressing matters than an ambitious senator within these halls. Lord Veruna makes an excellent point in regards to the… reliability… of the senate.” He commented as he clasped his hands together over his datapad, cold eyes looking at each person gathered around him.

He doubted that the proposed bill would bounce with all the recent news and action both in and around the Republic's borders. But the details of it still remained in question.

 

[Vaerelyn Thorne]

​

Location: Conference Room 202-Aurek, Senate Building, Theeds, Naboo
Objective: Hear militia proposal
Outfit: Formal, comfortable dress
Tag: Open

The corridors outside Conference Room 202-Aurek were already alive with the quiet rhythm of the Senate building. Conversations drifted through open doorways, aides hurried from office to office with datapads tucked beneath their arms, and somewhere farther down the hall someone laughed a little louder than protocol probably encouraged. Vaerelyn Thorne paused only briefly outside the conference room.

The young Gorathi smoothed the woven sash that marked her office before stepping inside with the same measured grace she carried through nearly every unfamiliar place. Though Naboo's polished marble and towering architecture still felt impossibly grand compared to the timber halls and terraced valleys of Gorath's Haven, she had long since learned not to let that discomfort show. Her amber-gold eyes quietly swept the room, recognizing several faces she'd only recently begun learning among the Republic's senior politicians.

"Senators. Chancellor." Her voice remained soft, carrying the gentle cadence of the Mokk System without demanding attention. She offered each gathered representative a respectful inclination of her head before finding an open seat that placed her neither at the center of the discussion nor hidden at its edge.

A paper copy of the proposal rested before her. The novelty of printed legislation still brought the faintest smile to her lips. It reminded her more of the council records kept in Gorath's Haven than the endless streams of information that flowed through Republic datapads.

She listened. Senator Stuyveris' concerns over oversight. Captain Royal's vision for locally organized defense. The caution voiced by Lord Veruna. Director Kaskadov's measured counterpoint. Even the Chancellor's quiet presence seemed to lend weight to the conversation. It was an intriguing proposal.

Mokk VIII had never needed nor desired a permanent Republic garrison. There simply were not enough people scattered across its valleys and settlements to justify one. Their world contributed to the Republic in other ways: through its harvests, its commerce, and the taxes and revenues those brought to the wider Republic. A small, disciplined reserve capable of responding during those first critical hours of an unexpected crisis, however, seemed a practical idea for a world where help from neighboring systems might not arrive immediately.

Only after several moments did Vaerelyn finally speak. "If I may..." Her tone remained thoughtful rather than argumentative. "I find myself wondering less about authority, and more about expectation."

Her hands folded neatly atop the legislation. "My home, Gorath's Haven, has a population measured in small farming communities rather than great cities. We would never require a standing Republic garrison, and I can certainly see the value in a trained reserve able to protect our people until assistance arrives."

She glanced toward Captain Royal with an appreciative nod before continuing. "However, worlds like mine already contribute to the Republic in ways other than manpower. Our strength is agriculture and trade. We help sustain the Republic's treasury and food supply far more readily than we could ever sustain a large military force."

Her luminous eyes drifted briefly around the table. "If this proposal became law, would every member system be expected to maintain forces of a certain size or readiness? Or would those expectations be scaled according to a world's population and capacity?"

A thoughtful pause followed. "I would not wish smaller worlds to find themselves struggling to meet obligations designed with larger populations in mind. We are no less committed to the Republic because our contribution takes a different form. I simply hope the legislation leaves room for worlds to support our shared security according to the strengths they genuinely possess."

Her expression softened into a polite smile as she looked back toward the assembled senators. "I believe the idea has considerable merit. I merely hope that, in protecting every member world, we do not inadvertently ask the smallest among them to bear burdens they were never built to carry." With that, Vaerelyn settled back into attentive silence, content once more to listen as the more seasoned voices around the table continued shaping the proposal.

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity was pleased -- for Katsumi Royal more than for herself -- by the growing turnout. The invitation to a legislative workshop did not always garner this kind of attention. The Chancellor was there, Senator Pallopides, and some newer faces. Even the loathsome worm King of Naboo had deigned to attend. And even better, the loathsome worm privileged princeling was making the observations that Verity thought she would have to raise, making her the ghost at the feast.

The Senator for Druckenwell glanced between Rue and Ayumi Pallopides . It was above her pay grade whether the slight blonde should be allowed to drink wine, so she would leave that to Ayumi's capable hands.

"Senator Veruna," she said pleasantly. "I'm so pleased you could join us. Touch wood the building doesn't collapse but -- I quite agree. However well-intentioned, some of this language leaves the door open to potential abuses for those involved who might be... less scrupulous. I'm also of the opinion that the Senator is the wrong person to empower with command or activation authority. After all, there is a fine line between a riot threatening the security of a Republic world and an anti-government protest, and one would fall afoul."

Verity turned her attention toward Vaerelyn Thorne . "I understand your concern," Verity said gravely. "The nature of this legislation, as I read it, is voluntary. It would not apply a burden of any kind if the planet's leadership did not choose it. Do I have that right, Captain Royal?"

Aurelian Veruna | Ayumi Pallopides | Vaerelyn Thorne | Dominique Vexx | Misha Kaskadov | Rue
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[Ayumi Pallopides]

Vaerelyn Thorne Misha Kaskadov Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx Rue Katsumi Royal

There were more people coming in and joining them as Ayumi raised an eyebrow at Rue. The request was simple as she had the wine and slipped some glasses out while offering for the rest. "Of course and I bought some of our newest fruits, the flavors are wonderful but for its shell is what We wanted to impress with that." She took her seat seeing the other and bowing her head. "Welcome and your highness enjoy." She looked at him taking some of the interior sacs of fruit with their creamy texture and consistency. Ayumi holding one of the sacs for a moment and piercing it with a finger nail so it slipped out like a push up of sweet cream.

"The intent of it is there and the language will be good. Denon would be glad to work with it. We can offer some fabricators to the worlds on a lease if they do not want to." SHe said it though but looked over at the Wine bottle for Rue and then Verity. "Verity, when that gets empty it has one more trick, it is self refilling for when I am going on a tangent about what we should get for lunch." She was taking a moment as the thought of a senator doing something untowards was terrible and they couldn't be having that. She looked at Senator Thorne and gave a small look. "From experience there are rarely demands made of worlds that can't be met. It would only do harm."

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: Verity Stuyveris Misha Kaskadov Ayumi Pallopides Rue Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx Vaerelyn Thorne

Taking a hardy sip of her coffee, the captain was rather caught off guard by the sheer number of persons of import that had shown up. The high chancellor, and even the King.

The officer sets her cup down, giving all the new faces present a proper military salute.​

"The nature of this legislation, as I read it, is voluntary. It would not apply a burden of any kind if the planet's leadership did not choose it. Do I have that right, Captain Royal?"

The woman gives an affirming point over to Verity.

"Correct, ma'am. All are free to vote on this bill, but if it does become adopted there are no mandatory requirements. It is simply the approval to allow planets under the banner of the Republic to have a response unit, made fully out of locals. This assures that not only are we given an extra saftey net, but it also allows those who seek less federal involvement to be satisfied. I would imagine planets sat right on our borders will want this act put in motion."

Considering now the number of persons present, she sets down a holoprojector for all to see.

It opens to a map, showcasing borders.

"While we can proudly consider most of our planets to be under fair rule, and a content populace. Not all in our galaxy can say the same, the dire truth is that we are utterly cornered. Surrounded by tyrants who have a rather keen interest in making sure just about everyone in this room is dead. Having served now for over a decade, I have seen the sheer brutality. And I firmly believe that we are working on borrowed time, this bill helps assure me and my men have time on our side..."

You could call the captain paranoid, perhaps. But as the Republic spent the time to care and nurture it's domain, who all out there would wish to steal the fruit?

"This is why I bring this idea to you all today, there have been good points made, to that I will agree. Hopefully we can iron those out."

Her life had been a rapid trial as of late, and if it was one thing she knew about politics, expectations were high for both this bill and herself.

"Senator Stuyveris, the bill did make mention of those untrusted with this being faced with judgement should they abuse it. Though I can see what you mean, if not the person trusted with the oversite of said planet... Then who would you consider for such a task? I had also mentioned that those who wish for aid when it came to the management and oversite of these units could request federal officers such as myself. But that of course only applies to persons who want the federal pressence."

That wine was starting to look better by the minute.

"When it comes to a planet taking action and rebelling, they would already muster something close to this anyway. These are volunteer militia, given basic training and basic equipment. While in the case of such an unfortunate event having the chance to occur, we need to remember that a protected people are a loyal people. With how times are right now we may need to bite the bullet so to speak, too much lockdown and it makes it look like we don't trust those people."

Seeing as the projector may not still be needed, she turns it off for now.

"Any other questions? Concerns? Ideas?"

Katsumi "Kat" Royal was a lot of things, had been called a lot of things. Violence was her duty, this Republic her people. She could be called jaded, rude, bloodthirsty, typical officer needing a smoke and drink to calm the nerves.

But deep down?

Really deep down?

She hoped that those present would take her words seriously, a storm linged upon that horizon.




​

 

[Rue]

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Tag: Verity Stuyveris | Katsumi Royal | Ayumi Pallopides | Dominique Vexx | Aurelian Veruna | Misha Kaskadov | Vaerelyn Thorne |

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"Of course and I bought some of our newest fruits, the flavors are wonderful but for its shell is what We wanted to impress with that."

"Thank you Senator," Rue grinned to Pallopides as she leaned over to select a fruit. Picking up the purple coloured one, Rue plopped it into her mouth and bit down to taste the innards.

"It's good," Rue lied. "Excuse me for one sec. Gotta check in with Kenari."

Pushing herself up to her feet, Rue disguised her dislike of the Sophros Fruit while reaching up to her ear to listen to something talking to her from transmitter that was being dangling from Rue's earlobe. As she listened to what was being communicated to her by the K.R.C, Rue took a moment to spit the remnants of the fruit discreetly into a nearby bin and licked her lips in a vain attempt to clear the taste out of her mouth. As someone from Kenari muttered instructions into her ear, Rue listened to what was being said by the other representatives who had gathered to either help build the legalisation or to put their in-put into the bill so that it would reflect what they wanted.

It was all so boring to the kid.

Quietly Rue wondered why she was here in the first place and then remembered that she had been told to be. That this was important... For some reason that remained unexplained. Apparently there was a lesson in this. Being here among these powerful men and women. Rue looked forward to finding out what the lesson was later.

"Any other questions? Concerns? Ideas?"

"Yeah," Rue interjected before Veruna, Stuyveris, Thorne or Kaskadov could. "Kenari want an amendment. They say that if the High Republic were in a state of war then it could be put to the Senate floor for a vote to order conscription of militia for defence. A five star system bloc voting in favour would make it mandatory for all star systems to raise and increase their militia in war time. Any representative could make a motion for a vote, and if five star systems voted yes, then the motion would pass mandating the creation or further increase in militia forces. They would like this to be added into the bill."

Rue held up a finger before the amassed Senators could make their retorts. "One sec. Lemme check if I got that all right."

Leaning their head to the side, Rue listened to whoever was talking in their ear. The exchange was short and brief. Grinning, Rue lowered her hand and exclaimed: "Yeah, I got that all right. What do you guys think?"

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