Faction [GA Senate] State of the Alliance

[Valery Noble]

Fondor Senate

​

The chamber buzzes with tension as senators, aides, and representatives move into their seats. Over the past several weeks, the Galactic Alliance has seen significant movement across the stars, both diplomatically and militarily. Now, it's time for the Senate to convene to evaluate where the Alliance stands, what has been achieved, and where the path forward leads.

There is much to discuss.

Diplomacy with the Mandalorian Empire has yielded a promising start in the form of the Sundari Accords, but questions remain about long-term cooperation and how to manage shared borders. Meanwhile, at our borders, war looms on the horizon as intelligence reports confirm that the Sith Order's next target is Endor. A strike there could isolate key Alliance systems at the front and complicate the path of war.

Finally, Senator Kaela Verrin met with the Imperial Confederation and opened a channel that could help avoid another war at the Alliance borders. What comes next may decide the fate of the Alliance.

Discussion Schedule

• I. Update on the Sundari Accords
  • Review of the Sundari Accords.
  • Where do we go from here?
• II. Sith Order Threat: Endor
  • Endor is their target.
  • What actions are ongoing?
  • What further actions are required?
• III. The Imperial Confederation
  • Senator Kaela Verrin will update the Senate, following her mission to New Alderaan.
  • Discuss where to go next.
• IV. Open Floor
  
  • Senators may bring forward additional matters of concern regarding the state of the Galaxy

 

[Kaela Verrin]

Kaela rose from her seat as the hum of the Senate chamber softened.

"Honored colleagues," she began, eyes scanning the tiers before her, "It is no secret that the past few weeks have brought forward both progress and peril. We have opened doors where once there were walls, and we have confirmed threats where once there were only rumors. We must treat both with the seriousness they demand."

She paused briefly, then continued.

"The signing of the Sundari Accords represents a historic step forward. But we must not deceive ourselves into thinking the work is finished. Mandalorians are not moved by pleasantries or ceremonial handshakes. They are a people of action, of consequence."

Kaela rested one hand lightly on the edge of the podium.

"If we are serious about turning diplomacy into partnership, we must show them that our commitment is more than symbolic. I propose that the Alliance pursue coordinated action with the Mandalorians on matters of shared concern. These are the things that prove intent. These are the things that build trust."

She let the weight of her words settle before finishing.

"They do not want kind words. They want to know where we stand when it matters. Then, perhaps, we can build something stronger than a treaty."

With that, Kaela offered a small nod and returned to her seat.

Alicio Organa | Open​

 

[Feridade Parthi]

| Location | Fondor, Senate Hall
| Objective | Politics

The Echani senator sat in his pod, awaiting the start of the senate meeting, fingers drumming slowly against the armrest with a leg crossed over the other. Parthi had been on edge since the delegation's departure from Mandalore to discuss terms of so-called accord between the Galactic Alliance and the Mandalorian Empire, finally able to breathe and speak freely without risk of a blaster getting aimed at him. The talks had left much to be desired, and as part of the defense committee and one of the systems that bordered the Mandalorians, it was his duty to ensure they did not blindly place their faith and trust.​

​

With the meeting starting, the Senator of Anaxes, Kaela Verrin opened with her statements and the Echani's golden eyes fixed upon her. While such a statement in regard to any other galactic power may have moved him, when it came to the topic of Mandalorians, he was anything but convinced. "Dear colleagues, as we do discuss these proposed accords, I would like to remind this body that the last few Mandalorian regimes had all shown hostility to the Galactic Alliance, from the Neo-Crusaders, to the Enclave, and even the last supposed 'Mandalorian Empire' which had sworn fealty to the late Sith Empire. A new face claiming what everyone wants to hear does not simply undo decades of hostility." ​

​

His gaze turned back to Kaela as he added, "Nor should it warrant our involvement in any of their affairs till such a time proves absolutely necessary."​

​

He continued on, "The Mandalorians are volatile and unpredictable, everything they intend demonstrated through violence and conflict. To put trust in a flimsy accord in the hopes of partnership would be foolish at best and liken us to turning our backs to a lion with the simple hope that it does not turn and tear us apart." His statement was followed by a long pause as his eyes drifted across the senate hall to see who would either speak against his thoughts or agree with him.​

​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Monaray was not particularly pleased with the results of the Sundari Accords, as its passage reduced the likelihood of another Alliance-Mandalorian war which meant that the Trade Federation would be unable to generate as much profits as it had in the past and would need to explore new opportunities to compensate for such a shortfall, such as integrating into the recently formed High Republic.

Such internal reflections would need to be put on hold as he made his way into the Fondor Senate Building, accompanied by two Trade Federation Envoys who were crucial for offering legal and economic advice during the conference.

The agenda for this session was extensive, encompassing many topics that required discussions; however he suspected that the majority of the Federal Assembly would blindly follow the Chancellor Alicio Organa without thinking for themselves.

The Neimoidian waited as Senators Kaela Verrin and Feridade Parthi finished speaking with him finding some alignment with Senator Parthi's words on the matters of the Mandalorian Empire.

"Chancellor, Delegates of the Senate, and Junior Representatives" Monaray began, activating the control to advance the pod.

"I must echo the views expressed by Senator Parthi; it is ultimately counterproductive for the Galactic Alliance to provide any support to the Mandalorian Empire beyond a temporary treaty that has been negotiated with them. We need to maintain a competitive and decisive technological advantage in the event that they declare war against us over some perceived offense, especially with the ongoing conflict with the Sith Empire showing no signs of resolution. We can scarcely afford to relinquish any tactical superiority on the battlefield."

The Neimoidian continued with a firm demeanor, deeming it irresponsible for the Alliance to extend any assistance while the Sith Empire's campaigned against them, as any technology provided to the Mandalorian Empire could easily be repurposed against us when Mand'alor the Iron deemed it necessary to launch another crusade.

​

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Fondor
Tags: Feridade Parthi , Monaray Dod , Kaela Verrin

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm
​

"The Mandalorians are volatile and unpredictable, everything they intend demonstrated through violence and conflict. To put trust in a flimsy accord in the hopes of partnership would be foolish at best and liken us to turning our backs to a lion with the simple hope that it does not turn and tear us apart."

"I believe that such a statement misses the purpose of this accord," Lander chimed in, keeping his tone respectful. "Nothing suggests that this is turning our backs on the Mandalorian Empire. No individual within this chamber is foolish enough to not recognize that Mandalore, no matter how fractured it may be at any given point in time, is a keystone civilization. They will always be in motion and moving what is around them. In that way it is better to have a finger on their pulse, just as they wish to have a finger on ours."

Lander wanted this neutrality to remain. He, of all people, knew what it was that the Mandalorians brought to the battlefield. After all, the remnants of his service were grafted into his body.

"The Mandalorian Protectors were notably left out of your statement, Senator Parthi," he observed. "Now, I was not present for such a thing, but most saw or have been made aware of what occurred when Mandalorians came to us for peace in the past. As a people looking to mitigate the damage brought to our citizens, I believe that we should all be eager to prevent a mistake like that day from repeating. I do not say this to downplay the concerns that you offer, I merely wish to point out that we our not baring our flanks to their Empire. We should stand both ready for the worst, but committed to ensuring the best while we are able. I do not believe that it is counterproductive, as Senator Dod suggests. It is an investment."

The use of investment was certainly in reference to the goals of the Trade Federation. Lander was putting this accord into the Nemoidian's vernacular. He paused for a moment, taking a breath before continuing. He was still getting acclimated to the amount of public speaking he had been undertaking for the last few weeks in his fresh office.

"With the Sith pressing the front, I don't believe it wise to ignore our other boarder. No involvement in their affairs is equally as much turning our backs to the Mandalorians. It is better to understand how this new state functions with first-hand experience. And, if this body sees such a thing as acceptable..."

Was he really about to suggest this? Perhaps he was foolish even considering the thought. Perhaps the senate needed a fool.

"...I would like to offer my availability for the seat of diplomatic envoy as outlined within the provided accords."

This was partially a bid to the senate, but largely a bid to Chancellor Alicio Organa himself. Lander knew that, in some way shape or form, he had to be involved in the establishment and maintenance of peace.

 

[Thexann Pehnataur]

Thexann sat in his pod, reading the accords, remembering the conversation held there and simply thinking about what was said there compared to what is being said here.

It was starting to piss him off, for lack of a better term.

When the opening came, the Senator brought his pod out to the proverbial floor.

My fellow Senators. My fellow Colleagues. My fellow Friends. My fellow Citizens. I thank you for the opportunity to speak. I am not a career politician, not that there is any shame in that. I am not a polished diplomat. I am a retired soldier, and a simple man who the people of Belazura have entrusted with a voice here.

Maybe this gives me a unique perspective, maybe this gives me a moniker as someone not truly worthy of being heard in a forum such as this. That is your decision, and not mine, but I will say what I need to here.

I am looking at this from a militaristic point of view. However, it is important to view the accords for what they are and agreement, a contract. The Empire looks to us from a simple point of view as an employer, in many respects. “If you want our help, pay us.” Honoring that accord is important when and where needed, allowing them to see our commitment, but also allowing us to truly see their intentions. This is not to say that I am expecting them to lull us into a false sense of security, but this is also not to say that I am expecting anything less.

Rushing into something, pushing for a tangible partnership between the Alliance and the Empire would prove to ultimately self-defeating and cause issues that the very Accords that were signed to avoid. They are not looking for mere pleasantries, they want to see our commitment, we should expect theirs as well. You might say a “return on investment.”

That being said, there comes a time when a soldier must go into their “discipline” and lower their weapon in order to end a fight.

I agree with much of what our Echani colleague has said. Like it or not, this Accord does not erase the history coming from Mandalore. Weapons are their “religion” and they will tell you this very thing, why when I retired, I was given a Mandalorian sidearm as a gift. It is what it is.

We must look at them from a distance and keep our proverbial hand free to readily level our sidearm where it needs to be aimed no matter where it must be. However if we are going to have true peace for our people and this galaxy, we must learn when not to as well. I have not been a part of this honored forum that long respectively to others here, so I can say that we have not always done that.

I am not saying we wait for a Nexu to attack a village to do something, but simply learning who that very animal is and not going by their breed.

My Neimoidian friend makes a true point in that we need to maintain our technological superiority, but not to the point of creating a cold war. We already have numerical superiority, so there is that. The Mandalorian Empire may not be our “friends”, but they are not our “enemies” either.

After all, like my colleague mentioned, we have concerns on other parts of our borders with the Sith Order after all. Right now, they are the true threats.

In short, ladies and gentlemen of these hallowed halls. I ask that you look to plug and reinforce the entire dam, not simply plug one leak at a time. We have two of our borders clear, one border moderately secure, and the Southern borders, while shared with our friends from Naboo… and the High Republic…

… and my brother…

... we are afforded the time to pay more attention to. This is where I call on all of you to pay the most attention. We must prepare for all possible outcomes. We must be prepared for the possible Nexu that might attack us after all…

… when I was in the military… the Academy in particular… the instructors hammered a phrase into our heads that has already been referenced here coincidentally. I will not bore you with the exact Zakuulan wording, but it translates to "If you want peace, prepare for war." We can prove trustworthy, and show trust, but frankly… the only sentients I truly trust are within our borders…

… otherwise we fall into a false sense of security.


Alicio Organa | Kaela Verrin | Feridade Parthi | Monaray Dod | Lander Stalwart

 

[Alicio Organa]

Senate Building, Fondor
Seat of the Chancellor
- Kaela Verrin - Feridade Parthi - Monaray Dod - Lander Stalwart - Thexann Pehnataur -
​

Alicio couldn't help but let a shadowed smirk cross his face, as he sat at his seat in the Assembly, giving the faces of the Senators his full attention as they took their turns. My, my, they were verbose today.

It had been too long since the last time one of their meetings had been about more than low-priority budget allocations, or vague reports from across the galaxy. Today was important, deciding the direction the whole of the Alliance would take. Everyone should make their voice known.

Usually, the Chancellor would be content to guide the conversation, rather than join it. But on a day like today, a clear stance was necessary. So he stood, deciding to be a little verbose himself.

"Senators, thank you for your words. I can already tell today is going to be a... lively session." The light sprinkling of his humor disappeared. "If I may, I would like to make one thing clear about the Sundari Accords. A fact that I believe everyone that has spoken thus far can agree with."

"The Mandalorian Empire has not earned our trust."

His thoughts drifted to Amani, for not the first time in recent weeks. "My wife would be the first to tell you- we have been burnt time and again by Mandalorians. All it took was one of ours, acting alone, being captured in their territory for the Enclave to attack, and the Neo-Crusaders made it a point of personal pride to ambush our civilian populations. A regime change does not constitute a clean slate. Senators Parthi and Dod are correct."

The Chancellor let his hand pass the hem of his cloak, straightening the fabric without a thought. "In the end, the Accords are not a declaration of friendship. I thank Senators Stalwart and Pehnataur for their analyses, of which I don't have much to add. They are... scaffolding, for further discussion. Leaving room from both sides to earn trust."

"I'm hopeful that we will."

"But if the Mandalorian Empire proves to be like those who came before... then we'll have gained time and intel. Valuable resources, should the worst come to pass."

"...I would like to offer my availability for the seat of diplomatic envoy as outlined within the provided accords."

Alicio considered the man. He'd spoken well during the negotiation. And having a millitary background was one of the only ways a Senator was to gain respect in Mandalorian space. One corner of his lip ticked up in a subtle smile.

"I'll take it under consideration, Senator."

 

[Kaela Verrin]

Kaela stood once more, her voice calm as she addressed the Senate, "I have listened carefully to the concerns raised here. Many have called for caution. That is wise. I share the belief that we must not move blindly. But I have not heard anyone call for action either. That is something we should not overlook."

She looked across the chamber.

"Are we to let the Sundari Accords remain as words on paper? Do we believe that peace and partnership form themselves, without effort or direction? Or are we only waiting, hoping that nothing will go wrong?"

She gave a brief pause, not for effect, but to let the question settle.

"If we are truly serious about avoiding future conflict, then our responsibilities do not end with a signature. Building trust requires effort from both sides. So does preparing for the possibility that trust may not come."

Her hands rested lightly on the railing in front of her.

"We must decide what we want. Do we explore a path toward cooperation, however careful that path may need to be? Or do we choose inaction, and risk being caught unprepared? The Mandalorian Empire is watching. Others are watching. Our response matters."

She nodded once, then returned to her seat in silence.

Alicio Organa Lander Stalwart Feridade Parthi Monaray Dod Thexann Pehnataur ​

 

[Feridade Parthi]

| Location | Fondor, Senate Hall
| Objective | Politics

The Echani senator leaned forward in his pod, resting his hands on the edge as Lander Stalwart , another member that had been present during the delegation on Mandalore spoke, "And what of the Protectors Senator Stalwart? A group of Mandalorians focused on rebuilding Mandalore rather than lashing out, only for the Mandalorians to come back in force. Peace to Mandalorians is merely a time of respite and readying themselves to mobilize and become an even worse threat. A peaceful Mandalorian as you put it, seeking aid from us are outcasts of their own culture. It would be naive to think that a society that has survived, if not thrived since millenia ago will simply change because we hoped it to happen."​

​

A scowl formed across his features as he continued to speak following Senator Stalwart's statements. ​

​

"For those of you not familiar with their culture, Mandalorians follow their Mand'alor, a title only claimed with the predecessor killed in combat. These are warriors, not politicians who are voted into power, which leads me to another point. Aether Verd does not hold authority over all the Mandalorians nor does he have the capacity to keep them in line. Reports show that Carduul Akahl still lives and still holds the support of the Neo Crusaders as well as several renegade Mandalorians groups. These accords would be pointless if any sizable number of Mandalorians who disagreed with Verd's rule decided to strike us."​

​

He pushed off the edge of his pod as he stood upright, fixing his cuffs as he now directed his voice to Kaela Verrin - The Anaxes senator spoke well, but her vision of the future was naive at best or foolishly thoughtless at worst.​

​

"There is no call to action because we lack the proper management of our resources Senator Verrin. We have had ample opportunity to strike back and retaliate against the Mandalorians, but they have incessantly kept us on the back foot time and time again. We are spreading ourselves far too thin, as was evidenced in the last few attempts to wage any major offensives against our enemies which have all resulted in pitiful failure. The Sith continue to encroach on our borders while we struggle to hold them back whilst also having to deal with several imperial remnants sprouting up like weeds. We must shore up our resources along the borders and begin to think more strategically about the Alliance as a whole, rather than wasting time or resources in an attempt to foster an at best extremely fragile and delicate partnership." ​

​

His gaze turned back to Kaela as he added, "While I agree with your intent Senator Verrin, this is a matter the Mandalorian Empire should resolve by proving their intentions through their own actions. The galaxy already knows where we stand, and our mission to maintain peace and prosperity. It is up to them to show that they are our friends and not our enemies. Let them do what they do best, wage war against our enemies and make up for the horrors their predecessors have committed, and perhaps then we can consider any tangible relations going forward. Until that day arrives though, we should be closing and reinforcing our borders while having the intelligence bureau monitor them for tangible threats that may be taken against us."​

​

He spoke out passionately against trusting the Mandalorians. He would rather the border be enforced and well-defended for the Alliance as a whole because should the day ever come when the Mandalorians decided to strike out against them, Eshan and her people would be among the first to suffer, not the senators whose homes were cozily nested near the Core. Better to commit to a protected border and potential frontline than not.​

​

Alicio Organa | Monaray Dod | Thexann Pehnataur ​

​

​

 

[Tiber Septimus]

Tags: Alicio Organa | Monaray Dod | Thexann Pehnataur | Kaela Verrin | Lander Stalwart | Feridade Parthi

The Niaheli senator pursed his lips, taking notes as his fellow colleagues debated the finer points of Alliance's foreign policy. As Senator Parthi concluded his statement, Tiber stood up.

"I think- respectfully- that some of my colleagues are missing the forests for the trees. All of us have seen various iterations of Mandalorian governments have demonstrated expansionist, aggressive tendencies. We have seen them launch wars of conquests with the flimsiest of casius belli. I'm sure those wars have touched many Senator's worlds.

"But in reviewing these accords, it's not about making allies out of this Mandalorian Empire. It acknowledges our past conflict, and gives us avenue for dialogue in discussions to hopefully avoid future conflicts. Maybe they honor it. Maybe they don't. But we just finished fighting a two-front war, and if we have mechanism to at least avoid another conflict with one of our most aggressive neighbors, we should take that time.

Tiber's tone sharpened.

"And we should use that time to find countermeasures to crack the Blackwall, build a coalition of allies, and take the fight to the Sith. They are a significant and continuing threat to not only the security and stability of this Alliance, but the galaxy as a whole. They cannot comprehend the very concept of living within a larger society- control and domination is all that they know. They must be expunged."

 

[Monaray Dod]

Monaray maintained a composed demeanor within his Senate pod, knowing that this agenda item about the Mandalorian Empire was going to deadlock the Federal Assembly from any meaningful action beyond a few choice words and exchanges as each planet within the Alliance was looking out for their own interest though he could not blame them for Cato Neimoidia was doing the same.

Lander Stalwart ever the optimist had offered himself as a diplomatic envoy speaking of investment and synergy with a zeal that struck Dod as distinctly un-Neimoidian and could lead to another hostage crisis if the Mand'alor decided to capture him for renegotiation of the accord.

Feridade Parthi was thankfully pragmatic and offered a blunt assessment of the Mandalorian culture, highlighting their inherent volatility and the folly of trusting Aether Verd's fractured authority.

Senator Kaela Verrin meanwhile persisted with the idealistic notion of building trust through effort and direction a concept that seemed divorced from the cold realities of galactic power projection. Chancellor Alicio Organa still clung to the notion of the Sundari Accords as scaffolding for future engagement, an optimistic gamble that Monaray found overly generous.

Senator Tiber Septimus insistence on focusing on the Sith, the true and undeniable threat resonated with the Neimoidians own calculations. He activated his pod, the smooth glide forward signaling his re-entry into the debate.

"We have heard various perspectives regarding the Sundari Accords. Some speak of investment, others of trust-building, and some, quite rightly, of historical precedent." Monaray began with a measured and reasonable tone.

He paused, allowing his words to hang in the air, a silent judgment on the preceding arguments. "Senator Stalwart's enthusiasm for investment into this Mandalorian Empire, while commendable for its optimism, risks a fundamental miscalculation. History, as our Echani colleague so aptly reminded us, dictates that Mandalorians are not investments in the traditional sense, but highly volatile assets whose value fluctuates with their current Mand'alor's ambition. To engage with them, to actively pursue a partnership when their leadership is demonstrably tenuous and their culture inherently expansionist, is to introduce a deliberate instability where none is strictly necessary."

His gaze swept to where Senator Verrin's pod sat. "And the call for action in building trust? Trust, Senator Verrin, is earned through demonstrated restraint and verifiable stability, not through the generous expenditure of Alliance resources on a culture that defines itself by conflict. The burden of proof, as others have also asserted, lies squarely with the Mandalorian Empire, not with us. We need not expend our energy to build trust; we merely need to observe its absence."

Monaray then shifted, a subtle nod to Senator Tiber's position. "The true and present danger, as Senator Tiber has highlighted, remains the Sith Empire. To propose the allocation of any significant strategic thought, diplomatic energy, or technological sharing towards Mandalorians a faction whose usefulness in fighting against the Sith is at present, unproven and at worst a potential liability."

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Fondor
Tags: Feridade Parthi , Alicio Organa , Monaray Dod , Thexann Pehnataur , Tiber Septimus , Kaela Verrin

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm
​

These accords would be pointless if any sizable number of Mandalorians who disagreed with Verd's rule decided to strike us.

"So do you ask for aggression from some Mandalorians or all Mandalorians?" Lander asked. "If we have the opportunity to lessen our strain in any capacity, we should see that it is done. I am not advocating for trust. This is a matter of monitoring and decreasing tension at our boarder. I am familiar with their culture well enough. I gave my flesh and blood in the line of duty when the Enclave came for our Alliance. I will be the last person to put blind faith in the effectiveness of this accord. That is all the more reason to take initiative and see that action speaks, not words. Any progress with Verd and his people are better than no progress at all."

And a read on the Chancellor? It was hard to say. There was a subtle smirk about his response to considering Lander's request, but he wasn't sure if it was amusement or something else. He was fresh to his office, most knew that. Perhaps it was a perception of naiveté. It would be a while before he knew for sure.

"They will not march off to fight the Sith under our banner, much as I agree with Senator Septimus," he noted. "If we want their aid against the Sith there has to be balance. You want atonement for their predecessors, but asking the sins of the father to be paid leaves us liable as well. It is not only the Sith that has misplaced their people. Our recent memory clouds the history of those who came generations before us. There is animosity because we are the recursive product of a cycle with no end. The Jedi alone, who I will go on record to say are vital to the health of our Alliance, have historically sponsored aggression towards their culture. I say this because both of our civilizations have become what is necessary for survival through exposure to each other, a multi-thousand year long process of evolution. It is important for history to guide us, but we must not let it enslave us, or we will be shackled to this cycle for another thousand years."

Fear is what this was. The Galactic Alliance was afraid. They were in no position to bow to fear.

"If we do not at least attempt to commit ourselves to holding up the values of our state, I lament to think of the turmoil we leave for the Republic that inherits our will."

Lander paused before speaking one final time.

"Sacorria stands in support of the Sundari Accords. No further comment on the matter."

He would reserve his breath for the Sith and Imperial Confederation.

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Fondor, Senate Building
Outfit

Damian continued to breathe evenly, eyes closed and for a brief moment he wore a peaceful expression on his face. A gentle hand pressed against his shoulder and with a small shake Damian slowly woke and his eyes attempted to distinguish between reality and dreams. With a small groan the young du Couteau heir yawned and placed his head on his arms, unable to support his own head for the moment.

“Who told you to wake me?” Damian grumbled, annoyance clear in his voice.

“You.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you have given me explicit orders to rouse you whenever you have Senatorial proceedings to attend.” His Aide spoke matter of factly.

This caused Damian to suddenly regain focus and energy as he stood up and wide eye as he looked around his desk. He kept his head on a swivel until he finally located the cup of his caf and in a blink of an eye Damian downed the needed caffeine. He grimaced as the realization that the caf was cold hit him harder than a splash of water across the face.

“My suit-”

“Pressed and ready, a tie and of course a clean shirt.” His dutiful Aide spoke, no amusement in his voice but the man’s eyes betrayed him.

Damian had little time to show any embarrassment for the state he was in as he quickly changed into fresh clothes and with a swift fluid motion he clipped his cape into place. He sighed deeply as he walked towards the exit, a data-slate in hand and with urgency in his step. There was little he could do with the dark rings that appeared around his only visible eye, a small part of him entertained the idea of blinding the other eye as horrid as it sounded.

A blindfold would at least help keep my horrid sleep schedule from public eyes.

Unlike his Aide, Damian failed to comply with a proper sleep cycle that at least included a minimum of six hours of sleep. His re-election prospects had continued to shrink and the Royal Tetan Regency Council were hardly friends of the young du Couteau heir. A quick shake of his head Damian refocused his attention to the matter at hand as he stepped into his Senate Seat. The discussion he just caught had begun to assert that the treaty signed between the Alliance and Mandalorians was a rather tenuous relationship at best.

Hardly a disagreeable sentiment, but honestly if things remain transactional credits can temper even the most volatile emotions and violence.

Damian quickly scribbled a few notes on his data-slate as he continued to listen, it was rather prudent for him as it allowed him time to fully get himself awake. His mind bounced around the many words spoken and it amused him that so many were the same, the intention of the words similar as well. It was difficult for two cultures so starkly different to see one another as equals, especially if only one side intended to hold both cultures in equal regard.

I wonder if I should place a bet as to when we need to send fleets to deal with a Mandalorian incursion.

Perhaps Senator Dod would give him good odds but with that morbid thought Damian looked down at his data-slate and wondered about the more immediate enemy. The Sith have continued to dance their dance of war to a tune of billions of lamenting cries of terror. Damian pinched the bridge of his nose and allowed himself a moment of weakness and sighed in how overwhelming the war had become logistically.

The galaxy shifting certainly gave us no help too.

Damian tapped his data-slate and figured it was best to keep his voice quiet on the matter of the Mandalorians. He felt secure in history, in that it often repeated and knew that the only thing with integrity in any Mandalorian Empire was their armour. Once their ego or pride shattered, cracks would emerge and the whole thing would tear itself apart. Nothing held together with violence would last when the violence turned inward.

Or when the other side had more violence than them.
​

|| Kaela Verrin | Feridade Parthi | Monaray Dod | Lander Stalwart | Thexann Pehnataur | Alicio Organa | Tiber Septimus ||​

 

[Thexann Pehnataur]

.

Thexann sat in his pod, and listened some more, when his time was recognized, he stood yet again. While he was no longer in the military, he did not like his words being twisted, they were not misunderstood, they were twisted. However that is what this forum is about, political gain, is it not?

Thank you. Listening to my colleagues, I am left to wonder… if we are looking for a partnership with the Accords, or servitude. Forgive my bluntness, I mean no disrespect to anyone, but the Mandalorian Empire showed they wanted an Accord by inviting a delegation there to discuss terms. A delegation I was privileged to be a part of, along with several of us.

They did not discuss terms. They, in a manner of speaking, dictated them. I, like most, if not all of you wish for peace, and am glad that we were in a position to agree to what were brought to the table. We have shown the grace of accepting their terms…

He sucked on his gum line, letting the words hang for a moment.

I have listened carefully to the points raised by my colleagues. While I respect the diverse perspectives that have been shared, I must urge this body to consider not only the ideals we hope to achieve but also the stark realities of the galaxy we inhabit. Let’s be honest, we are the largest governing body in the galaxy, and thus, we have the largest target on our proverbial backs.We must recognize that our position of power also makes us a prime target for those who seek to challenge or undermine our authority. It is imperative that we approach this situation with both caution and strategic foresight, ensuring that our decisions are grounded in a realistic understanding of the threats we face.

Though I lean towards my colleague’s position in a desire to not just sit on the accords, the Mandalorian Empire needs to show a willingness to accept our terms when we set them, not just us accepting theirs, or are we simply “paying (proverbial)protection money”? The galaxy is indeed watching, and right now they see us begging for help. Paying for them to be our friend, you might say. I know that this is not the case, and it did not go down that way, but is that an image we want to project? I am not saying we should have a position of power, but cooperation. We are working towards that, but step by step.

I understand the concerns about the costs of engaging the Mandalorians in terms of resources, coming from our friend from Cato Nemoidia but I would argue that the cost of inaction could be far greater. The galaxy is too fragile, and our borders are too exposed, to dismiss the possibility of using diplomatic mechanisms to de-escalate tensions and keep our focus on the Sith. If we stand idle, we risk creating a vacuum that will inevitably be filled by something far worse than the Mandalorians—an unpredictable power like the Sith, or worse, a destabilized border that invites imperial remnants and mercenary forces to exploit our weakness.

My colleague from Eshan makes a fantastic point in his assessment of Mandalorian volatility—this is not a matter of conjecture, but of history. Like he and Senator Monaray have brought out, the Mandalorians have shown time and again that their loyalties are fluid, volatile even, their motives unpredictable, and their culture rooted in aggression. This is not a sentiment born out of fear, but out of the experience of countless conflicts where the Mandalorians have either been at the center or a significant force in the galaxy’s wars.

However, where I part ways with your position is in the suggestion that we should “close and reinforce our borders” and isolate Mandalore. While I agree with the prudence behind your concern, we must remember that inaction is as dangerous as aggression as brought up by our colleague and friend from Anaxes. The galaxy is not static, and the consequences of such isolation could provoke the very conflict we wish to avoid, becoming a self defeating prophecy. I do not call for blind trust, but we must not confuse diplomatic engagement with weakness. To ignore the Mandalorians entirely would be to allow them to operate unchecked in a galaxy already rife with threats, to which our Chancellor already assessed.

I am lucky to call “home” a planet that borders our friends in the High Republic. That being said, we are not far away from the astute observation by my friend from Niahelios. Indeed, it is true that the Sith represent the most immediate and existential threat to the Galactic Alliance. We must not allow our focus to be distracted by other conflicts, no matter how pressing they may seem.

That being said, I take issue with your implication that engaging the Mandalorians is an unnecessary distraction. If anything, it is the exact opposite. By opening the door for dialogue, we might reduce one potential front in the galaxy-wide conflict—freeing up precious resources and alliances for the real battle against the Sith.

There is no such a thing as truly “secure” borders”, however I would rather see them as more aligned with our interests, or at the very least right now, our money, than not. We may not be able to call on Mandalore to march into battle beside us, but we can keep them from becoming a hostile force on our borders. That is a tactical and diplomatic opportunity that should never be wasted when given..

Which brings me to my friend from Sacorria, your call for action speaks to my own heart, but I must stress the importance of measured action. Your personal sacrifices in the line of duty are respected, and your willingness to engage with Mandalore is admirable, but your proposal to monitor and decrease tension at our borders is one that while I support is one they will see as a challenge to their strengths, and honor given their history. This is not to say that we must allow ourselves to be naive enough to assume that the Mandalorians will be satisfied with mere dialogue. They will test us, just as they have tested countless others.

In conclusion; we have a responsibility not just to protect our borders but to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. The Sundari Accords may not be the perfect solution, but they are an opportunity. An opportunity to keep Mandalore from becoming an adversary once more, and to focus our efforts on the true threat that we all know looms in the shadows—the Sith Order.

If we refuse to engage, we risk allowing the cycle of conflict to repeat, a cycle where we fight the same battles over and over again. History has shown us that the galaxy’s greatest challenges are never solved by turning away from them. We must act—with caution, yes—but with a clear understanding that inaction breeds chaos.

This is not about trusting Mandalore blindly. This is about securing a framework where peace can be maintained, where we can focus on the real threats, and where we can avoid needless conflict for the sake of the galaxy’s future. I have spent enough time on the frontlines to know that there is no such thing as perfect intelligence, and that every diplomatic success must be backed by an unyielding commitment to security. Our commitment to an eventual peace with the Mandalorians must be matched by an equal commitment to ensuring that any change in their behavior does not leave us exposed. We must always be ready to act, not out of fear, but out of the understanding that peace requires preparation.

Having fought in battles where the sounds of blaster fire and the cries of the wounded became the soundtrack of my youth. I have seen worlds devastated by conflicts where neither side truly understood the cost of their aggression. It is a lesson that I carry with me every day—the true cost of war is never measured in victories or losses, but in lives torn apart and futures shattered. The Mandalorians are not a people to be taken lightly, but we must remember that the true victory is not in battle, but in peace.

Survival on the battlefield teaches you two things—how to fight and when not to fight. I have learned the hard way that peace does not come from victory, but from knowing when the fight is worth it, and when it is better to find another path. The Mandalorians are not a people we can afford to ignore, but neither are they a people we can afford to simply confront without thinking of the cost. We have had wars on two fronts. That is not sustainable. This is an opportunity to steer this galaxy toward peace, but only if we approach it with the wisdom that can only come from lived experience.

The Mandalorians have what they want. When we get a return… when we get proof that they are not the same as their predecessors… that they are breaking the proverbial “line”... I will fully agree on a more definitive action. Until then, our focus, the focus of the people of Belazura is on the Sith Order…

… Until then… “sic vis pacem para bellum”.

The people of Belazura support the Accords.

Thank you.

Taking a big drink of the glass of Elba Water waiting for him, he joked to his aids about “man… did you ever think I would shut up?” as any good lip reader could pick up on.







Alicio Organa | Kaela Verrin | Feridade Parthi | Monaray Dod | Lander Stalwart | Tiber Septimus | Damian du Couteau