Faction High Republic Senate: Outbound Fleet Bill

[Dominic Praxon]

Dominic walked without a cane now, without the constant worrying of his aides, and with a surety that had alluded him for months. He stole one more glance down the causeway that feed foot traffic to the Senate rotunda, casting a carefully political smile towards Tatiana. He had promised to show her some of his favourite sights around Theed, but politics always came first.

Entering the Senate brought back memories, some that he would cherish, most that he would sooner forget. He would miss this place, and the game of politics. But if there was one thing that had come from his time being tortured by the First Order force user...it was renewed, redirected purpose.

"Friends. Colleagues. Leaders of this great Republic. I stand before you today...of which I can honestly say I am glad to be able to do again..."

A chuckle could be heard from a nearby pod. Dominic was grateful for it.

"...the Outbound Flight was commissioned as a triumph of hope and ingenuity by this great assembly. The eyes of the citizenry have been upon it. And when news came of the Ssi-Ruuk attack on the vessel...and whispers of a threat pulling their strings...it shook confidence in that hope."

He allowed for a brief lull, before his chest swelled in a show pride and defiance.

"But we stand. And we should not, I beg you, acquiesce to bullies, cowards hiding behind the actions of others...secretive cabals that would see us fall. It is time we fight back."

Some protested the notion, the normal someones. Dominic lifted his hands in a vain attempt to silence the dissenters.

"The First Order...lives. And it has designs on conquest of this Republic. But I offer two solutions. It is, as the media have called it...The Outbound Fleet Act...a supplemental bill to the original Outbound Flight legislation that will allow us to mobilse greater military strength in our explorative attempts in the Unknown Regions."

More complaints, interspersed with cheers of support came from the gathered delegates.

"And...I offer myself. Should this bill pass...I will make it my solemn duty and see it as the best way to serve the people of Naboo...to resign as their Senator...and give my life and energies to ending the threat in the Unknown Regions."

The Bill

 

[Dault Grimmin]

Dault looked at the datapad showing the Outbound Flight bill as his repulsor-limousine entered his parking space. He had already discussed it with the Trade Federation Directorate and they agreed with him that this bill was just a waste of credits. The Unknown Regions might have valuable minerals, but spending credits on deep-space exploration while the Sith Empire and the Sith Covenant took over more sectors beyond their borders was irresponsible.

He walked out of the transport and into the main senatorial chamber, pulling his heavy robes around himself as he sat next to the rest of the Cato Neimoidia delegation. While the chamber filled with long speeches and dramatic performances from representatives who clearly had nothing better to do, Dault focused on something more useful.

A small floating tray hovered near his elbow, filled with roasted bird meat and spiced fruit tarts, and he reached out with a thick hand to grab a piece of meat, chewing slowly as the debate continued around him. He swallowed the last bite, let out a loud burp that made a nearby bureaucrat glare at him, and turned on his desk console microphone.

"What real, proven evidence shows that these radical Imperials have actually returned to any real power, or are we just making our citizens pay for a fancy sightseeing trip?" Dault said with a wave of his hand before continuing, wanting to know what exactly they were dealing with in order to make an appropriate vote.​

 

[Arcann Pehnataur]

THE HIGH REPUBLIC
OFFICE OF SENATOR PEHNATAUR
CULARIN SYSTEM

LOCATION: Senate Chamber
SUBJECT: An Amendment to the Outbound Flight Exploratory Asset Appropriation Act (SB.4829-OBF)
DATE: INSERT GALACTIC STANDARD DATE

Arcann allowed the chamber to settle before activating his microphone. His datapad remained open to the amendment, one hand resting beside it.
“Senator Praxon, it is good to see you before this assembly again.” There was no qualification in the greeting. He gave the Senator a small, respectful nod.

“The people undertaking these expeditions deserve to know that their Republic has provided for their protection. They should have the means to survive an attack, assist those in danger, and return home. I can support additional resources toward those ends.” His gaze briefly moved toward the Cato Neimoidian delegation.

“The Senator from Cato Neimoidia has requested evidence concerning the First Order’s strength. That is a reasonable request. The attack upon Outbound Flight has already demonstrated a danger to the Initiative. What remains to be established is the extent of that danger, and the scale of the response it requires. If some of that evidence cannot responsibly be presented in open session, I would welcome an appropriate confidential briefing.” Arcann glanced down at the amendment.

“Article Three expressly withholds independent authority for offensive campaigns and territorial conquest. I welcome that provision. However, the authority to respond to ‘threats against Republic interests’ is considerably broader than the defense of an expedition. Temporary defensive positions and logistical facilities could also become enduring commitments without clear conditions governing their use.”

He looked back toward Dominic.

“What would require this fleet to withdraw? What would permit it to pursue an attacker? And at what point would its commanders be required to seek further authorization from this government?” A brief pause followed.

“An expedition may need warships. We must still ensure that exploration determines where those ships go and what they are sent to accomplish.” His tone remained even.

“That brings me to your offer of service, Senator. You have spoken of resigning your seat and dedicating yourself to ending the threat in the Unknown Regions. This chamber should understand what duties you envision undertaking, under whose authority you would serve, and how that objective relates to the defensive mandate written into this amendment.”

Arcann folded his hands.

“Your experience deserves to be heard. It may prove essential to protecting those who follow. But before we approve these powers, we need a clear account of the mission, its command structure, and its cost—including whether the proposed vessels would be newly acquired or drawn from forces already defending our member worlds.”

He let his eyes travel across the chamber before returning to Praxon.

“I am prepared to support a properly resourced defense of Outbound Flight. I ask these questions because I believe that protection is achievable, and because the people we send deserve orders as clear as the dangers they may face.”
“Give us those answers, Senator, and Cularin can consider this amendment with the confidence such a commitment requires.”

In service to Cularin,
Arcann Pehnataur
ARCANN PEHNATAUR
Senator of Cularin
Galactic Senate • High Republic

TAGS: Dominic Praxon , Dault Grimmin

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique called the session to order, and then invited Dominic Praxon forth to address the Chamber. She stood by and listened along with the rest as he spoke of what had transpired, and what was to come. More importantly, what he intended to do about it. Admittedly, what he'd discovered had not been what they'd all desired, but once found it could not be ignored.

Golden rings slid to the side behind lilac glareshades as responses poured in. And, of course, the politicians were inclined to 'question' the modest proposal before them. What it 'really' sought to accomplish and who would benefit from it -- financially and in influence. The Sith were already threatening to tear down the gate and still the Game of Power continued unabated.

Of course, Dominique could put an end to it. To this discussion. To arguably all discussions. Which was precisely why she stood back and waited for Dominic and others in attendance to respond instead. Everything she did and said would be scrutinized now. The slightest gesture seen to favor or revile an idea. Factions would respond accordingly. Accusations levied. They always were, but now there'd be claims of her becoming a tyrant.

Not that she cared, really. It was more that she wanted such accusations to be for good purpose. When the time necessitated she make use of that power. The easy route had never been how Dominique operated before; the efficient route, on the other hand...

For now, the efficient route was to watch Dominic at work. If he sought to defend the Republic from external threats he'd first need to demonstrate the ability to do so against internal ones. At least he wouldn't have to stake his actual life on the outcome; and recovering from failure was considerably easier -- resubmitting a Bill, and enduring the questions yet again. Easier, but not any more pleasant, really.

Dominic Praxon | Dault Grimmin | Arcann Pehnataur | Senators of the High Republic​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

THe proposal had merit and the Outbound flight had yielded from all reports and talks benefits. Ayumi standing there as she let the kirano's overlay fill her pod for herself to see but she ju looked more attentive. Small flicks of her eye to go over more of the proposal as she listened to the other senators with interest but remained ready. External defenses needed more and the internal defense was somethign they would have to keep looking at. Riots and bombings only made her thoughts about ways to improve the infrastructure and response better. The vaults had helped and Denon's continued reforms with the corporations had developed the vertical farm districts. "I like it." She spoke to herself more then those assembled but she was checking on some more of what was being said around the bill.

 

[Tatiana Sah]

Tatiana had accompanied Dominic to the Chamber with a smile. It was good to see him on his feet again without the risk of collapse. Much of his 'old self' -- as they said -- had returned following his recuperative time on Naboo. Her People didn't agree with her designating the Ssi-ruuk as personae non gratae, but Tatiana hadn't downgraded her threat assessment of them just because Dominic had recovered. Those lizards would strike again given the chance. They had demonstrated no willingness for civilized discourse. Diplomacy did not appear possible, which meant only annihilation to ensure the survival of critical resources.

What he intended to present today was just as important as his recovery. It was a reaffirmation of his dedication to the Republic, Outbound Flight, and to his own ideals. It required mental and emotional fortitude. Confidence. A vision. Tatiana would support that vision as a means of discovering untold truths out there in the galaxy where the holonet could not so readily provide the answers. And, as they'd discovered, identifying threats they were not yet fully aware of that might undermine even the best laid plans.

She waited, of course, back from where Dominic stood and inclined her head when their eyes met. They were in the heart of his political arena, after all. Discretion was important. Not that she personally cared what people might think, but Dominic did. Well, perhaps, by the end of the day, it might be more accurate to say had as in the past-tense.

Discussion concerning his resignation had been had, but only because Tatiana wanted to make certain it was what Dominic truly wanted. After all, she knew he'd been plagued with the thought of being torn away from his home the first time Outbound Flight set sail. This new vision required just as much commitment, and he was ready for it; not to mention it would leave open the possibility of another to ensure the needs of those he still cared for if not be there every day to promote their needs. The Chamber could turn down his vision, however, and leave him Senator of Naboo, but Tatiana trusted they would see the wisdom in Dominic's proposal.

Dominic Praxon | Dault Grimmin | Arcann Pehnataur | Dominique Vexx | Ayumi Pallopides​