Diplomacy It's High Time We Meet the Neighbors (Ukatis) [GA Senate | HR High Assembly]

[Spirit of the Dawn]

It is an era of unrest across the galaxy. The Galactic Empire has taken the Deep Core and continues its relentless crawl outward. While the Galactic Alliance struggles against the Imperial threat, they are assailed by the malign interests of foreign and domestic parties. The Black Sun Syndicate works in support of the Empire to fill their coffers in the absence of a strong enough peace keeping force to stand against them. More and more systems question whether the Alliance can truly protect their people in the face of these growing dangers.

In the wake of Arkania’s fall to the Empire, Fabian Albinac, King of Ukatis, has decided it is high time for his world to seek aid elsewhere. A spice epidemic has wracked his homeworld since the attack led by Darth Nefaron some time ago. Left to face this problem alone due to the Alliance’s ongoing war with the Empire, the people of Ukatis continue to struggle under the weight of rampant spice use and the Dark Side. Albinac has invited members of both the Alliance Senate and Republic Assembly together to ensure a smooth transition during Ukatis’ secession.

The groundwork for this movement, laid by a meeting between Aurelian Veruna, Fabian Albinac, and Corazona von Ascania, called special attention to the ongoing exodus of refugees fleeing the core and surrounding systems. With experience in managing displaced persons and the space to house them, Ukatis may be convinced to shoulder a large chunk of the refugee crisis for both galactic powers—with support from the Republic. As the details are ironed out between both delegations, the time is ripe for the beginnings of an alliance to emerge.

The Senate arrives not to sway the King and his Council back into the fold, but to build anew in the absence left by Ukatis’ departure. Trillions are threatened under the threat of attack each and everyday. Rebel cells, insurgents, and Jedi work tirelessly to evacuate world after world with no place to put these refugees. The High Republic represents a potential ally in the face of growing chaos. The Assembly are no strangers to the negotiating table and not without enemies. Having recently defeated the Black Sun Syndicate across multiple systems, they represent endless opportunity for the embattled Alliance…

---

Annasari | Cressida Tolliver | Feridade Parthi | Marek Bancroft
Bastila Sal-Soren | Dominic Praxon | Dominique Vexx | Kalantha
Aiden Porte | Corazona von Ascania | Decarii Tithe​

 

[Dominic Praxon]

The chamber carried the quiet weight of expectation. Around the table, robes and uniforms of every hue gave the meeting the air of importance, though it needed no assistance. Each figure had their own cause, their own measure of what Ukatis' future should be. Dominic felt the thrum of that tension, yet outwardly he remained composed, and his posture straight.

He let his gaze pass once across those assembled - the young Chancellor, regal despite her years. And Senator Vexx, sharp-eyed and unreadable. There was King Albinac, dignified if weary...and among numerous others...Bastila, seated within reach yet set apart by memory best left buried.

He measured each breath, and ordered his thoughts. He was the junior here, and that was precisely why his tone had to be exact.

He rose from his chair, smoothing the front of his jacket with one hand. His voice was clear, steady, and respectful, the Naboo polish unbroken.

"Honoured dignitaries, Madam Chancellor, King Albinac, esteemed colleagues," he began, his words carrying evenly across the chamber, "we are gathered with the desire of partnership. Our aim is clarity and prosperity for the people of Ukatis. Let us proceed with care, but also a determination to be precise in our language — fair in our dealings, focused on results. Let us not squander this moment...my friends."

He inclined his head once, and resumed his seat. No need for frivolities or drama. Only the job at hand. The meeting was open.

Annasari Cressida Tolliver Feridade Parthi Marek Bancroft Bastila Sal-Soren Dominique Vexx Kalantha Aiden Porte Corazona von Ascania Decarii Tithe​

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

Not long after Hapes was annexed by the Black Sun, rumors began swirling that Ukatis also intended to leave the Alliance. The irony was not lost on Sycorax, who was quite familiar with the complaints of both planets in the wake of her submitting the Equal Rights Act to the Senate. Granted, Hapes had been far more vocal about it. She was never sure if Ukatis' comparative silence was due to a lesser feeling of anger over the bill, or simply because it was an agrarian backwater with little say in galactic politics to begin with.

Recently, however, that had changed. Some cosmic shift had occurred, and now Ukatis was back on the docket. The High Republic had been courting the new King Fabian Albinac - and by extension Jedi Knight Corazona von Ascania, who was not beating the allegations that she was the true ruler of Ukatis - in hopes of getting them to join their ranks. It would certainly be a far better fit than Hapes with the Black Sun. By the loa, she had never imagined that the Hapes Cluster would be reconquered by pirates for the first time in millennia during her lifetime.

Sycorax remained somewhat skeptical about the union. For one, the Naboo-led Republic was very big on equal rights and representation. Ukatis was an old school monarchy, functioning on paper much like a dictatorship. Would the HP strictly reinforce its laws and foist a parliament and constitution upon Ukatis? Or would they turn a blind eye to the innate injustice of feudalism so long as the planet paid its dues? Would Ukatis agree to the terms, including those pesky rights and rules? Or would they find a legal loophole and continue with the status quo?

She took a seat at the table, content to watch and listen for now.

Dominic Praxon Spirit of the Dawn Corazona von Ascania Cressida Tolliver Annasari Aurelian Veruna Marek Bancroft Feridade Parthi Dominique Vexx Kalantha Aiden Porte Decarii Tithe Bastila Sal-Soren​

 

[Cennero Greejatus]

THEME: A Day for Diplomacy


Ukatis did not belong in the High Republic.

It was backward, reactionary, and wracked with deep-rooted social issues, not even considering the recent assault by forces of the Sith Empire and the rampant spice epidemic.

Yet Cennero was here to support the feudal world all the same.​

While he did, of course, empathize with the plight of the long-suffering people of Ukatis, he would be lying if he said that was his sole reason he had bothered to being present for the meeting. The initial offer to Ukatis would be a mutual one, aid for the refugees fleeing the core to take the strain off Republic resources, while in return, aid from the Republic itself would flow planetside. Yet Cennero saw Ukatis as a possible bastion, a world that could be fortified and held for months deep in the Core as the Galactic Empire continued to advance. While just about everyone was certain that war with the Empire was inevitable, the spark that would set said conflict off had yet to be decided.

Cennero loved the Republic. He wished to see it strong, to see it expand and prosper.

Unfortunately, that meant there would be a need for a far stronger military and worlds that could provide staging grounds for future operations.

Ergo, Ukatis was in reality a perfect candidate for membership in the High Republic.​

The newly minted Senator from Chommell Minor waited for his esteemed colleague to finish and return to his seat before he himself rose to add to the now open debate.

"I thank my honored colleague for his wise words. His wise advice should be something we all should keep in mind as we move forward with these proceedings. For the sake of clarity, let us speak plainly of the issues at hand."

Cennero glanced about the room, his hands not planted firmly on the table they all shared.

"We face a threat long thought vanquished. Though Ukatis has not yet been plundered by the tyrannical Empire that now ravages the Deep Core, it soon will. I wish to reiterate the High Republic's commitment to defend its member worlds with the full power and force of the Grand Army and the Defense Fleet. As a result of the recent-"

Always careful, Cennero avoided open discussion of the civil war that had placed King Albinac on the throne and left countless thousands in the grips of addiction.

"-events, Ukatis may require a strong military presence to ward off potential threats, be they from the Empire in the Core or the Sith who remain an ever-present threat in the south. While I understand it is not ideal, it is my firm belief that a token Republic force stationed on Ukatis itself would send a strong message to our shared adversaries."

Now that the militarist within Cennero had been satisfied, he returned to the far more palatable topic of aid for refugees.

"Of course, these forces would also be in place to defend potential groups of displaced refugees that may settle on Ukatis. We do not seek to doubt the strength of Ukatis and her people; we simply acknowledge the reality that caring for these refugees will incur a significant cost. As a token of the goodwill of the people of Chommell Minor, we are prepared to offer a significant stimulus package to aid His Majesty's government as he sees fit."

With a polite bow in the direction of King Albinac and the Chancellor, Cennero returned to his seat to await the other delegates' responses.

Dominic Praxon Spirit of the Dawn Corazona von Ascania Cressida Tolliver Annasari Aurelian Veruna Marek Bancroft Feridade Parthi Dominique Vexx Kalantha Aiden Porte Decarii Tithe Bastila Sal-Soren Sycorax Laveaux

​

 

[Feridade Parthi]

| Location | Senate Chamber, Ukatis
| Objective | Establish Friendly Relations

The Echani senator internally winced as he sat himself down, his injuries having not fully recovered following his rescue from The Sepulchre. Outwardly, he retained a stoic expression, doing his best to present himself in a respectable and dignified manner among his peers and amidst the representatives of the High Republic before the King of Ukatis. Golden eyes drifted from Dominic Praxon as they welcomed the Alliance's delegation, offering a small nod of respect. ​

​

He did not resent Ukatis for floating the notion of seceding. The Alliance had been unsuccessful in its promise to defend its member worlds with the loss of the core. The King sought what he thought best for his people, and he could not be faulted for deciding that Ukatis was better left to the stewardship of the High Republic. Advocating and helping worlds such as Ukatis transition into the protection offered by the High Republic would allow the Alliance to consolidate resources and defenses while bolstering their neighbors and hopefully, well-founded allies.​

​

The Alliance was in a vulnerable position with the loss of Coruscant and the core. Such a time was extremely valuable in establishing good relations with the High Republic going forward in light of the Galactic Empire's rise to power. Now more than ever, it was important to cement a strong foundation going forward with the High Republic in their shared enemy to retain peace throughout the Galaxy from the likes of Imperials or Sith. ​

​

The mantle of responsibility found itself shifting in favor of new blood and guidance.​

​

There's a lot of you to tag.​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

​

Seated at the head of the table between the two respective delegations, King Albinac would tilt his attention toward each delegate as they spoke. He was a polite man, devoid of the greed and bluster of his predecessor - but his political prowess and strength of a leader was still largely untested.

Seated on the king’s right side was Corazona. After the rebellion had ended, she remained on Ukatis to guide their stability. Perhaps serving as an aide to the king overstepped the boundaries that a Jedi should have, but she saw keeping the peace as her duty.

Fabian rested his clasped hands atop the table, pointer finger tapping against his knuckle. "Ukatis welcomes both delegations from the Galactic Alliance and the High Republic," he intoned smoothly. "Thank you for your introduction, Lord Praxon."

Cora glanced sharply toward his fidgeting finger, and it stilled. Her gaze then leveled on Cennero. "The general terms of the agreement between Ukatis and the Republic have already been discussed, Senator Greejatus. Republic military intervention on Ukatis will be minimal while a standing force derived from the Ukatian populace is established."

Cora drummed her fingers against the armrest of her hoverchair. She recognized Cennero's veiled disgust hidden behind a perfect courtly demeanor. Many politicians wore the exact same face when discussing such a rural, backward world.

It was to be expected, really.

"Ukatis has space for refugees, and the experience to coordinate large-scale aid projects. What we will need are supplies - building materials, medical supplies, foodstuffs and the like. In that, your goodwill is appreciated."

With a dip of her head, she yielded to Fabian. The king cleared his throat before rising.

"As Lady von Ascania mentioned, terms have been discussed with King Aurelian Veruna . The first: Ukatis will shelter refugees fleeing the core worlds and Alliance space so as to lessen the strain on the Republic.

The second: we will open the option for Ukatian citizens to join the Republic military. They will primarily defend our soil, and when needed, fight for the Republic.

The third: exports of our future excess harvests at a negotiable price, with the understanding that it may take several crop cycles - or more - to be able to produce enough food to feed not only ourself, but our neighbors." Fabian paused here, his somber gaze sweeping over the gathered delegates.

"After several drafts, our planetary council has agreed to these terms. Today, we welcome any further discussion and refinement over them." The king tilted his head in the direction of the Alliance delegation. "However, I believe that this meeting was also intended to serve as a vector for the Alliance and the Republic to negotiate…beyond Ukatis."

Dominic Praxon Cennero Greejatus Feridade Parthi Cressida Tolliver Annasari Marek Bancroft Dominique Vexx Kalantha Aiden Porte Decarii Tithe Bastila Sal-Soren Sycorax Laveaux

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique patiently observed the goings on as people entered the chamber. Polite introductions. Tolerant smiles. Questioning glances. Everything you'd come to expect from a planet that sought to secede from the Galactic Alliance. Especially when the ruling force invited that very Alliance to the proceedings. A touch antagonistic. Or was it an effort to see if they would counter with something truly irrefutable?

Denon had seceded from the Alliance as well. Admittedly, they'd taken advantage of the chaos of the Planeshift, and they were a planet with more than sufficient resources to stand alone. For a time. Still, they shared something in common, Ukatis and Denon, as unlikely as that sounded. Perhaps they even shared the real reason for the severing of ties as well. A desire to throw off rules of old for a more favorable and lenient governance.

A smile graced her lips as matters got underway.

Two relatively new Senators sought to take charge of the moment, which was just fine by her. They even managed not to trip over their own tongue. Sounded like they had a future in the Senate after all.

"As it happens," Dominique slowly rose to her feet, "Denon has always striven for self-sustainability despite our sizeable population. An endeavor that has taken considerable time and resources to produce some of the galaxy's greatest technological and agricultural achievements. Boons that the people of Ukatis and His Majesty are welcome to partake in as kindred spirits." If refugees were a concern then Denon could help provide Ukatis what it would need to furnish and feed such number. For a reasonable expense, of course. There was no need to talk numbers in such a large gathering though.

"While it is true that certain forces may cause uncertainty, I believe that with the right partners and investment that Ukatis can not only weather the storm, but turn it to its advantage. The very same circumstances that may cause concern are also responsible for rather unique opportunities to be explored."

Dominique offered the King a respectful bow. "I look forward to the growth and prosperity of Ukatis."

Annasari | Cressida Tolliver | Feridade Parthi | Marek Bancroft | Bastila Sal-Soren | Dominic Praxon | Kalantha | Aiden Porte | Corazona von Ascania | Decarii Tithe | Sycorax Laveaux | Cennero Greejatus​

 

[Bastila Sal-Soren]

“You’re out of time, make your move.
Live or die while the fuse is lite and there is no turning back now.”

BASTILA
​

The seat felt wrong beneath her. It was too deliberate, and far too visible. She had been placed at the table as though she belonged among the senators, when she knew full well she did not. She had failed at the path of the monarch, now she was just Bastila again and that meant she was nothing other than a Jedi with a strong name. Jedi were meant to guide, not to posture in gilded chambers. Yet here she sat, wrapped in the tailored lines of the Shiraya, Naboo stitching sharp against her shoulders, as though her presence was self-evident.

She told herself it was diplomacy, her duty, being here was symbolism. But the truth pressed colder. With Aurelian crowned, someone in the palace had realized the resemblance; how close Bastila’s profile fell to the Lady Abrantes. Close enough that, with the growing importance on the young Naboo noble, if needed, Bastila could easy be a shadow of the princess. Exposure, they had called it. A chance to see at the table from a position she was forbidden to be allowed to participate in. She called it something else however; a game where she was a piece, not a player.

Her spine was straight, her gaze controlled as it moved from face to face: the young Chancellor, regal as a marble effigy; Senator Vexx, whose eyes missed nothing; King Albinac, bearing both crown and weariness with equal gravity. Then; Dominic.

The breath caught in her chest before she could stop it, just as it had every moment she had found herself in the same vicinity of him on the journey. He sat with the same polish as ever, voice clear, tone impeccable. Only she knew what burned beneath it, because the same fire smouldered in her. The memory of the rain still clung to her like a second skin, raw and unshakable, the smell of whiskey faint on her nose still. She forced her eyes away, fingers tightening where they were hidden beneath the table’s carved edge. To the others, she hoped, she appeared as steady as stone. Inside, she was well aware of the cracks spreading like spiderwebs.

The Force pressed on her temples, heavy with the tension in the room. So many motives, so many shadows woven through every polite word. She felt as though the air itself could splinter if one person pressed too hard.

She told herself to breathe. To sit tall. To remember why she was here. She was a symbol, nothing more. But symbols drew fire. Symbols could shatter.

And she was already internally unsteady.

Dominic Praxon Kalantha Annasari Marek Bancroft Dominique Vexx Cennero Greejatus Feridade Parthi Cressida Tolliver Aiden Porte Decarii Tithe Sycorax Laveaux Corazona von Ascania​

 

[Aiden Porte]

Ukatis
Senate Chamber
Tags: Corazona von Ascania Dominique Vexx Dominic Praxon Annasari Marek Bancroft Bastila Sal-Soren

The council chamber was a theater of restraint, every word tempered, every gesture considered, every silence sharpened to the edge of a blade. Aiden did not sit, but stood behind those he accompanied. His attire a muted presence among polished suits and jeweled finery, but the Force carried every ripple to him like the tide pulling against stone.

He was not here to speak unless called upon, but silence was not inaction.

King Fabian spoke with measured cadence, not with the arrogance of a ruler who believed his crown unassailable, but with the calm of one who knew the eyes of history had turned toward him. Aiden's gaze lingered on the man's hands, stilled only by Corazona's subtle intervention. Even the surest kings lean on others, he thought, and felt no judgment in it, only a flicker of understanding.

Ukatis has grown fondly in Aiden's heart. He had arrived many weeks ago in search of his friend. He was able to find him and even more found there was much more plaguing this land than what the reports he had read. He remembered the reports of Darth Nefaron's strike—the spice flowing into Ukatis like venom into a wound. The Empire's war made it easy for criminals to thrive. It was difficult not to see the outlines of Black Sun fingers wrapped tight around the world's throat, ready to squeeze at the first sign of resistance. But with their defeat on multiple fronts, they would remember not to test the High Republics resolve so recklessly.

Part of him, hoped they would be so foolish, to do so again.

It was then as he took a measured glance around the room it was Bastila that unsettled him.

She looked every inch the Naboo noblewoman in the cut of her robes, posture composed, chin lifted as though carved from marble. Yet Aiden felt it immediately: the fissures beneath the surface. The Force pressed on her like a weight, as if she carried more than the chamber's tension on her shoulders. He wasn't sure of her story, not fully. He hoped whatever it was, that she would be okay.

 

[Cressida Tolliver]

Something about all this rankled Cressida Tolliver. It felt like a fait accompli -- to have the terms of Ukatis' entrance into the High Republic settled before so much as a consultation with the Senate. The fact that this meeting was even taking place before any such internal discussion was also troubling. By blessing it with their presence and their participation, Cressida and her fellow Senators were both following a difficult precedent -- that set by the Hapes Consortium's ignominious exit, to be claimed by pirates no less -- and reinforcing it. Cressida didn't like it. Not a bit.

But it was too late for that. Far too late, now.

She listened to the discussion, paying close attention to that which was offered by the Ukatis' delegation itself. That was of critical importance; the Alliance was a democracy, and as far as she was concerned if Ukatis did not wish to join the High Republic that would be the end of the discussion.

She leaned forward and folded her hands over the portfolio she had set before her. "Your Majesty. Lady von Ascania. It should come as no surprise to you that the people and planet of Ukatis hold a special place in the hearts of the Galactic Alliance. The faithful, dutiful, and exceptional service that you, Lady von Ascania, have performed in and for the Alliance does not go unremarked." A pause, a faint smile. "It is a blow to learn that Ukatis wishes for this change in circumstances, but with things as they are it is not a surprising one."

Another momentary pause and she cleared her throat as if to clear an emotional lump there. "Whatever the shape of Ukatis' future, I hope you will not see it as vulgar in me to hope that, rather than treating this transition as a clean break, we view it as an opportunity for our three peoples to build closer bonds. Indeed, we share interests -- interests in the safety of refugees, interests in the security of the region -- which would suggest that closer relations would be mutually beneficial. Perhaps we can use this as an opportunity for that."

Corazona von Ascania | Aiden Porte | Bastila Sal-Soren | Dominique Vexx | Feridade Parthi | Cennero Greejatus | Sycorax Laveaux | Dominic Praxon | Spirit of the Dawn​

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

Sycorax listened, her dark eyes scanning the faces around her. Some of the GA delegates looked rightfully pissed about the underhandedness of the Ukatians, who had brokered a deal with the Republicans before consulting the Senate. But that was politics, and nothing really stood to be gained from confronting Albinac and Ascania for doing what virtually any other planet in their position would do.

In fact, they had been smart about it. Smarter than most. By doing the dirty work in secret, they had fast-tracked their departure. No one could stop them now.

Despite the bitterness of losing yet more territory, Sycorax found herself wearing a faint smile. It was good to know that there were other options. That conquest and independence were not the only routes available to the member worlds of the GA. One did not need to surrender to the enemy or leap into freezing waters to escape the sinking ship. It was possible to be picked up by rescue boats... provided one was in the area.

"I agree with Senator Tolliver," she said. "We share many of the same ideals of democracy, and we are friendly neighbors in a sea of aggressors. It would be mutually beneficial for us to build a stronger relationship."

Cressida Tolliver Corazona von Ascania Dominic Praxon Aiden Porte Bastila Sal-Soren Dominique Vexx Cennero Greejatus Feridade Parthi​