Faction No More Negotiations | A THR Prologue

[Ravion Corvalis]

Ravion Corvalis rose as the words from around the chamber faded. It was message enough that the seat he rose from was not his own, but from within the chancellor’s own Dias. Unity and party assurance, that is what was needed. Conversation did continue in uneven pockets, a few pods dimmed their internal lights. Others leaned forward as though proximity could soften what they suspected was coming.

Ravion as per his usual did not wait for the full quiet his position may demand, but he never in the illusion that he needed it.

“Let us dispense,” he began, voice level and unembellished, “with the illusion that Corellia remains neutral.” This sent murmurs around the chamber, it was a bold and firm call to declare a planet that was sat outside of the established borders potentially aligned with any side of the argument that was being presented. There were no voices over his, the tone carried no space for interruption.

“Corellia commands one of the largest independent shipbuilding infrastructures in the Mid-Core territory. It maintains private defense fleets equivalent in scale to sector militaries. It sits at the potential convergence of trade arteries essential to Republic logistics and more importantly a gateway into the core.” He shifted his weight slightly, hands clasped behind his back. “And yet it remains dangerously vulnerable to offer the same to our potential enemies.”

His gaze swept the chamber in an even, unhurried arc. “That is a security exposure we cannot afford to risk.” There was movement then. Subtle. A flicker of agitation from two neighbouring delegations followed by the wind like noise from a whispered exchange between industrial blocs. Ravion did not acknowledge any of it.

“Under Article II of the Strategic Transitional Systems Authority, as ratified by the Charter of The High Republic; any system whose militarization, instability, or external vulnerability poses a material risk to Republic cohesion may be designated for immediate Provisional Integration.” He let the words roll around in the air, he knew what he was saying would not go down well for some. It could be considered a dangerous path, the language would need to be tightened up after this but right now it was legal citation etched in stone.

“We all swore our oaths upon that charter.” It wasn't an accusation, just a faint reminder of their true purposes inside this building. He just had to present the next part with no emphasis or flourishes for it to sink. “Corellia qualifies.”

“Senator Obaith has in the past six standard months held official oversight of Corellia’s Provisional Membership assessment. Yet their shipyards have increased output by twenty-three percent without transparency accords. Corporate defense compacts have formed beyond Republic charter. Off-world investment groups with adversarial affiliations have secured docking access.” His eyes settled somewhere indistinct; not on any one senator, but on the collective body itself. “You have all been briefed on this. Continuously.” There was a reluctant silence that fell over the chamber.

“The longer we pretend that Corellia can remain ‘adjacent’ to us without consequence, the more we incentivize competing powers to occupy the vacuum we refuse to secure.” He took a single step forward. “We must prove that as a Republic we are not afraid to lead.”

His voice lowered.

“The people of Corellia want Republic Membership, other dictatorships will continue to claim otherwise. That is why…”

A breath passed through the chamber like a pressure shift.

“Effective immediately,” Ravion continued, “pursuant to the Authority granted by this Senate, and my position as Magistrate to the Charter of Unity. Under the guidance of the Chancellor and the House Royal of Naboo; I am enacting Corellia’s designation as a Stabilized Strategic Member State under Provisional Security Accession.”

The reaction this time would not ne murmuring.

Voices would rise; not yet shouting, but urgent. Somewhere a pod rotated forward as if to demand recognition. Ravion simply raised one hand.

“This designation requires no prior vote. Ratification procedures will follow as stipulated. Representation will be structured under compliance review. Oversight administrators will be appointed within forty-eight standard hours.”

The words were soft.

“If any believe Corellia should retain militarized independence while leveraging Republic trade corridors and security guarantees, under the yoke of pretend Imperialisation and encroaching Sith rule state it plainly.”

Silence. To object now was to argue for a highway of unregulated fleet power at the heart of Republic space and no one wished to be recorded doing so.

“Failure to integrate Corellia now guarantees one of two outcomes,” Ravion continued. “Corporate militarization beyond our influence. Or foreign entanglement requiring future intervention.” He let that linger for he did not need to name who that intervention would fall upon.

“This action prevents both. As of this moment Corellia for all intents and purposes is considered a world of the High Republic. Any attack upon Corellia. Any attempt to control Corellia. Any exterior threat. Will be considered an attack upon The High Republic itself.” He turned slightly while his posture remained composed. Almost calm.

“Corellia will retain cultural autonomy. Economic discretion within charter. Local governance under compliance review.” He took a breath. “But its fleets, shipyards, and defence infrastructure will operate under Republic oversight.”

There.

The heart of it.

“And if any among you believe that allowing a fleet-manufacturing world to operate without alignment strengthens this Republic…” He had to avoid glaring in the pause. “Submit your motion in writing.”

He stepped back from the podium, before turning to the Chancellor nearby. "There, let the Imperials play with their guns. If it is war they want, lets start preparing ourselves for war."

Corellia was now part of the High Republic and he had not even had to ask.

He had simply informed them.

 

[Eharl Sarn]

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Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Liana Organa Ravion Corvalis Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris Ayumi Pallopides Anet Raine Aurelian Veruna Eadu Yittreas Aerys Mourn

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Senator Sarn gave a rumble of approval. Yes! This was the sort of action they should take.

The Ithorian activated his microphone again, and his low, deep thrumming voice echoed from his translator. While he would have wanted to do the same thing with Alderaan, as Corellia was nearer to the border, it would fit the criteria for immediate Republic membership.

"Well said, the people of Corellia have suffered enough, and they shouldn't continue to do so. I support Magistrate Corvalis' ratification of Corellia's Republic Membership."

A nod from the Ithorian's broad head followed.

"Let us move with haste to not only bring back Ambassador Cynan Obaith , but also show to the rest of the galaxy that we will not stand down when it comes to our own. Enough is enough. Be it the Covenant at our borders, Black Sun, or these Imperial Warlords. This body shall not permit it!"

​

 

[Eadu Yittreas]

Eadu adjusted his stance as Chancellor Dominique Vexx took the time to acknowledge his worries, stating that she was diligently working to prevent war. She emphasized that it would be irresponsible for the Senate to remain silent about the abduction, lest they give the impression that the Republic was a pushover, easily intimidated into compliance.

She was presenting the matter as a moral obligation, a defense against his pragmatic and detached perspective. Senator Anet Raine echoed the call for decisive action though she added a layer of pragmatism in asking what victory against Marlon Sularen actually looked like. To his left, Senator Eharl Sarn seemed to agree which meant that his stance was increasingly an opposition of one even with the support of Senator Ayumi Pallopides .

Still there was a need to stand firm as Magistrate Ravion Corvalis voice echoed throughout the chamber. He was attempting to weave a legal web of executive power by referencing Article II of the Strategic Transitional Systems Authority, in a move to declare the neutral world of Corellia a strategic member state under provisional security accession.

He was definitely not seeking the Assembly's approval to launch a conflict with the Imperial Confederation. Eadu looked down at the terminal in the pod, browsing through the Charter of Unity for any reference to this legislation in the official bill register, but discovered no basis for this declaration within the limits of Republic Law.

"A masterstroke of theater, Magistrate," Eadu began, his voice seemed to hush the entire chamber. "You speak of Provisional Security Accession and Immediate Integration as if you were reading from the holy texts of our Republic. You have stood there and informed this body that Corellia is now ours, citing Article II as your shield."

"But words have meaning, Magistrate. And the Charter is not a suggestion." Eadu's voice sharpened, cold and clinical. "I have the Charter before me. I have Article II. It speaks of self-governance. It speaks of democracy. It does not speak of a Strategic Transitional Systems Authority. It does not grant the Magistrate an appointed assistant to the Executive, the power to annex neutral worlds by decree." He turned his pod to face the Chancellor knowing that this could potentially weaken the power of the executive branch with a major scandal, an overstep of their authority.

"Madam Chancellor, we are a Constitutional Democracy. Article I, Section I makes that clear. The Senate is the central legislative body. By the Magister's own words, he has bypassed Article X. He has ignored the sovereignty of Corellia. He has attempted to manufacture a law that does not exist to drag us into a war we have not voted for." He looked back at Corvalis standing on the Chancellor's podium. The world of Alyssa Major had repeatedly expressed its desire to avoid conflict with the Imperial Confederation. If the Magistrate chose to disregard the fundamental principles of the Charter of Unity as it was originally drafted, then he was unworthy of being part of this assembly or wielding authority over it.

"You told us to submit our motions in writing, Magistrate? I have a better suggestion. Under Article VIII, Section II, the Chancellor may strike down acts that undermine this Charter. And under Article VIII, Section III, the Senate may remove an official by a vote of no confidence."

Eadu leveled a finger at the podium.

"The Magistrate has stood in this hall and lied to the Senate. He has attempted to subvert the Charter of Unity to fulfill a personal military ambition. I move that this Provisional Accession be declared null and void immediately, as it has no basis in Republic Law. And I ask the Chancellor: Do you stand with the Charter, or do you stand with a Magistrate who treats it like a scrap of waste-parchment?"

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Dominique Vexx | Ravion Corvalis | Eharl Sarn | Eadu Yittreas | Liana Organa | Verity Stuyveris | Ayumi Pallopides | Anet Raine | Aerys Mourn

Aurelian waited through the arguments. The usual parade of personal ambition dressed up as caution. When the noise thinned, he stepped forward again. "Senators. Corellia can wait." His voice cut through the chamber. He clasped his hands behind his back. Inside, impatience coiled tight in his chest. Focus. Do not let them drift. "The matter before us is Lord Obaith. He is imprisoned in Imperial space. That is a fact."

He glanced toward the Chancellor, then the Magister "If you are not prepared to authorize a full mobilization against Sularen, then authorize something smaller. Precise. A retrieval." Aurelian paced once, slow and deliberate. "We have done this before. We infiltrated Black Sun territory and extracted a Vigo from under their noses. It was clean. It was effective."

He stopped, eyes sweeping the Senate. "Authorize a mission into that prison. Bring our man home." A flicker of a smile tugged at his mouth. "If loss of troops concerns you, then contract the Mandalorian Empire. We retain them for a reason. They are disciplined, capable, and very familiar with Imperial security."

He tilted his head slightly. "And I suspect they would welcome a chance to cross paths with Sularen." Inside, his thoughts sharpened. Show strength now, or invite another kidnapping tomorrow. "We cannot debate a rescue into irrelevance. Give the order."

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique was reassured that even Eharl Sarn was on board with protecting the High Republic from continued abuse. Sometimes it was better to have the Senate martial its own motivation rather than attempt to stoke the flames personally. Not that the Chancellor had kept her peace. More importantly, it spoke of a fire within their Senators that bode well for their collective longevity.

That didn't stop Ravion Corvalis from contributing numbers to bolster the proposition. Her golden eyes shifted to the side in his direction when the Magistrate took his breath.

An accelerated consideration for membership to the Republic. It would not please Alderaan over much, but Dominique would try to convince them it fell in their favor. With a great deal of Corellia's status resolved there'd be more resources freed up to consider how best to reach out toward their world.

Ravion had just finished speaking when Eadu addressed the chamber.

Dominique turned her head to look in Eadu Yittreas 's direction as he sought to undermine Ravion's efforts. "Senator Yittreas, this Office does not stand with the Charter, it is the embodiment of its principles. As such, to bring this into alignment with the principles this very body codified, I ask," she turned to look out over those present, "is there a second to the motion to deny Corellia the accelerated process to membership? A second to the motion that the Magistrate by invoking such violated the Charter?"

She held up a finely manicured hand as soon as she stopped speaking to pause any sudden outcries.

"The High Republic has been working closely with the people of Corellia since we encountered the Galactic Empire in its orbit. With the ceding of authority by the rememnants of that Empire it became all the more necessary for this body to step in to aid in their recovery. It is that reason that Ambassador Obaith was on Corellia the day the Supreme Commander sought to invade."

"Under Article I Section II, Corellia had already been deemed eligible. Under Article I, Section III was an Ambassador dispatched to oversee Corellia's stabilization. And Article II, Section II extends the Magistrate the authority to see to interplanetary affairs. The Senate shall not be sidelined." The Chancellor paused for a second to let that sink in. "You shall be given the opportunity to ratify, or renegotiate the terms by which Corellia joins this body as its membership."

"I support the Magistrate in ensuring the protection of Corellia while these proceedings are in motion, so long as the remain in motion or upon a successful conclusion."

Eadu was a dangerously sharp individual. Well read. Surprisingly persuasive. His appearance and attitude intimdated those around him, but that was in his favor in times like these were the severity of his words would bolstered by reputation.

Now was when another might support his claims. Was it dangerous given the atmosphere up to that point? Perhaps not today. But Dominique was mindful of how it might play into future events. But there was no abandoning Corellia. It was a world with far too much value -- humanitarian concerns aside -- to leave on the table for another to claim as Ravion had said.

As if the galaxy heard her, Aurelian Veruna spoke forth a demand all his own. It took enough not to let it show on her face. Of all people in the chamber it had to be that man. There was no opportunity to tell him what the plan was, and as though he knew it ran completely opposite of her designs he called for open authorization of force.

Even in a closed session some things would not remain secret for long.

"Senator and King Veruna," Dominique replied evenly, "your words are heard by this Executive. It would be premature for me to commit our forces to an immediate strike on hostile forces. I shall contact the Supreme Commander, personally, once this session is concluded -- as it would appear there is 'interference' barring the transmission of such presently." What auspicious timing. Surely not sabotage of any kind. "The Imperial Confederation would expect no less before we think to invade their territory." As he should personally be aware how another government would take abrupt, undisclosed, and impactful actions.

"Should the Ambassador not be immediately returned. Should the Supreme Commander show no remorse for his actions and throw himself upon the mercy of this chamber... then, Senators, then under Article I Section III, Article II Section IV, and," a sudden half-second's pause, "Article IV, Section I, as High Chancellor of the High Republic it will be my duty to take all necessary steps to ensure the swift return of Ambassador Obaith. This will be done with the same haste and resolve as all those in this chamber should expect. As our adversaries eager to test us should fear. We will do what we must to keep our people safe."

"This body will be notified the moment it is clear such resolution is necessary. One way or another, Senators, the Ambassador shall be returned."

It would be better if Marlon didn't see the full force of the High Republic coming. The assault on the prison would be costly enough, but the Republic had to make a stand.

Liana Organa | Verity Stuyveris | Ayumi Pallopides | Anet Raine | Aerys Mourn​

 

[Eadu Yittreas]

Eadu observed Chancellor Dominique Vexx , his face adopting a veneer of deep contemplation as she crafted a legal framework to mend the troubled situation caused by the Magistrate's interpretation of the charter. She discussed stabilization and managing recovery, yet to Eadu, these were just polished phrases from a Chancellor caught in a controversial debate, forced to protect her own administration from scrutiny.

He could have challenged many aspects of her speech, yet they were devoid of a strong basis that would allow him to snatch victory from the brink of political failure, until his gaze landed on a particular word in the lettering of Article II of the Charter. King Aurelian Veruna voice cut through the chamber, wanting to ignore the issue of Corellia entirely to focus on the rescue of the Ambassador, even suggesting bringing in the contracted Mandalorian Empire to launch a rescue mission without the Republic's exact involvement.

"A valiant effort to mend the Magistrate's broken glass, Madam Chancellor," Eadu began, his voice dropping to a low, rhythmic rasp that seemed to vibrate through the floor of the Convocation Hall. "You cite Article I, Section II, claiming Corellia has been deemed eligible for membership." He brought a single finger down onto his console as a section of the Charter scrolled into view on the central holoprojector, highlighting the mandatory requirements for membership.

"But let us look at the letter of the law we all swore to uphold." Eadu's finger traced the holographic air. "Article I, Section II is explicit. A world seeking membership must ensure democratic governance and the abolition of systemic oppression. It further states that any world under authoritarian rule shall be ineligible." He turned his pod in a slow, accusing circle, his gaze catching the eyes of the hesitant Senators.

"Corellia is not a democracy in distress looking for assistance. Instead, it is a planet currently suffocated by the ruling Diktat, a man who has previously served in both the Galactic Alliance and the Corellian Confederation, yet faces no significant opposition from the Corellian Council. Thus this creates a situation where there is little democratic means to oust him from power or ensure that he is representing the Corellian people appropriately. That, dear Senators, qualifies as an oppressive regime." He had doubts that this gamble would yield results, considering that Diktat Dracken Pryce was a celebrated war hero from the early days of the Second Great Hyperspace War.

However, the role was a long-term one, removable only through a vote of no confidence, which no one actually considered doing. Therefore it was easy for him to claim that Corellia was suffering under an oppressive regime and get the other members of the senate to doubt their support of the world's admission into the Republic.

"By the Chancellor's own logic, we are bypassing our foundational values for the sake of strategic value. If we admit a world ruled by a Diktat, we are telling every tyrant in the Outer Rim that the Charter of Unity is for sale to the highest bidder. We are inviting the very creeping shadows of authoritarianism the Preamble commands us to resist. I once again urge this body to reject the Magistrate's misuse of authority and rebuke the Chancellor for her shabby avoidance of this fact"

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"Senator Yittreas, as you know," abundantly as they were now quoting the Charter at one another, "the Charter of Unity, in the very next section, proscribes that worlds transitioning from oppressive regimes may be granted Provisional Membership, assigned oversight by the Senate, and be given an appointed representative to monitor their progress until they meet all of the Republic's standards wherein full membership is granted."

"Although," Dominique looked directly at Eadu, "that does presuppose that Corellia is recognized as even still being under Authoritarian rule. This Republic was there when the Galactic Empire sought to shake the foundations of Corellia's rule -- to destroy the Council and impose their own authority. This Republic was there when the streets were filled with fire and blood. Brave men and women were on those streets seeking to bring order back where the Empire sought to sow only chaos and discord while their lackeys fought to solidify control. And even while we did not launch a all out invasion of Corellia, declaring war on the Empire for their crimes against the people of Corellia -- a people that would have only suffered even greater loses as our two fleets fought to annihilate one another and ground forces clashed on the world below -- while we did not wage war to instill peace, we never abandoned them. Men and women remained to organize resistance. To secure people of integrity so that their government could be renewed once more, free of Imperial influence."

The Chancellor paused to snort. "When the Sith Covenant invaded that Empire, its grasp on Corellia weakened and our people fought to take back what rightfully belonged to the people of Corellia, Senator. If you care to propose forming an investigative panel to seek out any lingering Imperial influence, you will find no opposition. Corellia might even thank you."

"But this is all besides the point, Senators. Corellia had sought admittance before the Imperial intrusion, and they seek it still. We will not allow brigands, warlords, and self-appointed emperors lay claim to a people willing and able to live in a free, democratic society."

"If there is any further motion or a second to any outstanding to bring to the floor on this matter, do so now. Otherwise, Senators, it is time for us to get to work ensuring the galaxy knows the strength and endurance of our collective will."

Eadu Yittreas | Liana Organa | Verity Stuyveris | Ayumi Pallopides | Anet Raine | Aerys Mourn | Aurelian Veruna | Ravion Corvalis | Eharl Sarn​