Private Now The Real Work Begins

[Liana Organa]

​

The Alderaanian Embassy, Naboo
Gram Arranda ​

The delegation of Alderaan had all cramped themselves inside of Gram Arranda's suite on the Embassy's upper level, watching the local coverage of the latest Senatorial session. There, politicians were debating the Alderaan Cession: a treaty that would determine whether or not Alderaan would be accepted into the High Republic. Over the last several weeks, Gram, Liana, and their attachés had been hard at work swaying public opinion in favor of the Alderaanian people and their plight. It had started with the Princess herself being sent to Theed as Junior Ambassador, and her home world's first representative to the High Republic. Though her work was largely symbolic, Liana's efforts had garnered renewed attention toward Alderaan, especially as circumstances grew more dire with the encroachment of the Imperials, and later the Sith.

With the appointment of Gram Arranda as Alderaan's lead Ambassador, these efforts were legitimized with clear focus. Gram and Liana put their plan to the test with a formal petition to the High Republic, which was answered with crucial sponsorship by the likes of Verity Stuyveris , Ayumi Pallopides , and even Chancellor Dominique Vexx herself. With the Alderaan Cession drafted, they hosted a celebratory event at the embassy not long after, designed to give a taste of Alderaan's culture and more importantly, to rub elbows with those who might bring this treaty into reality.

Tonight, there was nothing more they could do but await the results. Anxious chatter amongst the party was suddenly shushed by one of the aides as they noticed conversation shifting on the holo. Liana, who was sitting on the couch, was resting back against the couch in relief before the news had been announced. Everyone else jumped for joy when the ticker read: "Alderaanian Cession Passed with overwhelming support."

Cheers were had, drinks were poured, joyous tears were shed. Alderaan would not be left in the dark.

Liana stood up a few moments after the celebrations had already begun, her hands still shaking from the combined nervousness and subsequent validation. "We did it," She said to Gram when he found a chance to face her. The princess gave him a tight hug. He had always been there for the Organas. Now was no different, "We couldn't have done it without you."
/FONT]

 

[Gram Arranda]

Gram sat on a couch in the middle of the living room, the centerpiece of a tableau. All around him were his aides and attaches, the princess and her people, motionlessly watching the holo news. Beside him on the couch was his family, his daughters holding each others' hands, his wife gripping his arm as they silently prayed and hoped for victory.

This was it. All of their work these past few months boiled down to one vote. The fate of Alderaan would be decided now.

The results came in. Alderaanian Cession passed with overwhelming support. The room exploded with cheering. People embraced each other, smiling and laughing. Someone popped the cork on a celebratory bottle.

Gram released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He kissed Vera and hugged the girls. Someone handed him a glass, which he held up in toast. "To the Republic," he declared. "Long may she live!"

He downed the drink, letting the pleasant buzz seep through him. That was when Princess Liana threw her arms around his waist. Gram blinked in surprise, but soon softened. He passed the empty glass off to one of his aides so that he could hug her back.

"And where would I be without the Junior Ambassador?" he said. "You built the foundation this whole operation stands on. It's a shame you're not old enough to be our Senator, or I'd recommend you run for office." He laughed when he said it, but his smile was a little tight around the edges.

When he first agreed to come to Naboo as Ambassador, Gram knew it was no brief appointment. Alderaan now needed a representative in the Republic Senate, someone the queen could trust. He was qualified, and he suspected... no, he knew that Her Majesty would ask him to run for office. And because he was already here, had already proven himself as Ambassador, he would likely be elected.

All of which is to say, he wasn't going home for a very long time. No doubt Vera would insist on staying with him. Droxine was nearly old enough to live on her own and would probably be going to university on Alderaan, but Lysandra would remain uprooted. These melancholy thoughts dampened his spirits somewhat, though it was selfish. He would go back home someday, but until then he would work tirelessly to keep it safe.

"Now the real work begins," he said. "We've convinced them that we're worthy of citizenship, but that doesn't mean they'll do what's best for Alderaan. We'll have to make sure of that ourselves."

Liana Organa​

 

[Liana Organa]

Gram Arranda

​

Liana shrugged bashfully. How quick she was to take credit for things until suddenly the thing in question mattered. But it felt good to hear someone else say it aloud. The work she had done here mattered. It had begun the path which was now laid out before them. The people of Alderaan had her to thank, not because she was their princess, but because she was their ambassador. Or at least, one of them.

"Even more so..." Liana said, her eyes already steeling with deeper contemplation, "Our membership isn't guaranteed until those borders surround our world and Republic rangers patrol our sector. There's bound to be a lot of time between now and then. Time that the Sith could use to strike if they wanted.

This might delay them, but unless we act quickly, it may be just that: a delay."

 

[Gram Arranda]

"You are very wise, Your Highness," Gram said, saying more with his eyes than words could ever tell.

"There will be time to discuss our next steps. I will not delay. But for now, I believe we have a press conference to attend..."

The conference was held downstairs in the convention hall. Reporters from various publications had already begun to arrive. As soon as the Alderaanian ambassadors entered, the room filled with the sound of overlapping voices and the flash of cameras. Gram led the charge to the stage, dressed nicely but not pompously. He was flanked not only by the Princess of Alderaan, but by his wife and two daughters. Let them see his family and know exactly what he was fighting for.

"Good evening," he began. "I am overjoyed at the decision made by the Republic Senate today..."

Liana Organa​