Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos
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Faction Outbound Flight: Test Flight
- Thread starter Pillar of Freedom
- Start date
Burn Brighter
Solaina had hidden herself among the internal systems of the ship. More specifically in the engineering section.
Still annoyed and recovering her composure from the earlier conversation that had ruined the excitement of the evening. Heavy headphones secured firmly over her ears as her hands deftly tapped over the screens of the fuel line system that had been hastily modified and fitted with additional shielding for their equally modified and adjusted fuel cells. The crew within the immediate vicinity not entirely sure how best to break the news to her that the timer had gone off. Or that she was supposed to be elsewhere. And maybe handling some official business.
Without needing to draw the attention of the chief engineer, the stomping of feet around her area of work pulled her from the focus she had on the final junction conduit that needed to be secured.
Her shoulder pressed up sharply and removed the headphone in time to hear something about warranties and uniforms.
"By the stars, please tell me that someone has not brought up that inane discussion once more?" Boots came into view from inside an exposed panel. Pushed out until the toes of each grabbed hold of the edge and acted like hands pulling Solaina part of the way out of the hole she had crawled into.
Greeted by a motley assortment of people when she finally fished herself free of what could at best be considered a maintenance access. At worst, a large beings claustrophobia simulator. She smelled of melted plastic and vaguely of grease, which may have explained the slight frizz that made her hair stick up in places. Her hands wiped on the rag set beside the panel waiting to be replaced. Examining each being currently present with a professional eye before she settled on the youngest looking one.
"You wouldn't happen to be the engineering understudy, would you?" The rag still in her hand as she paused her duties and leaned against the opened panel. Letting her eyes wander briefly to examine the droid and woman as well. Squinting over each one as if something clicked into place. "That new protocol unit, and the acquisitions... expert."
Tone carrying uncertainty rather than disrespect. Unsure if the title was appropriate given the woman's attire.
"I am Solaina Embarri, Chief Engineer. I'll be overseeing the modifications-" Her gaze drifting to the Abrantes boy she had been told about already as if warning him without saying anything. "But I am open to suggestions if you can provide me with sufficient evidence to suggest the modification is beneficial."
Mouth hanging open a moment longer as her eyes switched between the two others with them before settling on the droid first. "Protocol unit, please identify yourself and your purpose-" The hand holding the rag pointed at the woman. "And you as well please, once they are finished."
R E P U B L I C
Ravion Corvalis allowed the chamber’s reaction to crest first, the scattered approvals from the various Blocs within which he noted the tight-lipped stillness of the overly cautious, the near standing ovation from the outer skirt systems, the visible unease among the Trade delegates who heard reconnection and translated it into lost monopolies. He watched it all with the practiced stillness of a man who understood that timing was its own language.
Only when the murmurs began to fracture, when certainty threatened to turn into noise, did he rise.
“Colleagues, esteemed members of the senate; Chancellor ” he began, voice smooth, unhurried, carrying without strain. “You have all just heard something rare in this chamber.”
He allowed a pause. Not long but very deliberate.
“Conviction without illusion.”
He turned slightly, not toward the holoprojectors, it would not do, to turn toward the spectacle; but instead he would turn toward the main body of the senate themselves. This was not for the public feed. This was for them.
“We are accustomed,” Ravion continued, “to grand visions framed in poetry and paid for in abstractions. We are equally accustomed to fear dressed as prudence. Today, we were offered neither.” A few heads lifted. Some others even stiffened.
“The Outbound Flight, as proposed, is not a symbol. It is a ledger.” He allowed the time for a ripple of quiet interest. “It tallies our obligations to worlds cut loose by catastrophe, to trade networks we allowed to fracture, to populations we reassured with words and then left with silence.”
He let that land before adding to it in a much softer tone. “And yes; there is risk.”
There it was. The word everyone needed was spoken aloud.
“There always is,” Ravion said. “But let us be honest about what kind. Not the risk of invasion. Not the risk of imperial overreach. The risk is exposure.”
He allowed himself the faintest of smiles. He had long been waiting for this, the chance that would present itself and oh the air tasted sweet.
“The risk that when we reach back out, we will discover that some wounds cannot be closed with apologies alone. That reconnection comes with cost. With accountability.”
His gaze swept briefly, oh so briefly, toward the Trade benches, the Shipping Consortium, the financial hawks already calculating margins.
“And that,” Ravion concluded, “is not recklessness. That is governance.”
Now he inclined his head, just a fraction, toward the holoprojection of the Outbound Flight’s bridge, towards Dominic, still standing in the aftermath of his own resolve.
“The question before us is not whether the Republic can afford to go forward,” Ravion said quietly. “It is whether we can afford to admit on the public record that we chose not to.”
He took a breath. He would allow himself that.
“Given the scope of this initiative,” Ravion says, measured and procedural, “I, as many in this chamber would agree, feel that it would be irresponsible to advance it without a dedicated Senate Liaison to the Outbound Flight Command.”
Liaison. It was a carefully selected word. Not commander, not explorer. Liaison.
“A figure who shall be tasked with ensuring civilian oversight, humanitarian compliance, and continuity between the Senate and the expedition’s leadership.” He let the chamber take it in, to breathe. He could feel the intake, it pulled at the edges of everyone’s minds like a collective realisation and acceptance. “Such a role cannot be filled by a committee. It requires a single, publicly accountable voice.”
He looked straight towards the feed now, his eyes directly moving to let Dominic see. He wondered if Dominic had already worked it out, if the words were shooting sharp and cold trials of panic up his spine yet.
“One who has already, voluntarily, placed themselves on record before the Republic and the wider galaxy.”
He didn’t have to say the name. That was the beauty in it all. Everyone in that senate hall would have suddenly come to the same conclusion. That there was only one man who could possibly be selected. Ravion sat not in triumph nor with his sometimes expected theatrics.
No he just sat and let the world cave in.
There shall be established an Office of Senate Liaison to the Outbound Flight Initiative (hereafter “the Liaison”), charged with ensuring continuous civilian oversight, humanitarian compliance, and legislative continuity between the Galactic Republic Senate and the Outbound Flight Command Authority.
Section 9.2 Scope of Authority
The Liaison shall:
a) Serve as the primary civilian point of contact between the Senate and all Outbound Flight operational commands;
b) Ensure that humanitarian, diplomatic, and civilian protection mandates authorized under this Act are upheld in practice;
c) Report regularly to the Senate Committee on Reconstruction, Reconnection, and External Affairs;
d) Possess full access to non-classified operational briefings, civilian deployment schedules, and diplomatic engagement frameworks relevant to the Initiative.
Section 9.3 Appointment
The Liaison shall be appointed by majority vote of the Senate from among its sitting members, with preference given to a Senator who has publicly affirmed the Initiative’s humanitarian and reconnection objectives on the Senate record. All present seat followings and office shall be retained. Acceptance and volunteering of the appointee before the vote has been finalised will cement the position and grant the appointee the title.
Section 9.4 Term and Continuity
The appointment shall be for a renewable term of five standard years, or until the Initiative is formally concluded, whichever occurs first.
Reappointment shall require no additional confirmation vote unless contested by formal motion. Term may be extended by will of the senate, the Chancellor or Magistrate without notice or discussion period.
Section 9.5 Presence and Engagement
The Liaison shall maintain an active presence in Outbound Flight preparatory briefings, civilian coordination forums, and, where feasible, aboard designated Initiative command assets, as required to fulfil the duties of oversight and continuity.
Section 9.6 Safeguards
Nothing in this Article shall be construed to confer military command authority upon the Liaison, nor to supersede existing Senate security, ethics, or succession statutes.
Only when the murmurs began to fracture, when certainty threatened to turn into noise, did he rise.
“Colleagues, esteemed members of the senate; Chancellor ” he began, voice smooth, unhurried, carrying without strain. “You have all just heard something rare in this chamber.”
He allowed a pause. Not long but very deliberate.
“Conviction without illusion.”
He turned slightly, not toward the holoprojectors, it would not do, to turn toward the spectacle; but instead he would turn toward the main body of the senate themselves. This was not for the public feed. This was for them.
“We are accustomed,” Ravion continued, “to grand visions framed in poetry and paid for in abstractions. We are equally accustomed to fear dressed as prudence. Today, we were offered neither.” A few heads lifted. Some others even stiffened.
“The Outbound Flight, as proposed, is not a symbol. It is a ledger.” He allowed the time for a ripple of quiet interest. “It tallies our obligations to worlds cut loose by catastrophe, to trade networks we allowed to fracture, to populations we reassured with words and then left with silence.”
He let that land before adding to it in a much softer tone. “And yes; there is risk.”
There it was. The word everyone needed was spoken aloud.
“There always is,” Ravion said. “But let us be honest about what kind. Not the risk of invasion. Not the risk of imperial overreach. The risk is exposure.”
He allowed himself the faintest of smiles. He had long been waiting for this, the chance that would present itself and oh the air tasted sweet.
“The risk that when we reach back out, we will discover that some wounds cannot be closed with apologies alone. That reconnection comes with cost. With accountability.”
His gaze swept briefly, oh so briefly, toward the Trade benches, the Shipping Consortium, the financial hawks already calculating margins.
“And that,” Ravion concluded, “is not recklessness. That is governance.”
Now he inclined his head, just a fraction, toward the holoprojection of the Outbound Flight’s bridge, towards Dominic, still standing in the aftermath of his own resolve.
“The question before us is not whether the Republic can afford to go forward,” Ravion said quietly. “It is whether we can afford to admit on the public record that we chose not to.”
He took a breath. He would allow himself that.
“Given the scope of this initiative,” Ravion says, measured and procedural, “I, as many in this chamber would agree, feel that it would be irresponsible to advance it without a dedicated Senate Liaison to the Outbound Flight Command.”
Liaison. It was a carefully selected word. Not commander, not explorer. Liaison.
“A figure who shall be tasked with ensuring civilian oversight, humanitarian compliance, and continuity between the Senate and the expedition’s leadership.” He let the chamber take it in, to breathe. He could feel the intake, it pulled at the edges of everyone’s minds like a collective realisation and acceptance. “Such a role cannot be filled by a committee. It requires a single, publicly accountable voice.”
He looked straight towards the feed now, his eyes directly moving to let Dominic see. He wondered if Dominic had already worked it out, if the words were shooting sharp and cold trials of panic up his spine yet.
“One who has already, voluntarily, placed themselves on record before the Republic and the wider galaxy.”
He didn’t have to say the name. That was the beauty in it all. Everyone in that senate hall would have suddenly come to the same conclusion. That there was only one man who could possibly be selected. Ravion sat not in triumph nor with his sometimes expected theatrics.
No he just sat and let the world cave in.
Proposed Amendment to the Outbound Flight Authorization Bill
Civic Oversight and Continuity Provision
Be it enacted by the Senate of the High Republic that the Outbound Flight Authorization Bill be amended as follows:Article IX Senate Liaison to the Outbound Flight Initiative
Section 9.1 Establishment of the OfficeThere shall be established an Office of Senate Liaison to the Outbound Flight Initiative (hereafter “the Liaison”), charged with ensuring continuous civilian oversight, humanitarian compliance, and legislative continuity between the Galactic Republic Senate and the Outbound Flight Command Authority.
Section 9.2 Scope of Authority
The Liaison shall:
a) Serve as the primary civilian point of contact between the Senate and all Outbound Flight operational commands;
b) Ensure that humanitarian, diplomatic, and civilian protection mandates authorized under this Act are upheld in practice;
c) Report regularly to the Senate Committee on Reconstruction, Reconnection, and External Affairs;
d) Possess full access to non-classified operational briefings, civilian deployment schedules, and diplomatic engagement frameworks relevant to the Initiative.
Section 9.3 Appointment
The Liaison shall be appointed by majority vote of the Senate from among its sitting members, with preference given to a Senator who has publicly affirmed the Initiative’s humanitarian and reconnection objectives on the Senate record. All present seat followings and office shall be retained. Acceptance and volunteering of the appointee before the vote has been finalised will cement the position and grant the appointee the title.
Section 9.4 Term and Continuity
The appointment shall be for a renewable term of five standard years, or until the Initiative is formally concluded, whichever occurs first.
Reappointment shall require no additional confirmation vote unless contested by formal motion. Term may be extended by will of the senate, the Chancellor or Magistrate without notice or discussion period.
Section 9.5 Presence and Engagement
The Liaison shall maintain an active presence in Outbound Flight preparatory briefings, civilian coordination forums, and, where feasible, aboard designated Initiative command assets, as required to fulfil the duties of oversight and continuity.
Section 9.6 Safeguards
Nothing in this Article shall be construed to confer military command authority upon the Liaison, nor to supersede existing Senate security, ethics, or succession statutes.
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Scrapper
Kessa straightened up from the console as a pair of boots emerged from the maintenance access, followed by a grease-streaked woman who looked like she had been wrestling conduits for hours.
The chief engineer's hair had that telltale frizz from hot work, and Kessa could not help but admire the way she hauled herself out of a confined space and addressed them. A proper hands-on type, clearly.
Kessa flashed a wide grin and wiped her hands on her trousers, though they were already fairly clean compared to the rag the woman held.
"Blimey, you lot really get stuck in, don't you?" she said cheerfully, her tone light and appreciative.
She glanced at the protocol droid first, giving it a nod since the chief had asked it to speak up before her.
This was turning into a proper little crew already, even if it was just for a test flight.
She liked it, the buzz of people who knew their way around a hyperdrive, no stuffy uniforms or endless forms. Unless the chief was about to introduce the forms. She hated forms.
When the chief's gaze settled on her with that squint and uncertain title, Kessa chuckled softly and stepped forward a bit, satchel clinking at her side.
"I'm Kessa Varden, scrapper and outlaw tech by trade. Acquisitions expert works too if we're being fancy about it." She tilted her head, grin widening as she met Solaina's eyes directly. "Got brought on last-minute for the test flight, extra hands for tweaks and troubleshooting. Senator's office said make myself useful down here, and honestly, I'm chuffed to bits. This ship's a beauty, proper redundant systems and all. If you've got any fiddly mods needing a second opinion or a quick patch, I'm your girl. Evidence and all that, promise I won't suggest anything daft without a good scan to back it up."
She glanced around at Elian and the droid too, her optimistic energy bubbling through. No strings, just good work and maybe a laugh or two. Perfect way to spend a flight.
She hoped she wasn't about to get fired.
Or given forms to fill in.
Elian Abrantes
J9-L5
Solaina Embarri
@Open - Engineering Section
Interim Chancellor
Location: THE SENATE
Tags:
Dominique Vexx
Aurelian rolled his eyes the moment Ravion rose. It was reflex more than judgment, muscle memory earned through long exposure. He had said what needed saying. The bill would pass. Ravion could have his theater. He did not stay to hear the rest.
Aurelian stepped out of his pod while the chamber was still murmuring. The atrium swallowed the noise whole. Cool air, polished stone, banners hanging in patient symmetry. Tona was already on his heels, datapad glowing, fingers moving fast.
"Schedule just shifted," she said under her breath.
"Of course it did," Aurelian replied, already moving.
He made a sharp left, then another, cutting through a service corridor most senators pretended not to know existed. His pace never broke. Whatever Ravion was proposing would be debated, amended, and buried in committee language soon enough. Aurelian had no interest in arguing semantics on a public floor.
They emerged near the delegation pods. Denon's was easy to spot. Clean lines, understated confidence, money that did not need to announce itself. Aurelian stopped in front of it and knocked once, firm and impatient. The door slid open partway, revealing an aide who stiffened immediately at the sight of him.
"I need a word with my favorite Director from Denon," Aurelian said, tone light but final. "Now, if she's available."
The aide hesitated, then nodded, already stepping aside and speaking into a comm.
Tona paused just behind him, eyes flicking up from her datapad. "You're supposed to be presiding."
Aurelian's smile was thin and sharp. "I did."
He glanced once toward the closed Senate doors, where Ravion's voice still echoed faintly through the chamber feed.
"Besides," he added quietly, "I'd rather talk to someone who means what they say."
Venerable Senator
Senator Dod observed as the discussions were drawing to a close concerning the approval of the Outbound Flight Initiative, which reminded him of the former Alliance Senate where fervor frequently overshadowed rational decision-making, and a lack of consideration for the financial markets complicated profit generation for the Trade Federation of Planets.
However, it was now essential to take the necessary measures to guarantee that the Republic's enthusiasm did not excessively strain the conglomerate's long-term goals. He stood up with the careful, unhurried grace of a Neimoidian who calculated each movement, fully aware that timing was essential in this kind of debate.
"Esteemed colleagues, I stand with the momentum of this chamber. The Outbound Flight is a necessary endeavor. We have all acknowledged the humanitarian and economic trauma left by the Planeshift. We must go forward. We must find the agriworlds, the ores, the fuel sources, and the communities that will stabilize our Republic."
He offered a faint, almost pitying glance toward Senator Praxon's live feed, acknowledging the inherent risk Praxon was taking.
"However, a core principle of good governance and one I learned well during the volatile market corrections of the past cycle is that a noble mission should not be suicidal in its execution. We have heard much passion about responsibility, but very little about risk mitigation and cost efficiency."
He presented the amendment with a practiced smoothness, its text appearing on the main screen with surgical precision.
"I speak specifically to Articles IV and V, the physical composition of the exploratory fleet. We are proposing to send hundreds of Republic citizens ranging from scientists to diplomats into absolutely uncharted, volatile regions. They require expensive, complex life-support systems, extensive medical provisions, and ultimately, far greater rescue and retrieval resources should the unpredictable occur."
Senator Dod leaned forward slightly, his gaze resting on the financial delegations.
"The Act's primary objective is to acquire data: accurate telemetry, resource assessments, and charting. The most efficient and responsible collectors of pure data are not diplomats; they are not vulnerable humanoids. They are dedicated, resilient, and utterly replaceable assets."
"Therefore, I submit an amendment to replace the bulk of the Outbound Flight's manned observation and survey wings with advanced, dedicated Exploratory Probe Droids and Automated Survey Platforms. They can withstand environmental extremes, cost a fraction of the necessary life-support infrastructure, and critically, do not create a humanitarian crisis if they are lost testing a dangerous new route." A change like this would not spark controversy as it aims to save lives, while also granting the Trade Federation the opportunity to later suggest that the Probes originate from their company, given their status as the leading commercial shipper and their proficiency in navigating uncharted hyperspace paths.
"We need the Jedi's unique navigational gift, the Wayfinder Pilot Ship must be preserved. But let us use that skill to guide machines that bear the risk, not expensive human lives. Let us prove to our constituents that we are capable of pursuing a brave agenda without being recklessly extravagant. Let the Republic save its credits, and its citizens, for the resettlement efforts that will inevitably follow the data our probes return."
Amendment SB.4829-OBF-002: Fiscal Prudence and Risk Mitigation through Automated Assets
Be it enacted by the Senate of the High Republic that the Outbound Flight Exploratory Asset Appropriation Act (SB.4829-OBF) be amended by the insertion of a new Article and the modification of existing Articles as follows:
1. Amendment to Article II. Purpose (Addition)
Amend Article II (Purpose) by inserting a new clause (f):
(f) Maximizing cost efficiency and mitigating personnel risk by prioritizing the use of automated systems for initial data acquisition, environmental assessment, and navigational charting within volatile or uncharted regions.
2. Amendment to Article IV. Procurement of Outbound Flight Vessel (Modification)
Amend Article IV by modifying the clause detailing vessel outfitting and personnel complement:
The vessel shall be optimized for:
ARTICLE IX. AUTOMATED ASSETS AND PERSONNEL MINIMIZATION
Section 9.1 Mandate for Automation ---- The Outbound Flight Initiative shall utilize a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of its allocated exploratory capacity (defined by volume and deployment duration) through Exploratory Probe Droids and Automated Survey Modules (hereafter "Automated Assets").
Section 9.2 Personnel Crewing Standards ---- The primary scientific and operational crew deployed aboard the Outbound Flight shall be limited to a Mission-Essential Complement, whose size and composition shall be dictated by the functional requirements of data processing, command control of Automated Assets, diplomatic first-contact, and necessary maintenance of the Wayfinder Pilot Ship Telemetry link. Non-essential personnel, including large-scale academic or administrative delegations, shall not be permitted aboard the Outbound Flight during its exploratory phase.
Section 9.3 Cost and Risk Reporting ----- The Oversight group established under Article VII shall include, in its quarterly reports, a mandatory assessment comparing the operational cost and personnel risk of the utilized Automated Assets versus a hypothetical full-complement manned mission, thereby ensuring ongoing fiscal responsibility.
Be it enacted by the Senate of the High Republic that the Outbound Flight Exploratory Asset Appropriation Act (SB.4829-OBF) be amended by the insertion of a new Article and the modification of existing Articles as follows:
1. Amendment to Article II. Purpose (Addition)
Amend Article II (Purpose) by inserting a new clause (f):
(f) Maximizing cost efficiency and mitigating personnel risk by prioritizing the use of automated systems for initial data acquisition, environmental assessment, and navigational charting within volatile or uncharted regions.
2. Amendment to Article IV. Procurement of Outbound Flight Vessel (Modification)
Amend Article IV by modifying the clause detailing vessel outfitting and personnel complement:
The vessel shall be optimized for:
- a) Long-range scientific laboratories and observation decks, with an emphasis on remote data reception, processing, and control interfaces for unmanned assets;
- b) Diplomatic facilities for first-contact and humanitarian negotiation sufficient to house a minimized, mission-essential diplomatic and science crew;
- c) Modular habitation, agricultural analysis, and medical wings, scaled to accommodate a reduced operational crew complement;
- d) Defensive systems consistent with non-aggressive exploratory doctrine;
- e) Secure integration nodes for Jedi Order mission operations;
- f) Dedicated launch, retrieval, and maintenance bays for Exploratory Probe Droids and Automated Survey Modules, prioritizing cargo space over personnel quarters.
ARTICLE IX. AUTOMATED ASSETS AND PERSONNEL MINIMIZATION
Section 9.1 Mandate for Automation ---- The Outbound Flight Initiative shall utilize a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of its allocated exploratory capacity (defined by volume and deployment duration) through Exploratory Probe Droids and Automated Survey Modules (hereafter "Automated Assets").
Section 9.2 Personnel Crewing Standards ---- The primary scientific and operational crew deployed aboard the Outbound Flight shall be limited to a Mission-Essential Complement, whose size and composition shall be dictated by the functional requirements of data processing, command control of Automated Assets, diplomatic first-contact, and necessary maintenance of the Wayfinder Pilot Ship Telemetry link. Non-essential personnel, including large-scale academic or administrative delegations, shall not be permitted aboard the Outbound Flight during its exploratory phase.
Section 9.3 Cost and Risk Reporting ----- The Oversight group established under Article VII shall include, in its quarterly reports, a mandatory assessment comparing the operational cost and personnel risk of the utilized Automated Assets versus a hypothetical full-complement manned mission, thereby ensuring ongoing fiscal responsibility.
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at your service
Elian had much to say to Jaynine's griping. The points he made were sound enough, though it did little to help assuage's the droid's distaste for spontaneity. "Very well, Mr. Abrantes. I suppose they put meatbags in the pilot seat for a reason," Jaynine replied, this time with only a little bit of sarcasm, "But don't come crying to me if the ship crashes and burns on its maiden voyage."
Before he could be properly questioned about his criticism of the ship, a few other individuals joined them in the engineering compartment, including one who demanded his identification. The protocol droid stood tall, as if delighted to properly verify himself, "J9-L5. I'm here to help inspect the ship on behalf of the Republic." He looked in the direction Solaina had come from, hesitating to say something that was clearly itching at him, "…I was under the impression we were not yet proprietors of this vessel. You weren't violating any warranties yourself back there, were you?"
cold and careful
Verity took the plant carefully, almost gingerly, and studied it just the same way, wary blue-grey eyes tracing over every part. Not a famed green thumb by any stretch, she did wonder whether she would be able to keep the thing alive. But the smell was charming without being overwhelming, so she endeavored to do her very best. Despite her skepticism, a genuine smile had started to spread on her angular face. "Thank you, Senator Sarn," said the Druckwellian. "Where ought I to put it, do you think? Does it like lots of sun, or...?" She gestured toward the window.
When they had settled on the appropriate place, Verity set about making tea.
Her guest shared his thoughts on the bill before the senate currently, and Verity paused a moment to look at the newsfeed herself before angling herself back toward the tea and Sarn.
"I agree, completely," she said. "It is -- hopeful. Certainly it is optimistic in the day and age to think that there is something worth finding out there. Between us, I wonder about the wisdom of capital outlay out there with the Empire and the Sith so close to hand, but..." She shrugged uneasily, then poured the boiling water from the small electric kettle into a modern teapot to which she had already added bags, then glanced at her watch to start marking the time. "I am aware -- painfully aware -- of the potentially temporary nature of my appointment to the Senate. I'm loathe to raise objections or even offer vocal support in such a way that might tie the hands of whoever fills my seat next."
She was thoughtfully silent for a moment, glancing down at her watch again to see how much time had passed. Crouching gracefully, she retrieved a small container of milk from the cooler beneath the counter, then poured it into the matching milk jug and placed it on the tray next to the teapot. "But, this seems... harmless," Verity ventured carefully.
Verity paused another moment as a Nemoidian Senator rose to speak. What he had to offer was shrewd, if a bit inelegant. "At least, it will be until the moneyed interests get their claws in it." A glance at her watch told her that the tea's steeping time was almost over, so she took the top off the teapot, retrieved the tags, stashed them in a ceramic dish on the counter, then carried the tray with accoutrements over to where Sarn sat.
When the tea had been poured, Verity served Sarn and then settled into the next seat, carefully smoothing her skirt as she did. Nodding briefly to the projector as
Monaray Dod
concluded his remarks and amendment suggestion, she asked Sarn: "I can't help but think that this sort of task demands something, some -- " she stopped herself saying human element, which would not have been sensitive. " -- sentient influence. People who are capable of being wary enough of new people to keep alive, and cautious enough not to fire first and ask questions later. May I ask your view on the matter?"Engaging:
Eharl Sarn
Senators:
Aurelian Veruna
|
Dominic Praxon
|
Darrian Hansen
|
Ravion Corvalis
|
Monaray Dod
Eharl Sarn
Senators:
Aurelian Veruna
|
Dominic Praxon
|
Darrian Hansen
|
Ravion Corvalis
|
Monaray DodDominique Vexx
Denon
Dominique enjoyed Aurelian being so forthright and demonstrating his leadership skills, but there were members of the Senate that thrived on hypotheticals. "Won't let" can easily become "No choice but to let" should a large enough bloc band together. Really, there were very few blocs that would have a legitimate grievance with the Initiative proceeding as planned, however. Few enough they had no hope to scuttling the launch. They would, of course, cause all manner of disruption and potentially find allies in any follow-up "discussions" on how the Initiative's bounty were utilized.
Which was fair. Dominique had aspirations of her own of utilizing whatever resources were found. There'd be no shortage in Executive Officers contacting her about ensuring Denon got its "fair share" (read: all) of the spoils. She wouldn't sigh in disgust or exasperation though. What was Denon if not a productive and invested partner in the Republic's pursuits? They couldn't extract the diamonds from the rough if they were cut out, and it was her job to make sure they weren't.
Now, Senator Corvalis, on the other hand, with their almost populist pleas and -- in this matter -- celebration that government hadn't forsaken the People... Dominique watched the man's haptics from afar carefully. Perhaps she should arrange a meeting with the man to uncover his intents. Not the ones he broadcast before the galaxy -- anyone could say anything with a smile -- but the real ones that motivated his actions. This wasn't the first time he'd gone on about inserting a "neutral" third-party and civilian oversight.
This time, however, Corvalis seemed to be suggesting one of their own. Someone that would whenever possible be embedded on the Outbound Flight itself. A soft expulsion of breath that might have been considered a laugh under her breath followed her reading of the amendment. The man was trying either trying to remove a political opponent from the field, or burden them with so much busywork as to accomplish the same. But to what end? Surely it wasn't just pettiness.
Senator Dod spoke next, and Dominique's golden rings swung in his direction. A soft, low sigh rested deep in her throat as the man pounced on that 'risk' Corvalis had mentioned in passing. Risk. From where Denon stood venturing out into space always carried risk, and it was almost always justifiable. Sure, companies and governments alike lost very talented people, but Denon would not be where it was economically speaking if they'd shied away from risk. There was always risk in out maneuvering a people to strip mine their planet, for example; and she didn't pretend that never happened.
Before Dod could even get halfway into his speech, however, one of her aides appeared at her side and whispered quietly that High-Chancellor Aurelian Veruna was waiting outside of her pod for an audience. She turned slightly to look at the door. Curious timing.
With a nod, Dominique finished the turn and strode toward the door.
"Chancellor Veruna, what a pleasant surprise," Dominique greeted warmly. "Would you care to come in, or should we discuss matters outside?" She wouldn't mind if people saw Aurelian in her pod while discussions continued. Whether she did or didn't actually do anything that might be perceived as 'corrupt' wouldn't deter Denon's detractors from making complaint.
The smile firmed just a hair as Dominique turned her head aside. "They would suggest droids," she said as if to none in particular. Dod's suggestion had reached her ear even there. The People and some Senators might fall for that trick, but not her. But, again, she wasn't complaining. Who wasn't trying to get the best deal for their world? More to the point, it seemed too late in the game for such a fundamental alteration. Obviously Senator Dod did not agree with Aurelian's earlier statement about not letting anything stall it.
Now the question was how their Chancellor would like to handle the vote once debate settled and their private conversation came to an end. A proposed Amendment needn't be accepted, and Corvalis' Amendment was naught but government waste were Dod's accepted.
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Young Griff
|| OUTBOUND FLIGHT ||
All the Roads - Chapter 1
———
TAG:
Aurelian Veruna
|
Dominic Praxon
|
Dominique Vexx
|
Eharl Sarn
|
Monaray Dod
|
Ravion Corvalis
|
Verity Stuyveris
| High Republic Senate
you're a star
"The Naboo Blocc is trying to pull the string, they want to safeguard their nobility prerogative, we have to bring the Jedi to our side," Senator Legate whispered to Darrian as Senator Dod's voice hides the venomous intention in Legate's word. Darrian knows what the senator is expecting him to do, so he pulled his holopad to quickly send a communique to the Jedi. Meanwhile, Senator Legate stands on his stead.
"Chancellor Veruna and Senator Praxon make a compelling point about safety. We all agree: we cannot send aid ships blindly into the dark. We cannot build on sinking sand. But let us examine the process. Under the current proposal, the Navigators' Guild charts a sector. They file a report. The Ministry of Science then reviews that report to determine habitability. They file a report. Only then does the logistical data reach the fleets that actually carry the food, the medicine, and the prefabs. Senators, this is not a relief mission; it is a bureaucratic relay race. And while these ministries are passing the baton, entire systems are sliding into anarchy." Senator Legate answered the rebuttal of his points with another paragraph of logical deducation.
"Sent, finalizing the amendments," Darrian whispered to Karel, his eyes glued to his holopad.
"The Senator speaks of 'identifying where investment will not collapse.' With respect, investment collapses when logistics fail. A scientist can tell you if the air is breathable. A Navigator can tell you if the stars are aligned. But neither of them can tell you if a supply line can be sustained over ten parsecs of unstable space. Neither of them can guarantee that a settlement will have the industrial capacity to heat itself through the winter. You worry about the 'nightmare' of splitting the process? I agree. That is exactly why I am proposing we unify it." Karel paused.
"Almost done, you want to include Corvalis' Senate Liaison idea? As part of the committee of course, not giving him a full control. Five would avoid potential deadlock," Darrian asked Karel, to which he only nod with a hum.
"The bill already explicitly commissions the Wayfinder Pilot Ship to be 'crewed by Jedi navigators and specialist wayfinders' for the specific purpose of 'transmitting telemetry... to enable safe, precise hyperspace transitions'. Furthermore, the Jedi are already tasked with analyzing 'hyperlane anomalies'. Why force a duplication of effort? If the Jedi are piloting the lead vessel and analyzing the anomalies, the presence of the Navigators' Guild and the Science Ministry on the oversight committee is superfluous. We do not need a committee to second-guess the telemetry the wayfinders provide. Keep them as advisors, if you must, but let others take the seat. While if we empower the Ministry of Industry and the Bureau of Commerce, we create a single, unbroken chain of custody for that data. The ship that charts the lane is the ship that scans the planet. The ship that scans the planet is the ship that lands the supplies." Karel stopped for a bit, his eyes travelled to Darrian, who is finishing the amendments, slowly to Senator Corvalis, who he studied with suspicion in his eyes.
"And while I am gravely offended by distinguished Senator Corvalis' notion of the 'wounds' that the Republic has inflicted by simply not being omnipresent, I appreciate his suggestion of a dedicated Senate Liaison... as part of the committee. Five would indeed avoid potential deadlocks, while keeping the neutrality of the initiative." Karel paused again, waiting for his Executive Assistant to give him the sign.
"Done," Darrian said to the Senator.
"As Chancellor Veruna said, speeches are not amendments. So let me present to you our proposed amendments. Blessed day."
AMENDEMENTS
ARTICLE VI: FUNDING AND APPROPRIATIONS
Section 1. Funding
The Senate shall allocate funds from:
The Republic Scientific Advancement & Exploration Budget, and
The Republic Industrial Development Budget, and
The Frontier Stabilization and Navigation Recovery Fund established after the Planeshift Event.
No additional tax burdens shall be levied upon member worlds for the purposes of this Act without further Assembly approval.
Section 2. Reallocation of Redundant Capital
In recognition of the Wayfinder Pilot Ship's assumption of primary navigational and analytical duties, funds previously earmarked for the Republic Navigators' Guild and Ministry of Science interactions shall be reallocated as follows:
30% to the Jedi Order for the maintenance and staffing of the Wayfinder vessel;
70% to the Frontier Logistics & Infrastructure Fund (administered by the Bureau of Commerce) to support rapid material deployment.
All appropriations shall be subject to annual review by the Senate Budgetary Committee.
ARTICLE VII: MISSION OVERSIGHT
Section 1. Core Oversight Committee
To ensure fiscal solvency, logistical integrity, and immediate industrial application of findings, the Initiative shall operate under the joint oversight of:
The Ministry of Industry & Technology;
The Bureau of Interstellar Commerce & Logistics;
Appointed Liaison of The Senate;
The Ministry of Defense;
Appointed Liaison of the Jedi Order.
Section 2. Advisory Roles
The Ministry of Science & Education and the Republic Navigators' Guild shall be retained in a Non-Voting Advisory Capacity, submitting reports on theoretical anomalies which the Core Committee may review at its discretion.
ARTICLE VIII: SAFETY, ETHICS, AND FIRST-CONTACT
Section 2. The Heritage Exclusion Protocols
To codify the protection of cultural and esoteric sites:
Exclusion Zone: Upon the verification of a 'Class-1 Esoteric Anomaly' by the Jedi Liaison, a 500-kilometer industrial exclusion zone shall be automatically enforced.
Jurisdiction: Inside this zone, the Jedi Order holds sole jurisdiction.
Resumption of Commerce: Outside of this defined 500-kilometer radius, standard planetary resource assessment and logistical development shall proceed without delay.
ARTICLE VI: FUNDING AND APPROPRIATIONS
Section 1. Funding
The Senate shall allocate funds from:
The Republic Industrial Development Budget, and
The Frontier Stabilization and Navigation Recovery Fund established after the Planeshift Event.
No additional tax burdens shall be levied upon member worlds for the purposes of this Act without further Assembly approval.
Section 2. Reallocation of Redundant Capital
In recognition of the Wayfinder Pilot Ship's assumption of primary navigational and analytical duties, funds previously earmarked for the Republic Navigators' Guild and Ministry of Science interactions shall be reallocated as follows:
30% to the Jedi Order for the maintenance and staffing of the Wayfinder vessel;
70% to the Frontier Logistics & Infrastructure Fund (administered by the Bureau of Commerce) to support rapid material deployment.
All appropriations shall be subject to annual review by the Senate Budgetary Committee.
ARTICLE VII: MISSION OVERSIGHT
Section 1. Core Oversight Committee
To ensure fiscal solvency, logistical integrity, and immediate industrial application of findings, the Initiative shall operate under the joint oversight of:
The Ministry of Industry & Technology;
The Bureau of Interstellar Commerce & Logistics;
Appointed Liaison of The Senate;
The Ministry of Defense;
Appointed Liaison of the Jedi Order.
Section 2. Advisory Roles
The Ministry of Science & Education and the Republic Navigators' Guild shall be retained in a Non-Voting Advisory Capacity, submitting reports on theoretical anomalies which the Core Committee may review at its discretion.
ARTICLE VIII: SAFETY, ETHICS, AND FIRST-CONTACT
Section 2. The Heritage Exclusion Protocols
To codify the protection of cultural and esoteric sites:
Exclusion Zone: Upon the verification of a 'Class-1 Esoteric Anomaly' by the Jedi Liaison, a 500-kilometer industrial exclusion zone shall be automatically enforced.
Jurisdiction: Inside this zone, the Jedi Order holds sole jurisdiction.
Resumption of Commerce: Outside of this defined 500-kilometer radius, standard planetary resource assessment and logistical development shall proceed without delay.
Interim Chancellor
Location: S E N A T EEEEEE
Tags:
Dominique Vexx
Aurelian accepted the invitation without hesitation. He stepped into the pod openly, pausing just long enough for the doors to slide shut behind him. No secrecy, no hushed corners. He took a seat in the small lounge outside the main chamber, posture relaxed, one arm draped over the back as if he had all the time in the galaxy.
"Well," he said lightly, glancing toward the chamber beyond the glass, "if they thought they could get away with it, they'd suggest funneling the credits straight into their accounts and calling it humanitarian oversight."
He waved a hand, dismissive. "Same old chorus. Different verse."
Aurelian leaned back, eyes lifting to the ceiling for a moment. "I won't in the position long enough for it to matter anyway." He let out a slow breath, half a laugh. "The wolves are already circling. They want me back on my throne, wearing a crown where I belong, apparently. Too young. Too reckless. Too charming to be trusted with the whole Republic. With that much power..."
He shook his head, a crooked smile tugging at his mouth. "Ungrateful, all of them. I held the line, kept the wheels on, and for my trouble I get told the process wasn't just enough for them. One big, unwanted headache."
Another idle wave of his hand, as if brushing the Senate away entirely. "If you have designs on the Outbound Flight, consider them my successor's problem. By the time it starts paying dividends, I'll be someone else's historical footnote."
His expression shifted then, sharper, more focused. "That's not why I'm here."
Aurelian leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice without making a show of it. "I wanted to ask about something quieter. My own lasting legacy with my short stint as Chancellor."
He glanced at her, measuring. "Have you been keeping up with the military cloning results? The latest trials, the stability reports. Denon always seems to hear about those things before anyone else."