Private Caucus [COMPLETE]

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily lounged in her chair a Aurelia made her own propositions for the treaty, her chin resting on her hand. Aurelia was a practical woman, Cecily knew she could rely on her. "Yes, we should pass a resolution reaffirming our support for the Rights of Sentience, condemning the slave trade," she said in between Aurelia's own statements.

"And the Cartel must immediately surrender all Republic fugitives with the understanding that future pursuant of asylum from wanted persons will be denied," she continued. All things she herself had discussed with her personal advisors.

"Other thoughts?"

[member="Aurelia Volcata"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Ordon Trozky"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Arcana Adasca"] [member="Ater Notechis"] [member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Lionel Roux"] [member="Aliannah Sophia Filia"] [member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Ned Rostu"] ([member="Veriks-Kel"]) [member="Amelia Isadora"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Cade Lee"]

 

[Cora Passek]

If truth be told she had half a mind to leave the room upon hearing such. The Hutts? Really? This is the best we can manage? Are we that far gone? I sincerely hope not. One single thing kept Alyssa from doing such, the One Sith being right in her backyard. That kept her firmly planted in her chair. For a long while she remained quiet.

"Right now, while I can understand the need for reaching outside our usual bases of support. This might be a little too far outside the box. Not to say I'm not desiring something, anything that will actually help our people. My home is right on their doorstep and I am constantly reminded of the power the Sith hold. However, there are some lines that may be too far to cross." In her eyes this was one of those lines that shouldn't be crossed, couldn't be crossed without giving too much of themselves to do it. Perhaps she was a bit too idealistic when it came down to it.

"Senator Volcata has already just about covered all the bases that I would have." Alyssa sighed heavily, knowing full well they were at war with the Sith. Help was needed, but this didn't seem the kind of help they could afford. "And she is right, if they are coming to the table then we should try to get all we can from them. If they truly need us, then why not leverage that power? Perhaps a demonstration of their willingness, some joint exercise. We could get a decent feel on their forces through such. Outside of the treaty." Still she had her reluctance about anything involving the Hutts.

"Without some firm terms, and harsh limits, I don't know if I can support this. Because I fear the second we actually might need their support, I cannot be certain that they won't turn their backs on us and leave us all out to dry. However, for now I'm open to hearing this out. To see if we can find a solution, together." Somehow, Aly had serious doubts about that, but there was no harm in listening for the time being.

[member="Aurelia Volcata"] | [member="Cecily de Demici"]

 

[Macharius Solaire]

[member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Cecily de Demici"] [member="Aurelia Volcata"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Aliannah Sophia Filia"] [member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Amelia Isadora"]

The proposal was odd, but it had many benefits to be had by both sides. Now; time and again some Senators turned their noses up to working with the Hutts, the corrupt, greedy and generally despicable. Only they forget The Republic within the last decade had a Hutt serve at its helm. Popo the Hutt served very well in his tenure despite the horrid circumstances. They also blind themselves to the fact that this nation is rife with its own corruption, greed, and folks of ill repute. "The Slave trade was made illegal when Black Sun ruled that space. The likelihood the people would resist attempts by them to reintroduce it, or allowing locals to be taken as slaves are very high. People like freedom and will fight tooth and nail for it. As we do". Mach rose up from his seat to be better heard. "Now if we're going to have Hutts to negotiate with, it can't be all out side, no can we allow it to be all their side in favor on this deal. We need to force a middle ground agreement. Onasi and others want it all our way. But Hutts are shrewd. They'll want a good deal too. We will lose nothing with a simple mutual protection pact. Since we're already fighting the Sith. But as many worry if they back out, we would have lost nothing if we didn't make one anyways. Their reputation is something they need to uphold though. No one will deal with a backstabber. So chances of them worming their way out would be quite small, so long as we can hold out".

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily studied Alyssa carefully for a moment as she spoke. Her concerns were valid, but Cecily was convinced her rationale for this arrangement was beyond reproach. "Is any measure too far if it ensures the defeat of the Sith?... I would sign a deal with the devil if it meant an end to their reign of terror." Her piercing blue eyes searched deeply for some sign of relent and was relieved to hear Alyssa's willingness to proceed.

"Solaire is right, the Hutt cannot afford to have us and the One Sith against them, no one could fight those two fronts and Sempra is intelligent enough to know that," she liked Macharius a great deal, they seemed to share many of the same views on this issue and she foresaw a powerful ally in him, "and we must allow the Hutt to establish equally beneficial terms, if we wish them to behave respectably we must treat them respectably... understanding that if the One Sith attacked them we too would engage to protect their sovereignty."

The idea of expending Republic resources for wars abroad rubbed her the wrong way, but it was the cost of this deal and a price she hoped they would never have to pay if, as she assumed, the One Sith would relent under the pressure of such an alliance. At least for a time.

[member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Macharius Solaire"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was one of the last to join the table. She was newly appointed, but not green in the ways of diplomacy or negotiations by any means. She listened quietly and patiently at what was being discussed as she knew the Hutt Cartel very well, including Sempra. She had been his guest for a time at his Palace while she covertly rescued some of his slaves. It wasn't the only slave rescue operation that she had accomplished however, and the loss of the slaves surely had cost him.

"I am a little nervous about this myself. But mostly as I have had several run ins with the Cartel and most especially the Jackals. I'm sure that many of you had heard of the pirates. They are Sempra's right hand, and there should be a clause to help keep their actions under control. And any bounties placed on our heads should be lifted and not replaced until our Alliance has ended."

 

[Ater Notechis]

Ater listened to those most passionate on the subject. Her hands idly typed a single line of text into her datapad.

'The enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend.'

Ater believed in order and structure. She was not bothered by subtleties like good or bad - but rather in strong leadership. Criminals tended to destabilise - to make the situation too fluid to be of use. To this end, she essentially switched off to the rest of the arguments. She'd made her mind up and simply awaited a vote on the subject.

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily's attention snapped to Ater at her dismissive interjection as if to respond, but as she mulled her words, she thought better of it. Her time was better spent elsewhere and so she turned her eyes on the remaining Senators. "Not only do we have the opportunity to further protect our people," she began, "but through the terms of this treaty we may be able to curb the illegal activities of a notorious crime syndicate."

"Two birds. One stone. This isn't about us, Senators, this isn't about our personal convictions, we are not called here to deliberate for own whims, we are here to serve the citizens of our individual planets and of the republic as a whole," her sense of duty was unparalleled, a fact often reflected in the decisions she made within the Senate chambers, "where do we stand currently, who will be joining Onderon in the push to open negotiations?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

"Commenor will stand with Onderon on this issue. Although due to my....personal experiences with the Hutt Cartel, I am not sure if my appearance will hamper the negotiations or not."

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith looked down at her hands neatly folded in her lap, ‘Before Alderaan chimes in on this, I have a question” Faith’s gaze went from her hands to the face of Cecily de Demici a single question lingered. One that she needed to ask.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Since they weren't being formal, something Faith could handle, “Cecily how did the Hutts know to contact you?” Faith said softly from her seat, the darkness of her eyes looking over at her peer.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]The Hutts everyone knew the history, most could repeat it. The large voluminous sluglike creatures were known to be criminals. Did the Republic become so desperate that this was the answer? Faith didn’t know. She knew reputation right now,[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She knew treaties could be made for convenience, was this one to be made? [/SIZE]

[member="Aurelia Volcata"] [member="Cecily de Demici"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Ater Notechis"][member="Aliannah Sophia Filia"]
I'm sorry if I missed anyone.

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily nodded to the Senator of Commenor, relieved that her recent encounter with the Cartel had not disheartened her. Then again, Cecily had personally made sure that situation was remedied. Some concerns were valid, but Cecily was a firm believer in the equality of sentient species and understood full well that not even the Hutts were all bad.

"Sempra, the leader of the Hutts, broached the subject of reintegrating his people into the Republic at a ball on the planet Effekt," she explained to the Senator of Alderaan, "the Hutt people have not always... nor have they all been the evil monsters that they are made out to be in bedtime stories. Perhaps the most beloved Supreme Chancellor, Blotus the Hutt, governed the Republic for almost 300 years and even more recently we enjoyed a time of peace and prosperity under Popo the Hutt"

"The natural first step to a lasting peace and a full integration of their people is this treaty of mutual defense... who are we to deny them this opportunity to prove their worth," she pleaded.

"Other supporters?"

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Ater Notechis"] [member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="aurelia volcata"] [member="valen cerezo"] [member="cade lee"]

 

[Valen Cerezo]

[member="Cecily de Demici"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Ater Notechis"] [member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Aurelia Volcata"]

"If I remember correctly, Coruscant fell during Popo the Hutt's time as leader of the Republic," Valen said, his deep voice still calm but showing his distaste for the idea. "Regardless, I cannot say this measure would have my support or the people I represent. Our homeworld of Reecee fell to the Sith so I understand all too well we need allies to stand with us, but the Hutts will not be the allies we seek."

He had nothing but respect for the Senator of Onderon, but he just could not accept a deal that involved the Hutt Cartel. His personal moral compass just could not swing that way given what had been revealed so far about what this deal might entail.

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily was still fairly certain she had the majority, but the dissenters were stacking up and it was very disheartening. At what point was arguing not worth it, she wondered. For her it was unfathomable that her fellow Senators would forgo anything short of permitting dark-side tactics to defeat the Sith. They were the Sith.

They had devastated the galaxy for thousands of years and yet they sat peacefully in their lofty Senate chambers and debated the merits of the Cartel, an organization that of its own volition offered its assistance. All the while their men and women were dying on the battle field, all so they could continue to sit in their lofty halls and debate the merits of smuggling.

"Very well. Senators Cerezo, Notechis... I thank you for your time," she said with a respectful bow of her head. The disagreements they had here did not reflect on the mutual respect they held for one another. To serve the Republic in any capacity, Senator or combatant, was to serve.

"Who else stands with me? Senator Balor-Organa? Senator Onasi?" She glanced from face to face, holding out hope that someone, anyone else would speak up.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Ordon Trozky"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Arcana Adasca"] [member="Ater Notechis"] [member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Lionel Roux"] [member="Aliannah Sophia Filia"] [member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Ned Rostu"] ([member="Veriks-Kel"]) [member="Aurelia Volcata"] [member="Amelia Isadora"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Cade Lee"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Senator de Demici," Aurelia answered, inclining her head gracefully. "I cannot endorse a treaty with the Hutts unless they can prove to my satisfaction that they can be trusted."

[member="Cecily de Demici"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Ordon Trozky"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Arcana Adasca"] [member="Ater Notechis"] [member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Lionel Roux"] [member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Ned Rostu"] [member="Veriks-Kel"] [member="Amelia Isadora"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Cade Lee"]

Edited at Cecily's suggestion.

 

[Macharius Solaire]

"And where were you [member="Valen Cerezo"] when Coruscant fell? Carrying a blaster rifle in a trench; fighting the Sith armies". Solaire stood above the man. He was going to drag him through the mud here and place the Senator who he considered a thorn in his place. "I didn't fight in that... this war. But I have in others. Fought, bled, laugh, wept, and seen too many soldiers die. For twenty five years. So what have you done Cerezo, back then and now? The people of Reecee live under occupation. Will I tell them the person who is representing the world. And duty bound to see it liberated; not doing everything he could just because he refused to work with disreputable persons and maybe some outright criminals who could help"? The air was chilled by his very words. All eyes would be on his attack waiting for the final blow. But some would not like what it was to be as the curtain was pulled back. "And for the rest of you against letting the Hutts speak, or their idea for a beneficial defense pact. Wars are won by three things. Numbers, strategy, and luck. They can certainly provide the first. My world does, and we provide a lot more for for The Republic when we have the least interest to do so. So [member="Cecily de Demici"]; I will have Denon support this measure".


[member="Alyssa Onasi"] @Aurelia Volcata @Faith Balor-Organa @Aliannah Sophia Filia [member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Amelia Isadora"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

If Senator Solaire anticipated that his speech would have some kind of emotional resonance, he was sorely mistaken, at least where Aurelia was concerned. "I'm sure we all appreciate your impassioned response, Senator Solaire," Aurelia replied politely. "It's good to see that we all care about doing what is best for the Republic, even if we cannot agree as to just what that is. If you believe that the Hutts are to be trusted, or that they aren't but their troops and gold will buy them respectability and that the enemy of one's enemy is one's friend -- very well, that is your prerogative, and you may well be right. I'm certainly not ruling it out. Perhaps they can be trusted. Perhaps they will make splendid allies."

"However, I'm not willing to sell the Republic's moral authority for something that may not even pan out. Imagine if we make a bargain with the Hutts and they double-cross us -- I'll be generous and pretend that it's only a 50/50 chance that they will betray us at their very first opportunity." She shrugged her shoulders as if to say she didn't feel particularly inclined to believe that the odds were that good. "If they betray us, we're weakened in multiple ways: in addition to whatever damage the Republic suffers due to the betrayal, the legitimacy of the Senate will go up in smoke. The Republic itself will be the laughingstock of the galaxy. We will have shown ourselves to be desperate and weak. We will be unable to govern; if the government still stands, which is debatable, it will be in name only."

"If that's your idea of sound policy, as I said, that's your prerogative. I choose to operate with caution. If Senator de Demici can provide something more firm than the platitudes we've heard thus far to suggest that this time the Hutts can be trusted, then I could be persuaded to support a deal. Either way, standing here bellowing moves us no closer to a consensus."

[member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Cecily de Demici"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Where did she stand as a member of the Senate and as a member of the Republic. She had recently been stranded in Hutt space and this very same Hutt had helped her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She knew that there had been Hutts that were not criminals, she knew that one should not be the example of the template for all.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Sempra is but one Hutt, what of the others within the Cartel do they feel the same, are they also willing to give up their slaves, their drug business, their criminal activities which I hear are quite lucrative.” Faith was trying to be fair trying to keep thoughts of what one thinks when they hear the word Hutt and go with what was known right now.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“And how do we know this is not a Hutt dressed in Sheep’s clothing, bringing in the wolves later.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith shook her head, “I am uncertain of this. I want the Republic safe like anyone else, and if they are sincere in their offering I can see entertaining it, but as always we should move with great caution and not just off of an emotional feel good moment”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith looked at Cecily. What had Sempra said to her that made her endorse this so full hearted?[/SIZE]

[member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Aurelia Volcata"] [member="Cecily de Demici"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Ater Notechis"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"]

 

[Ilias Nytrau]

He had been sitting back, fingers laced together under his chin, listening with pointed intent yet saying nothing. His own house had dealt with their share of Hutts, as had many other houses of his world. Business was business, and there was no businessman like a Hutt. Oft-times, there was no better ally and none more treacherous. His late grandfather had been called a Hutt behind his back - accurate, if anything. His field of vision centered on Senator Volcata.

"The Republic cannot afford the luxury of being concerned about its morality or image," he said after a time, sitting up, unlacing his fingers, and draping his forearms on the surface in front of him, "we are at war and we are on the losing side. Quite frankly, we need all the help we can get."

Blue eyes slipped to the Alderaani senator.

"And I wouldn't discount a gut feeling, Senator Balor-Organa," he said, a coolness entering his tone, "by the same token, some must swallow their bile for the greater good."

He glanced sidelong at the senator of Denon, then at the de Demici woman.

"Brentaal backs this move."

[member="Macharius Solaire"] | [member="Aurelia Volcata"] | [member="Cecily de Demici"] | [member="Valen Cerezo"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Ater Notechis"] | [member="Alyssa Onasi"] ​

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily concealed her delight as Denon stood behind her, but she was unable to conceal her relief when the newly elected Senator of Brentaal put their support forward. She had lost no respect for Faith or Aurelia and would not give up on convincing them of the worth of this deal, but she had a clear majority now and diplomacy could move forward.

"Sempra is the supreme leader of his people, they all hold deep reverence for his authority," she remembered how the Hutt had ordered Lady Kay's bounty cancelled and forgave her on behalf of the Cartel at Cecily's behest, "and we must not allow our prejudice for the Hutt race to prevail... but Aurelia is right. Standing here debating this matter will not bring us any step closed to resolution."

"You all must hear from the Hutts yourselves," she said, standing, as the shades on the large balcony windows were drawn back by her handmaidens, "Senators, I thank you for your time and I would ask that until I have spoken with the Prime Minister that this conversation stay secret."

With that, her handmaidens entered and, one on each side, escorted Cecily from the room and in the direction of the Prime Minister's office.

[member="Ordon Trozky"][member="Faith Balor-Organa"][member="Aurelia Volcata"][member="Macharius Solaire"]