Populate The Chasm of Resistance [THR Populate of Frego]

[Ala Quin]

There was only one thing more exhausting than politics. The people who played it.

She glanced at Colette, who was wisely removing herself from the moment. But felt the pain of losing a friend amongst the wolves.

Ala's eyes remained soft as they settled on Veruna. There was no anger in them, only a profound, crushing pity. "You speak of a galaxy bleeding for our failures, King Aurelian," she said, her voice a quiet murmur that somehow filled the room. "Yet it is always the kings of single worlds who demand a thousand other worlds bleed for their ambitions."

She turned her gaze down as she considered the charter. She did not need to read it. She knew the words by heart.

"Section four of the Preamble dictates that we may be called upon but can conscientiously object while fulfilling medical, logistical, or civilian protection roles," Ala said. She looked directly at Damos Rennar, her expression entirely still. "It says we may be called upon, Director. It does not say we are a standing army to be deployed at a bureaucrat's whim. We know our duty to the citizens. We do not need a piece of paper to remind us how to bleed."

Slowly, Ala stood. She did not tower over them, the chunky ceremonial chairs were far too large for that.

"Do not mistake our patience for submission, my friends. We have served this Republic on many fronts. But if you twist this Charter to force our Knights into becoming your foot-soldiers...you may cease to have an Order to call upon." She leaned slightly forward, the weariness dropping away to reveal something ominous. "And the one's calling themselves Jedi who remain? The ones born of the fire you are actively stoking? They will not care about your laws, your senate, or your borders. Tread carefully, Republic. Lest you build your own prison."

| Aurelian Veruna Damos Rennar Colette Jocelyn Panteer Dominique Vexx etc |​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"I appreciate everyone's diligence ensuring the Republic has the means and will to do whatever is necessary to protect our people," Dominique began calmly despite the heat in words expressed up to that point. "However, as Chancellor, it will be my decision whether to invoke Section Four's call for aid by our Jedi allies."

There was a very distinct pause as she looked around the chamber.

"As we have already discussed, this will not be a single front isolated to a single system. The Sith will respond, and no doubt have plans of their own elsewhere. The Jedi Order is not any more inexhaustible than our soldiers. Prudence demands they be used judiciously in both where and in what manner they serve the greatest good." Dominique had reassured both Sela and Ala her that the Jedi would not be conscripted out of convenience, nor expected to contribute or face retribution. Now was one of those times when a promise was upheld or shown to be nothing but hollow platitudes.

Her golden eyes shifted over toward Damos. "Have the latest fleet dispositions forwarded to my Office later today, Director. In the meantime, reposition the fleet in this region accordingly." Dominique would take into account Damos' movements to make certain the Sith didn't find an easy avenue to strike while they were 'distracted' with Alderaan. Denon's own fleet was still available, and the Eastern front was not nearly as contentious as it once was -- though Dominique was mindful of recent Mandalorian movements in the Southern and Eastern reaches of late.

Aurelian Veruna | Ala Quin | Damos Rennar | Jocelyn Panteer | Colette​