Faction The Edge of Night - Petition from Alderaan [THR Senate]

[Liana Organa]

Naboo, Senatorial Meeting Chamber, Off-Hours
Gram Arranda - Open to THR​

The High Republic Senate was not in session today. This meeting couldn't happen if it was— after all Liana had no real political power here. She was only a junior diplomat, a figurehead at best. She could not call the Senate out of recess, but she could petition any senators who would hear her out; to meet her and the coming Alderaanian delegation over the planet's precarious position on the fringes of former Imperial, now Sith territory. Perhaps there would be little they could do. Perhaps they would not care to. But the High Republic was Alderaan's best hope, and so try she would.

Besides, this was the best chance she was going to get to show that she could handle the responsibilities this line of work came with.

Those who were interested in hearing out this petition had already gathered in the meeting chamber. Liana waited anxiously by the entrance, then perked up suddenly to a comm ping that came after she had reacted to it. Foresight was a funny thing, and she had still yet to get the hang of it. Meekly, the junior ambassador cleared her throat to bring the room's attention back to her, "Thank you all for coming. To those of you that have not met me, I am Liana Organa: Princess of Alderaan and our Junior Diplomat to the High Republic. If you're here, it means you have at least some vested interest in the fate of Alderaan, and for that we are grateful for your time.

As it stands, the Galactic Empire has lost control of the Core. Normally, that would be a breath of fresh air for us on Alderaan, but the Sith Covenant have seized power over their territories faster than we ever could have predicted. We've no certainty if and when the Sith may try and lay claim to Alderaan in turn, but we must consider it a strong possibility, if not an outright inevitability. So for this reason, we ask for your help." She looked back toward the door, sensing a coming presence. The door opened right on cue. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Gram Arranda: Vizier, High Council Chairman, and now Ambassador of Alderaan to the High Republic."

 

[Gram Arranda]

Gram was somehow both in his element and out of it. Politics was his world and had been for the past thirty years; he had found his niche, his calling, in the vaulted halls of the High Council of Alderaan. Yet here on Naboo, outside of his sphere of carefully crafted influence, he was a fish out of water. The people he would be meeting today were, quite literally, from another planet. Their culture and customs were alien to him. He would have to tread carefully lest he make a poor first impression. Never mind that he hadn’t had to make an impression on anyone in a very long time.

The door slid open and he stepped into the meeting chamber. He was dressed like an Alderaanian in a simple and elegant blue and white suit, his gray hair neatly slicked back. He paused as Liana Organa introduced him. “Thank you, Your Highness.” He addressed her with the respect worthy of a Princess, then turned to face the gathering, giving those present a bow. “And thank you all for coming here today.”

He wasn’t sure how big of a turnout there would be. How many people would care about the fate of Alderaan? Many, he knew, had already written it off as a lost cause. Even back home, it had been suggested that they only ask the Republic for sanctuary in the event that they became a government-in-exile. As if it was all that they could hope for. It wasn’t enough.

Gram knew in his heart that things were truly dire. In fact, the situation had already worsened in the time it took for him to travel through hyperspace to Naboo. His prepared speech, carefully transcribed on his datapad, seemed poor and ill-suited to the magnitude of his mission. What his Queen had asked of him, what Alderaan needed of him—it was impossible.

Then make it possible.

“I come before you to ask that Alderaan be permitted to join the High Republic,” Gram said. “I don’t mean that as an idle fancy, nor do I demand it of you.

“I believe that the leaders of the Republic, being the last bulwark of liberty and equality in the galaxy, know exactly what is at stake here. The Sith will not stop at Coruscant. They will not stop at Alderaan. They will expand as far as they possibly can, until their tyrannical reign extends across the stars. They will reach Naboo one day, if their conquest is not checked.

“Alderaan has long been a bastion of freedom going back to the days of the First Galactic Empire. We share many of the ideals of the Republic and would have much to offer. Do not let us fall prey to our mutual enemy. Let us instead combine our strength to fight the forces of evil.”

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

The figure of Ayumi stood listening flanked by two imposing women in gleaming white-and-aurodium Senate Commando armor. Ayumi Pallopides stepped forward first, her presence commanding the room before she even spoke. At six-foot-two she moved with the relaxed, sweet grace of someone who had long since stopped needing to prove her strength. Her straight, silken dark-honey hair spilled loose down her back to waist level, shot through with natural aurodium threads that caught every stray beam of light like molten filament. Deep honey eyes flecked with amber that flared aurodium under the overhead glow swept the chamber once, calm and unreadable. A faint childhood scar, pale as frost, sat just beneath the full curve of her lower lip; it would only show when she chose to smile.

Her outfit was ceremonial yet unmistakably martial, a masterpiece of Atrisian-inspired craftsmanship reworked for both intimidation and exquisite beauty. She wore a sleeveless high-collared robe of liquid white silk-velvet that clung like a second skin, its surface embroidered with intricate whorls of aurodium thread that traced ancient constellations and looping mandalas. The fabric parted at the front in a deep V that plunged past her sternum before being caught and held by a broad, sculpted aurodium breastplate ornate yet functional, shaped to her torso like liquid metal poured over muscle. Layered aurodium pauldrons curved over her shoulders, each etched with concentric sunburst patterns and linked by delicate chains of amber beads that chimed faintly with her movement.

From the narrow waist the garment flowed into a long, slit-sided skirt of the same white silk-velvet, the high slits revealing long, bronzed legs wrapped to mid-thigh in thin strips of hammered aurodium leather. A wide belt of interlocking aurodium plates sat low on her hips, centered with a large heart-shaped obsidian stone veined with aurodium. Matching vambraces climbed her forearms aurodium over white, etched with the same celestial motifs while her hands remained bare, displaying callused knuckles and the faint scars of a lifetime spent fighting. Every piece of aurodium carried the same warm, sunlit alloy, chosen deliberately to complement the copper-bronze glow of her skin and the honeyed warmth of her hair and eyes. Flanking her half a pace behind stood her two personal guards, mirror images of lethal elegance in modified Senate Commando armor.

Both women wore the same stark white materia plates edged and accented in bright ceremonial aurodium no helmets, leaving their faces and hair fully visible. The armor was streamlined for mobility yet unmistakably elite: high-shouldered pauldrons, articulated chest plates sculpted to the female form, narrow waist cinches, and thigh-high greaves that left the backs of their knees free for movement. aurodium laurel motifs curled along every seam, and the Senate crest at the center of each breastplate had been subtly reworked with Atrisian geometric inlays. The guard on Ayumi's right had skin the color of dark umber and thick, glossy black dreadlocks gathered into a high, tight crown, several aurodium cuffs threaded through the roots. Her eyes were storm-gray, sharp and unblinking.

The guard on the left was lighter-skinned sun-aurodium and wore her snow-white dreadlocks loose down her back, each thick cord wrapped sporadically with fine aurodium wire that glinted as she moved. Her eyes were a striking ice-blue, almost luminous against her warm complexion. Both women carried themselves with the same coiled readiness, hands resting near the grips of their sidearms, gazes sweeping in perfect tandem. They did not speak. They did not need to. Their presence alone declared that anyone who wished to reach Ayumi would first have to pass through them. Ayumi took one more step into the light, the aurodium embroidery on her robes flaring briefly like captured starlight, and offered the room her calm, sweet half-smile. She listened to the petition with a nod. Alderaan hosted wine, women and songs... well worth admission and had strong leaders.

 

[Duncan Avaron]

Liana Organa Gram Arranda Ayumi Pallopides
​

Duncan Avaron remained silent as the exchange concluded, his posture composed but alert, the way it always was when he was weighing more than just the words being spoken. He listened attentively, eyes tracking the chamber rather than resting solely on Gram, taking in the reactions of the delegates, the subtle shifts of expression that betrayed concern, interest, or calculation. Alderaan's history was not lost on him. It never was. Its reputation as a moral compass in darker eras was embedded in the Republic's collective memory, taught alongside the earliest lessons of galactic governance.

When Duncan finally spoke, his voice was calm and measured, carrying easily without the need for force.

"None in this chamber doubt what the world has stood for, nor what it has endured in the past."

His gaze returned to Gram, sharp, pleasant, openly curious.

"What I am interested in understanding," Duncan continued, "Is the nature of the threat you are facing now. What pressures are currently being applied to Alderaan that compel this request at this moment?"

He inclined his head slightly, hands clasped before him.

"Has the Sith Covenant made direct overtures toward your planet? Have threats been issued, agents sighted, or influence exerted through intermediaries? Or are we looking at a strategic assessment, a fear of what is coming rather than what has already arrived?"

The question hung deliberately in the air. Not a challenge, but an invitation to clarity.

"The distinction matters," Duncan added, his tone steady. "Because the Republic must understand whether Alderaan is responding to immediate danger or seeking to prevent one. Both are valid. But they demand different commitments."

He fell quiet again, watchful as ever, giving Gram the space to answer while the chamber waited with him.

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Liana Organa Duncan Avaron Ayumi Pallopides Gram Arranda

​

Eharl Sarn lingered just inside the chamber, hands folded behind his back, brow knit as youn Liana Organa spoke. Recess or not, the weight in the room felt heavy. Things had already been tense with the Empire making its moves upon the former Alliance at the revealtion of the Death Star III on Atrisia. Now, while they may have escaped Imperial rule Alderaan, the so called Covenanat was was a spark drifting far too close to dry kindling.

Twin amber eye stalks flicked briefly to the door as Arranda entered, then back to the young princess. Concern softened the tall Ithorian's expression, and he gave a deep throaty hum. If the Covenant moved this quickly once, then there was no question they would do so again. The question was not if the Republic should act but how quietly and how quickly.

And in what manner?

As murmurs began to ripple through the gathered senators, Sarn stepped away from the wall and drifted toward a familiar colleague, Senator Duncan Avaron near the rear benches, lowering his voice.

"If Alderaan falls, it won't fall alone," he murmured as his eyestalks settled upon the petitioning diplomat. "And if we do nothing, we teach the Sith exactly how cheap our promises are."

He gave a thought pause, already turning over alliances, committees, and unofficial conversations yet to be had -- and whether this meeting, small as it was, might be the first stone set against a much larger tide.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

When you were in business you had to develop a thick skin. Few understood the rules of the game, and often made an otherwise amicable offer contentious. Sometimes the extra scrutiny and doubt were even well founded. Dominique held no ill-will toward the Junior Ambassador Liana Organa -- the young woman had made a point of her title on Ukatis. If something as minor as a cold shoulder were enough to throw Dominique off Denon would have eaten her alive. It very nearly did even still.

Naturally, when an invitation arrived for a 'conversation,' Dominique took note of it. She wondered if Liana had herself proposed it, or merely her report to her Senior was enough to spur it. Not the meeting itself, of course; no, she meant addressing the Senators out of session rather than coming to her directly first. They could be thinking of efficiency, but in politics buttering up the Executive first could pay dividends.

Whatever their angle, the Chancellor glided down the hallways of Naboo in a white gown with a violet sash about the waist. Seeing as this was a social event there was no need for formal attire, but she'd been exploring some of Naboo artisanal fashion of late while on planet. It might not be the Royal Naboo Republic any longer, but there were still plenty of Nobles skittering about. A Chancellor had to adapt to her environment to keep the wheels of progress spinning. It helped to test outfits between formal events to gauge appreciation.

Dominique had drifted along the outer edge of the gathering with a smile as it got underway. She was interested to hear what others had to say without her influence -- verbal or otherwise -- stilling their tongue.

As to the matter at hand, it was quite the dilemma. The Galactic Empire could have been bargained with. Dominique had offered to mediate any negotiations to that effect should they have moved on Alderaan themselves. But this Covenant was altogether different. Liana spoke of them as a unified force that had sized the Core, but Dominique didn't agree with that assessment. They were capable. Dangerous. But not coordinated. Not in the way most came to expect when dealing with a foreign power. It had the situation altogether more precarious than the Princess led on.

Gram, likewise, proclaimed the danger the Covenant posed; but not only to Alderaan, but Naboo as well. Not an unreasonable argument. Prudent even. Even the request to join the High Republic was laudable. Obviously Alderaan's Queen had assemble a capable delegation invested with purpose.

Duncan was the first to speak. He held an astute observation regarding the circumstances prompting their visit.

Sarn, on the other hand, already seemed sold on the idea of inducting Alderaan at any cost.

The Chancellor remained silent for the moment, as she had sought to avoid causing too much of a fuss on her arrival. It was important to hear the thoughts of those in the room and open to the proposal of the Alderaan delegates. She could keep her own council for the moment. meanwhile, text scrolled along one side on the inside of her glareshades regarding recent events surrounding their region of the galaxy.

Liana Organa | Gram Arranda | Ayumi Pallopides | Duncan Avaron | Eharl Sarn | OPEN​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity stood like a column, tall, cool, and pale. She watched the situation unfolding from what some would call a privileged position. Druckenwell was far enough from the front that if the Sith Covenant started moving in its direction, it would have to fight a costly and destructive war to reach it. That didn't make her less sympathetic to the plight of Alderaan, but it did allow her to view things with a slightly more pragmatic view.

The question was not whether Alderaan was deserving of protection against the Sith -- all worlds were, but words were wind, and if the High Republic attempted to effectuate that ethos in extending its protection wherever it applied, the High Republic would overstretch instantly, overcommit, and likely fall. No, the question was what Alderaan was willing to do for itself and for the High Republic.

It might have seemed cold calculus, but to Verity it was realism, which was the only thing upon which a strategy could be based with any hope of success.

"Your Highness," said Verity finally, her voice low and grave but strong. "Ambassador. Thank you for bringing these urgent words to us in person. The presence of this band of Sith in the core is troubling for multiple reasons, but the threat it poses to the peaceful civilizations merely trying to mind their own business and get on with things is among the most pressing. The question I have is this: are you prepared for the full brunt of the Sith Covenant's forces to bear down on Alderaan, as it surely will when your petition becomes public?"

She paused a moment, glancing around at her colleagues before stepping forward. "The best case scenario, I suspect, is that Alderaan will become a massive, militarized staging ground system for Republic forces, if indeed we commit to bringing Alderaan into our family of worlds. That means a logistical burden in your system -- on your worlds and in their orbits -- of fuel, food, facilities. The cost may well be astronomical. And it is, I regret to say, no guarantee of Alderaan's safety."

She folded her hands together at her waist, fixing the Alderaanian diplomat and vizier with the wide, cool blue pools of her gaze. "The more likely scenario is a costly, length campaign into the core for the High Republic, a race against time and the reckless ambition of the Sith who have no commitments to the principles of responsible government, of diplomatic expansion. And if -- heaven forfend -- the Covenant takes Alderaan before the Republican can reach it, are your people prepared to do what is required to loosen their grasp when the time comes? And to do its part to push them out of the Core and Deep Core for good?"

It was much to consider, she knew. All worlds of the Republic would contribute blood and treasure if, in fact, it was the High Republic's policy and decision to intercede. But Alderaan's proximity to the Covenant, its symbolic value, and its status as mascot for resistance would mean reprisals against it would be swift and brutal. It was not alarmist nor defeatist to wonder whether there would be anything left of Alderaan to rescue if the High Republic did sent its fleets and its armies.

And the odds grew longer the more the Republic dithered.

Dominique Vexx | Eharl Sarn | Ayumi Pallopides | Duncan Avaron
Gram Arranda | Liana Organa​

 

[Kraden Besco]

Kraden was fashionably as he always was, though perhaps taking time to rest the old bones wasn't so prudent this time. Dealing with politicians required expert timing and etiquette, not to mention a large amount of brown-nosing! Regardless, he hobbled himself into the pod, wondering how it was he ended up being the speaker for the Corporate Federation.

The Federation was a small faction of like-minded magnates, men and women who didn't believe that the governments of the galaxy were insufficient to protect corporate interests. Kraden was of the belief that business should be done without such oversight. He'd seen what happened when republics and empires controlled corporations. It was, put plainly, bad for profits! Though, he would try and be much more approachable when on Naboo. The High Republic needn't know his more self serving ideas.

The elder Bothan checked the audio equipment in the pod and awaited his turn to address the floor. What he came with today was a stately black case full of papers, mainly ledgers full of information on troop rosters, fleet specs, all different things militaries may need!

"Esteemed members of The Senate, I have come to you as a humble representative of the Corporate Federation. We believe the current state of The Core represents an extreme existential risk. Both to the common folk of the galaxy, and to businessmen and women such as ourselves."

Kraden began as well as one could, it was a way to break the ice in the room, and establish who The Federation was. He'd learned from a certain Cathar that being bold in the face of adversity was important. Though he would never be as bold as Miss Si, that was probably for the best.

"With the crisis facing Alderaan, we see an opportunity to provide service to The High Republic, The People of Alderaan, and the wider galaxy as a whole. This service would come in the form of private security contracts. The main contract will be the enlistment of The Strill Securities fleet to protect the orbit of Alderaan in the interim while Republic forces mobilize."

 

[Liana Organa]

Gram Arranda - Eharl Sarn - Duncan Avaron - Verity Stuyveris - Kraden Besco - Dominique Vexx - Ayumi Pallopides ​

Gram did not beat around the bush in his assessment of the Sith menace. He stopped short of dictating a response, but the words he spoke laid bare the certainty of danger not just to Alderaan, but eventually to the Republic as well.

Some of those present simply listened, not yet making their thoughts known, including the Chancellor herself, who Liana noticed sneaking in behind the crowd. She found Vexx's intentions difficult to read, but her attendance alone could be considered a positive. If nothing else, it at least meant they had the attention of the High Republic's most head of honchos.

Senator Sarn had little to say, but made his position unequivocal: Alderaan's end would merely be the latest domino to fall, in a chain that would not stop without interference. Liana nodded appreciatively in the Ithorian's direction. She had spent some of her youth aboard an Ithorian herdship, and always found them to be a people of sound mind and righteous intent. Eharl reminded her of those simpler days.

Duncan Avaron's line of questioning was intended for Ambassador Arranda directly, but Liana could not stop herself from responding, "We know the Sith, sir. My mother has fought them her entire life. If she says they'll be coming, then they will be coming." Her lips pursed as it suddenly zipped shut. Her tone had come across a sterner than the lord's inquiry deserved. He said as much himself that their concerns were valid regardless, it was merely a matter of how to approach it.

Liana stepped back from the following topics, leaving them to her more experienced ally. Besco offered corporate aid, under which the immediate mentions of "business" and "contracts" already soured the young princess; more than anything because it would likely prove to be necessary in the end.

Verity's assessment of their plight was pragmatic. She was probably right: about her home becoming the front of a war, about the logistical difficulties, about their fears not just ending with Alderaan's induction into the Republic. Liana could not help herself once again...

"...And if -- heaven forfend -- the Covenant takes Alderaan before the Republican can reach it, are your people prepared to do what is required to loosen their grasp when the time comes? And to do its part to push them out of the Core and Deep Core for good?"

"Whatever it takes." Liana answered with conviction, just loud enough to be heard. She looked apologetically on Gram, before falling back in line.

 

[Gram Arranda]

Gram opened his mouth to respond to Lord Avaron’s questions, but before he could answer Liana spoke up. Her response was sharper in tone than it ought to be, though he could understand her frustration. Gram cleared his throat softly, but the princess was already quieting, having realized her error.

“Thank you for your question. We do not have direct confirmation that the Sith will attack Alderaan,” he replied. “However, our location relative to their new borders makes us the closest strategic target.

“If the Sith wish to avoid a war against the High Republic, then having Alderaan join the Republic would curtail their expansion into the south. If they don’t care who they have to crush to spread their blighting influence, then the Republic will have war regardless. It is simply a matter of time. Better to act now and nip them in the bud than to wait for them to grow stronger.”

An Ithorian spoke their support for the Alderaanians, while others in attendance were notably silent, including the Chancellor. But they had at least showed up, which was a good sign. Gram remained optimistic about the level of interest shown so far as he continued to answer questions.

To Verity he said, “Alderaan is more than willing to lend their strength, not only to keep ourselves safe, but to help others as well. We are anything but selfish in that regard.” Riding on the heels of that statement was the inevitable corpo advertising. Gram nodded to the Bothan. “Thank you. We would be interested in what you have to offer.”

Liana Organa Duncan Avaron Ayumi Pallopides Dominique Vexx Eharl Sarn Verity Stuyveris Kraden Besco​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Dominique Vexx Eharl Sarn Duncan Avaron Gram Arranda Liana Organa Verity Stuyveris Kraden Besco

Her eyes more then her posture tracked Dominique when she entered and some of the others. She was listening to the concerns and purpose for this. Alderaan might be a distance away but she was looking at it in two ways. Either they did help and nothing happened. The sith went towards the targets and avoided the Republic for now to try and gather strength which gave them time... or they didn't help and there was a risk to Alderaan well Tapani was a good indicator in her opinion. The Corporate sales was something she had expected but it was right away... no foreplay, no dinner.... just straight to the sales pitch. She was impressed a little.

"There is the chance they could ignore you. Slim, highly improbable but there is a chance. Alderaan is famous enough and much like Courscant it had symbolism same as a small handful of worlds. Korriban usually for the sith, Tython for the jedi, Nar Shadda for any number of criminal groups." She stayed where she was but offered a bow. "The biggest risk I see is if we show moves being made to secure your world it could draw the attention of the sith to it faster." She offered a small look but it wasn't anything more then neutral. "Still helping is more important then inaction in this case and we have seen what they did to Tapani to announce themselves. Imagine what they will do to send a message to not resist."

She moved now as she looked with a nod. "Denon can offer much, we have finished construction of a stealth fleet. They could be moved covertly if needed to help."

 

[Melanie Sato]

Melanie entered the chamber on Ayumi’s footsteps.
​

She had been the Senator’s chief of staff for nearly two years, but this was the first time she had ever entered the meeting chamber of the High Republic Senate. The influence of Naboo’s architecture on the building was unmistakable, arches and domes abounding in every corner. Unlike some of the more glamorous manors of the high nobility however, the Senate chambers were designed without excess and with a clear purpose in mind. From the entrance to the vast room, she could see hundreds of platforms with seats and desks arranged in a circle around a central podium. During the Senate’s more active hours, nearly every Senator in the Republic would be in this one room, debating policy matters that influenced hundreds of worlds. Even today, on a day many Senators took off, dozens of people still filled the stands.

Melanie moved to Ayumi’s right but remained a step behind her, allowing her to take note of the proceedings ahead.

The off-session Senate meeting had been called by Liana Organa, the new representative of Alderaan. While outside High Republic space and its official protection, Alderaan had friendly relations with the Republic since its founding. While a constitutional monarchy, Alderaan enjoyed a democratic form of government similar to that of the Republic, making closer integration a real possibility.

The main challenge; however, was Alderaan’s neighbors. Like Denon had been prior to the collapse of the Empire in the Core Worlds, Alderaan was a frontier system at constant risk of being conquered by hostile neighbors. Unlike Denon, the Imperial collapse did not move the threat of invasion any further away from Alderaan. On the contrary, the rising Sith Covenant now occupied the very same territory that had put the Empire at Alderaan’s doorstep and was just as eager as its Imperial predecessor to conquer the system for its own twisted ends.

Therefore, Liana’s concerns were easily understandable, and it was hard not to sympathize with Alderaan’s plight.

As Melanie had anticipated, the next Alderranian delegate, Grand Vizier Gram Arranda, called for membership and greater integration within the High Republic to provide a united front against the mutual Sith threat. Again, it was a compelling call to action, and Melanie found herself wishing that she had Senatorial power if only to immediately validate their concerns. For now; however, the most she could do was make sure Ayumi fully understood the influences at play in the question of Alderaan’s future.

The delegates from Alderaan were followed by a number of Senators from across the Republic. She was pleased to see that most of the Senators shared her concern about the future of Alderaan and were eager to lend them aid. Even if Melanie could not speak directly before the Senate, it was validating to see her beliefs at least partially reflected in its chambers.

That was, until the Corporate Federation representative took the floor.

Melanie supposed she shouldn’t have had any expectations of the corporate shill, but his audacity to exploit the genuine fear of Alderranians for a quick profit was nothing short of infuriating. Her knuckles turned white with the effort it took her not to verbally berate the lobbyist, her status be damned. Only by reminding herself that any outbursts on her part would also harm Senator Pallopides’ reputation did she manage to rein in her anger, returning her focus to the delegates that spoke after the corpo.

Soon enough, Ayumi herself had the chance to speak, laying Denon’s hand on the table. The Senator’s response was more pragmatic than Melanie appreciated at first, but once the initial wave of indignation left her, she understood her rationale. Being under Ayumi’s direct supervision, Denon’s naval program was one area of planetary administration that Melanie was not always fully up to date on. If she truly had a large fleet of stealth vessels in the works, they would allow the Republic to supply Alderaan from afar while reducing the risk of provoking a Sith response. Still, there was more that could be done.

“Ayumi.” murmured Melanie from behind her, leaning in to speak into her ear. “Perhaps not only using our stealth fleet, but giving Alderaan some of our blueprints could help them out. If they can detect Sith movements from up close without being detected themselves, that could give Senator Avaron and others clarity about how urgent the threat is. And if the stealth craft are being produced in Alderaan itself, the Sith will have less reason to suspect Republic involvement."

Tags: Ayumi Pallopides

 

[Duncan Avaron]

Liana Organa Eharl Sarn Verity Stuyveris Kraden Besco Ayumi Pallopides Gram Arranda Melanie Sato
​

"I will take your word for it milady." Duncan spoke after Liana, he knew her position. This was their home, and rightfully so did not want to see it fall into the hands of darkness.

"If Alderaan falls, it won't fall alone," he murmured as his eyestalks settled upon the petitioning diplomat. "And if we do nothing, we teach the Sith exactly how cheap our promises are."

"If we agree to this now, we set a precadent for every single world that comes to us for aid."

Duncan wasn't a coward, that was the last thing he was, he had proven many times against the Sith and against those that would make life suffer on Ryloth, that the innocent wouldn't stand alone. He noted Verity's words with equal care. There was no cruelty in her words, only experience. Duncan had learned long ago that strategy without realism was simply optimism waiting to be punished.

"Does this delegation come to us, with the expecation of the High Republic moving forward to reclaim the core worlds? Or simply aid and support for Alderaan." Duncan asked curiously, not with malice but with just simple curiousity and respect. That distinction for Duncan at least, had to be made clear.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

The Chancellor would wait for the delegates to respond to Duncan's question before she made her own remarks. Dominique had stood still in observation of the duo that beseeched them for aid. For admission. They hoped that by joining it would at least delay invasion. Alderaan was not known for being a fortress world, and thus might appear an easy conquest. Frankly, that was likely a true belief. Such had been why Dominique had offered to act as a negotiator to secure some of their rights or freedoms even had the Galactic Empire moved to conquer them. Hardly an offer that held as much weight now; the Covenant was not the sort to worry about the feelings of those they subjugated. They wanted nothing, and they wanted everything.

One could also suggest they wanted membership so that when the inevitable occurred, the High Republic would be obligated -- rather than merely inclined -- to respond militarily and promptly. Not the sort of thing one might expect of the people of Alderaan, which made Dominique suspect it as being closer to the truth. Not because they were evil, by any means. They might, however, be desperate. Understandably so.

"To be honest, Ambassador Arranda, it isn't about what Alderaan can do in return." Dominique absently waved a hand off to the side. "Some Senators would clamor about expenditure and need, but ultimately this Republic stands to ensure the freedom of self-governance." With a few Republic-wide services and laws. "I think many here, today, know of Alderaan's historic contributions and its value as a member of the galactic community. And there is no doubt that this Republic will be forced to curtail the expansionist and destructive efforts of the Covenant, sooner or later."

"We could begin the process of evaluating membership and normalizing diplomatic relations, but an immediate invitation would prove challenging." The Chancellor paused to give a tight smile. "Our forces are presently occupied somewhere South of your world. Once that matter is dealt with, we could begin building a secure conduit toward Alderaan. It will need to withstand the combined forces of the Sith Covenant and the Black Sun. Otherwise, hostile forces could easily bar our fleet from reaching Alderaan." It would be better for them to not expect a fleet to appear than for such an expectation to exist but an interdiction field prevent it from happening. A baseless hope would lead to countless deaths as they held out for help that would never come.

Liana Organa | Gram Arranda | Eharl Sarn | Duncan Avaron | Verity Stuyveris | Kraden Besco | Ayumi Pallopides | Melanie Sato​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity regarded the Chancellor with wide blue eyes that narrowed slightly as she spoke. Yes, she had rather a mind for it, which was an uncomplicated good. Verity herself wasn't convinced that Alderaan deserved a rescue more than any other world in the Core -- and she thought it deserved it considerably less, if one was speaking with cold strategy -- but Verity was of the opinion that no world deserved to be left to the predations of the Covenant barbarians.

But a jaunt to the Core and then to Alderaan by way of Duro, Corellia, Humbarine, Balorra and Kuat? Well, that would be worth the journey, the Druckenwell Senator thought, her face impassive.

Such a move would add to the Republic's warmaking capabilities in the long term, simultaneously depriving the same to the Covenant. The industrial base of the Core in their grasp would be something to aspire to, Verity thought, even if the factories were months away from functional life. She was certain they had all taken a beating over the last year, thanks to the wars in the Core. But letting them fall into Covenant hands was malpractice, as far as she was concerned.

Certainly the Chancellor would know this already, so Verity didn't raise her voice to share it. Besides, how secure was this meeting, really?

Liana Organa | Gram Arranda | Dominique Vexx | Eharl Sarn | Duncan Avaron | Ayumi Pallopides | Melanie Sato​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato Dominique Vexx Eharl Sarn Duncan Avaron Gram Arranda Liana Organa Verity Stuyveris Kraden Besco

She listened to both sides, the other senators and the chancellor as well as Melanie with a nod as she spoke to her chief of staff. "It is possible, the technologies could help them but I do not know off the top of my head if they have an intact shipyard. Alderaan has been a target for attack since the Republic under Aleidis Ijet. Many sacrificed themselves to try and protect it when it was under siege and they destroyed a lot that wasn't able to be rebuilt at the time." She said it but gave it more as a suggestion. Melanie had good initiative in most things and intentions so.... she was also good at information gathering in things so if it was there to do. They could try to set it up.

 

[Liana Organa]

Gram Arranda - Duncan Avaron - Dominique Vexx - Eharl Sarn - Ayumi Pallopides - Melanie Sato ​

Duncan took Liana's initial harshness with maturity, which she silently appreciated once her emotions had passed. While she continued to stand aside and let Gram handle the logistical topics, Liana's eyesight became clouded, and replaced by pictures that had not yet formed. To the others, she would merely appear lost in thought, as though she had forgotten where she was and was simply pretending to pay attention. But in her mind was the future. Ebbing, flowing, and breaking like a tide against rocky shores. Territory lost and gained. Encroachment on Alderaan's borders; but whether or not those borders were truly breached remained perilously out of view. What Liana could comprehend was triggered by something the Chancellor had uttered.

"Our forces are presently occupied somewhere South of your world. Once that matter is dealt with, we could begin building a secure conduit toward Alderaan. It will need to withstand the combined forces of the Sith Covenant and the Black Sun. Otherwise, hostile forces could easily bar our fleet from reaching Alderaan."

The Black Sun. Those villains who had made her first day in the Senate a nightmare. She saw them scatter like cockroaches exposed to a light. She saw the Mid Rim breathe freely for the first time in years. Crime was hardly on the verge of extinction, but it was about to lose its stronghold.

Liana's eyes fluttered, as if she had just woken up. She stepped forward to again be a part of the conversation, "I do not believe the Black Sun will be a serious concern for much longer," The junior diplomat expressed herself matter of factly, then continued on to Avaron's latest question, "All we ask for directly is aid and membership within the High Republic. We could not demand any more of you. But if it is the Republic's decision to carry out a large scale effort against the Sith Covenant's hold over the Core, we would not just approve of it, but welcome it.

All worlds deserve to be free of the Sith menace. As Ambassador Arranda said, Alderaan would gladly lend its strength to such a cause."

 

[Gram Arranda]

The Senator of Denon pointed out that making moves to defend Alderaan might draw the Sith’s attention to their world faster. It was a logical, if grim, conclusion. But she seemed to be sympathetic to their plight regardless, even offering to lend them the aid of a brand new stealth fleet. “Thank you for the offer, Senator Pallopides,” Gram said. “We would be honored to accept such a… gift?” His tone went up at the end, turning his sentence into a question. He was not certain if the fleet would be a gift or merely on loan from the Denonites.

"Does this delegation come to us, with the expectation of the High Republic moving forward to reclaim the core worlds? Or simply aid and support for Alderaan."

The Senator of Ryloth’s question gave Gram pause. “Alderaan requests aid only for itself at this time. We would not ask the High Republic for more than that.” Though whether or not they should expand into the Core was likely a question the Republic Senate was already asking itself. The Core Worlds were not all yet fallen; many worlds had already sent ambassadors hoping to establish relationships that would eventually lead to membership. After all, no system could remain unaffiliated for long in this age. It was the sad reality of their war-torn galaxy.

Chancellor Vexx came across as the least impressed by the Alderaanian delegation’s pleas. She told them, in no uncertain terms, that as long as the Sith and the Black Sun remained credible threats to the Republic, aiding a foreign system was not at the top of their list of priorities. Though she was not unsympathetic to their plight, it seemed she was already on her way to denying their request for membership. Gram took a deep, steadying breath, mentally preparing himself for the worst. But then, Princess Liana said something strange.

"I do not believe the Black Sun will be a serious concern for much longer."

Gram turned to stare at her in bewilderment. It was obvious to everyone present that the princess had gone off script. The vizier frowned. Did she know something he didn’t? Why would the queen have neglected to tell him something as important as the imminent downfall of the Black Sun? He would have to question her in private, find out where she was getting this information.

Liana continued to speak, adding that Alderaan would approve of and support the Republic’s expansion efforts into the Core. She wasn’t contradicting what he had already said, but she was saying more than Gram would have. Rather than dispute her words, he opted to roll with it. “In other words, Alderaan awaits the decision of the Republic’s leaders on the subject of the Core.”

Liana Organa Duncan Avaron Ayumi Pallopides Dominique Vexx Eharl Sarn Verity Stuyveris Melanie Sato​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique's gaze shifted to Liana and held the young woman's face in their sight for a long moment. "Were that true, it would alleviate one of the greatest risks to securing a means to defend Alderaan no matter who sought to trouble your world. I would like to know how you know this, but under the circumstances I'll defer to another time, perhaps." It was true, the Princess was young and her tongue quite free -- as Ukatis showed -- but Dominique didn't think she would make up something so nebulous as that to risk scuttling this discussion. Gram seemed caught off guard by the statement as well; likely concerned how it might color perceptions.

"I'll be clear," the Chancellor's attention turned back to the Senior Ambassador, "this Republic will not stand idly by as any government -- Sith or otherwise -- seeks to dominate, subjugate, or destroy people, worlds, or the galaxy as a whole. If they arrive by fleet, we will fight them in orbit. If they make planetfall, we will scour them from the earth. And if they cannot find it within themselves to fairly govern those under their sway, if need be this Republic shall go to war."

There was a distinct pause after her pronouncement.

"I cannot unilaterally extend membership to Alderaan, the Senate will demand the opportunity for deliberation. Nonetheless, as Chancellor I can offer your world aid and the Republic's backing. We all hope these matters will be resolved peacefully, but should they spiral out of control we will do all we can." As the commander of the armed forces some measure of security agreement or guarantee might be possible. "Toward that end, let me extend the offer of stationing Republic forces in your system -- if you will have us. Service members capable of deterring any incursion." If they had observed the events surrounding Corellia one of their greatest set backs was how the Imperials had already established a foothold by the time the Republic arrived. Dominique could hardly offer Alderaan an entire army, but some resources to bolster their own to buy time for a larger force to arrive... It should also reassure them of the Republic's vested interest in at least protecting its own people.

Liana Organa | Gram Arranda | Duncan Avaron | Ayumi Pallopides | Eharl Sarn | Verity Stuyveris | Melanie Sato​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity's pulse quickened as the Chancellor spoke, and her glacial eyes seemed to go bright. "Hear, hear," she called from her position, giving Dominique a sharp nod of approval, a rare bit of enthusiasm for the notoriously controlled Druckenwell Senator. She almost smiled -- that's how you knew it was serious.

The Senator from Druckenwell had made no secret of her impatience with pussyfooting around the Sith Covenant's incursion into the Core. The Galactic Empire was bad enough -- about as correctly named as it was capable of governing fairly -- but the brazen nature with which the Covenant butchered the people in its way and beneath its heel was troubling in the extreme. It was a bold dare for someone -- anyone -- who considered itself a moral authority in the galaxy to come and stop them.

That none had, yet, was a galactic embarrassment. But wheels were moving, now, which could well prevent calamity. "You would find a very enthusiastic sponsor and 'aye' vote in the chamber from me for Alderaan's entry, if you wish it, Your Excellency," Verity told the Chancellor.

Liana Organa | Gram Arranda | Dominique Vexx | Duncan Avaron | Ayumi Pallopides | Melanie Sato | Eharl Sarn​