Faction The First Chancellor's Debate | THR

[Briana Sal-Soren]

THE FIRST CHANCELLOR'S DEBATE
....A HIGH REPUBLIC STORY

For centuries, Naboo has been guided by a procession of royalty whose rule seldom extended past the marble halls of Theed palace, but times have changed. What began as a singular world with a dream, has grown into a spanning coalition of united worlds and systems, thriving beneath the banner of safety flown by the Royal Naboo Republic.

And though the success of the Republic has been without question, with the reach of the Crown managing to stretch far and wide, its power has remained veiled behind closed doors and inaccessible to the average Republic citizen.

Tonight, that changes. Tonight, those doors have been thrown wide open and the entirety of the Galaxy watches with baited breath for what comes next as the Royal Naboo Republic prepares to choose not a future Monarch, but their very first Chancellor.

The Hall of Perri-Teeka, named for the famed Pro-Gungan statesman who first attempted to bridge the divide between peoples, was chosen to be the epicenter of that future and the future of every world that flies the Republic’s colors.

Hundreds have come together, gathering beneath Perri-Teek'as great domed ceilings, while millions more tune in across the galaxy via the HoloNet.

Moderating the event is HoloNet reporter Pinda Solthar , whose impartial reporting while covering the Hapes Crisis, and the Trifecta that later shaped the political atmosphere and relationship between The Republic, The Confederacy, and The Foundation, has earned her both acclaim and infamy; making her the perfect candidate to preside over the evening's event.

The Royal Republic may not yet call itself the High Republic, but by the time the stars rise over Theed tonight, it just might.

Candidates for the Chancellorship must answer questions drawn from citizen submissions across the Republic. These questions have been reviewed and selected by an independent panel committed to fairness and transparency. This is the candidates' moment to present their platforms, respond to direct questions from Pinda, and handle the pressure of live, unscripted confrontation to try and sway the hearts and minds of the people of the Republic. ​

Whether you're a Jedi, politician, diplomat, civilian, or spacer, now is the time to bear witness. Tune in to the debate as the future of the Republic and the Southern Systems is decided.


Candidates Intents for Office:

The Corporate Candidacy, Sentapoth Findos | Vote For Your Future, Inara Kalantha

​

 

[Pinda Solthar]

BROADCASTING LIVE...

“Good evening to our audience here on Naboo, across the Republic, and throughout the wider galaxy. I’m Pinda Solthar, and this is 360° Around the Galaxy, broadcasting live from The Hall of Perri-Teeka in Theed, where the Royal Naboo Republic has gathered beneath these storied ceilings to make history.

The holofeed opens with the sweeping panoramic of Theed, waterfalls glinting in the dying Naboo light, crowds gathered beneath towering holoscreens. The view settles on the rectangular strength of The Hall of Perri-Teeka, its great front doors open, the words of its namesake engraved proudly overhead in flowing Gungan script.

Inside, The Hall hums with anticipation beneath its elegant, vaulted ceiling. Delegations from colony worlds, Confederacy observers, Royal Assembly advisors, and the everyday citizens of the Royal Naboo Republic fill the grand chamber. Floating above it all on translucent holo banners, projected in serene blue, the words:

THE HIGH REPUBLIC CHANCELLORIAL DEBATE | LIVE BROADCAST

At the central dais stands Pinda Solthar, poised and still, the insignia of 360° Around the Galaxy hovering softly behind her.

“Tonight… the Republic chooses not a king, not a queen, but a Chancellor. Two candidates will soon take this stage to present competing visions of the Republic’s future. One rooted in the language of the people--diversity, dignity, and democratic accountability. The other in systems, strategy, and governance--with a promise of operational strength and predictable prosperity."

Her tone sharpens, eyes on the camera.

“Two candidates, two visions.

Kalantha , the former Queen of Naboo, champion of dignity, diversity, and people-first governance. Her campaign has called for a new Republic, reborn in the image of those it protects. To her supporters, she is not just Naboo’s queen--she is the soul of the Republic’s future.

Sentapoth Findos , a representative of Affa, one of the Confederacy’s sharpest economic minds. His platform? Systemic stability through operational precision. His campaign calls for a Republic that doesn’t just believe in hope--but proves its worth through results, governance, and strategic leverage on the galactic stage.

Both candidates call for a High Republic. But they differ on what that highness means: One promises people-led progress, and the other promises prosperity through precision."

The holo display behind her shifts to elegant projections of names and faces from across the Republic -- ordinary citizens, frontier settlers, students, farmers, tradespeople, war veterans -- all those who submitted questions for this night.

“People across this Republic’s expanse are seeking answers about the things that matter:

• Security from criminals and pirates at the borders and in the streets.
• Representation in a government that may soon span entire sectors.
• The relationship between faith, law, and liberty, particularly in how this government will treat religious freedoms, and the role of ancient organizations like the Jedi Order.
• Accountability—not just for officials, but for the powerful institutions that surround this Republic.
• And perhaps most critically of all: Who does the Chancellor truly serve? Themselves, the government, or the people?

These are not easy questions. Nor should they be. Because what rises from this hall tonight will not just shape the future of Naboo, but potentially the next great power of the Rim. And tonight, before the people of Naboo, the Republic’s Rim colonies, and the galaxy, they will face your questions and mine, live, unscripted, and unfiltered.”

A beat.

"This… is 360° Around the Galaxy. And this… begins now."

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Royal Naboo Assembly
Observation Floor, Theed
Interacting with: Auren Vellisar Kilea Indupar | Open

Sibllya stood silently on the observation floor, her arms relaxed at her sides, her posture displaying the refinement of countless court lessons practiced hundreds of times. She wore a deep plum gown with golden embroidery that complemented her golden skin, the subtle iridescence of the fabric shifting slightly as she adjusted her weight.

She breathed slowly through her nose, careful to still the flutter beneath her ribs. Pressure had long since become a familiar companion, though tonight it felt particularly intrusive, like a second shadow threading behind her own. Never mind how her mind couldn't help but gravitate to another, forcing herself to reign in her wandering thoughts to the present instead.

The broadcast went live with introductions to the Candidates made. Sibylla let a soft exhale flow from her lips, only to school her delicate features back into a tranquil cordial expression. For now, she was quietly watching the holographic debate as it played out before her.

This is what it had come to. The Royal Naboo Republic, long the dignified steward of Nabooan sovereignty, had outgrown the edges of its own domain. Now a greater mantle waited, one stitched with the golden threads of the High Republic; and with it came every burden, every blessing, and every brutal scrutiny. And where Naboo went, Abrantes would follow.

The irony was not lost on her. Nor was the fact that this Chancellor's debate might very well dictate the shape of her own future -- not only with the transition into the High Republic, but with her recent submission as a candidate in the election for Sovereign of Naboo. It was a position that would become all the more important as time passed, as Naboo would not only have to retain its grace but also be expected to continue evolving. Elegantly, yes. But decisively.

And that meant she must do the same.

Her thoughts briefly turned to Enarc, the world that had nearly burned itself to cinders in the wake of the Seed of Rage attack and now cautiously recovering under the stewardship of Senator Sarn. Its industries were recovering, trade revitalizing with delicate negotiations, corporate cooperation, and Republic backing. Threads House Abrantes had helped spin. If Queen Kalantha fell from favor tonight, then those would be in jeopardy -- and Sibylla, along with her father, would be required to hold fast and work through the entire tangle.

So, what questions would be asked? How would they be answered? These were the thoughts that raced through Sibylla's mind, the murmurs and steps of fellow assemblymen and women just barely discernible at the edge of her hearing.

Who would approach?

 

[Sentapoth Findos]

Pinda Solthar Kalantha

Sentapoth was genuinely surprised that he was permitted to run for Chancellor of the High Republic, considering the Neimoidians' past with democracy and the Galactic Alliance, which was fully aware of the Trade Federation's role in supplying advanced technology to their later adversaries, the New Imperial Order and the Dark Empire.

However, this did not stop the appointment of Trade Monarch Lodd Grimmin and Senator Monaray Dod to significant positions within the government, aiming to entangle the Alliance in meaningless discussions.

He hardly had the opportunity to review the script provided by his aides on what to say, let alone engage in a fair debate with the former Monarch of Naboo, Kalantha , regarding why his candidacy seemed almost guaranteed, aside from the attempts to manipulate the election with droid votes masquerading as real voters.

Nevertheless, the communication device in his room activated, casting a gentle glow as the Trade Monarch appeared before him, accompanied by the aforementioned Senator from Cato Neimoidia.

"Senator Findos, I do not have to remind you that your potential appointment as Chancellor is vital to the continued success of the Trade Federation. We need fresh markets to influence in the event that the Alliance falls apart from an offensive from the Sith Empire and so the High Republic is the most likely candidate to fulfill the role." Lodd said with a soft tone of voice from the mechno-chair overlooking the senery of Cato Neimoidia.

Senator Dod was not far behind offering some advice, "Like the Trade Monarch explained. The High Republic is a fresh market but do not make the mistake of assuming your opponent will be easily entrapped for there is nothing more dangerous than a Politician without an exit strategy. Debate the former Queen but do not allow her to overtake the conversation. Focus on your policies which are strength through credits, a broad term which will allow you to lie like a siv without anyone realizing your true intentions." the Neimoidian explanation was sound having worked in the Alliance Senate quite a number of years and had purposely lied to cover his own mistakes in debates.

At the The Hall of Perri-Teeka.​

Sentapoth took a deep breath, feeling the weight of stress beginning to overwhelm him. He wasn't a brilliant strategist on the debate stage; rather, he was a timid general retreating from the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

Yet, the destiny of the Trade Federation rested on his shoulders, compelling him to employ every tactic available to persuade the citizens of the High Republic that casting their vote for him meant choosing strength in the face of the looming threat posed by the Sith Empire.

Gripping the podium tightly with both hands, he listened as the Moderator, Pinda Solthar , introduced them to the vast audience of the holonet. The debate was being streamed from planet to planet across their Sphere of Influence, and major powers like the Black Sun Syndicate were likely tuning in.

Even if he didn't secure the top position, there was always the possibility of the Vice-Chancellorship, and who better to foster unity in the Republic than one's political rival?

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Outfit​

Obviously, the whole of the Royal Naboo Republic was paying attention to the day's affair. At least those with any sense, power, prestige, authority, wealth, or any other sociopolitical standing whatsoever. It would just shape the future of every planet swept up in the Republic's sphere of influence. Economic forecasts. Planetary development. Interstellar trade. Taxes. A Chancellor might not be an Emperor with decrees, but they influenced what the Assembly would do or ignored what they deemed foolish -- a little scandal hardly mattered so long as the agenda was appeased. So it was important that whomever held the title had the right agenda.

Or, at least, a tolerable one.

Dominique Vexx, Director of Denon, Senator of Denon, and socialite had chosen to be planetside for the 'debate' that was to be held. There was no need to be remote and distracted by other matters. And it gave her the perfect opportunity to show off her flowing dress of vibrant neon lights. They couldn't seriously expect her to wear something simple. Dominique never did. Even her 'official' attire was hardly commonplace in fashion.

The lilac glareshades were still in place, of course.

For this affair, she set the shades to be completely opaque from the outside. The cameras would easily find her in the crowd, but that didn't mean she wanted her thoughts worn on her face for the whole galaxy to see. A little mystery played well with such a large audience.

It was a good thing too. Dominique found the list of topics that Pinda suggested would influence the debate to come... disappointing. Those were the matters the public was interested in? Common criminals, representation, religious freedom -- notably, the Jedi -- accountability, and the softest of softballs who did the Chancellor represent? Accountability was a matter Dominique was always mindful of given what happened with the Alliance; it was perhaps the one solid topic among them all. The rest were just so... street level. So banal. Routine, operational matters that people should be leveling at their local officials and holding them to account over. They seriously expected the Chancellor to personally handle piracy? Perhaps they should elect those representatives they would get -- and were somehow concerned they wouldn't! -- to make sure their freedoms weren't extinguished at that.

Dominique crossed her arms. A lone, metal-tipped finger tapped the top of her bent arm. They were going to discuss economic stability and expansion of the Republic were they not? If they spent half the time going on about vague idealism associated with the name change of the Republic, Dominique was going to be sick. They had grown. They would grow. How were they going to handle meeting the needs of all the planets? Distributing resources. Handling the influx of people. Economic development. The people should be demanding a better quality of life, which in turn meant the corporations had to make more products, make more profit, acquire more resources!

This debate might be truly revealing in so far as which candidate would bring them the brightest future. Kalantha had Dominique's favor at the moment, though Sentapoth certainly had the notice of other DireX. It was her lack of meddling in Denon's affairs that favored the current Queen retaining power. Her lack of blindly embracing the influx of immigrants. Could the Nimoidian convince her he could do that and more? Time would tell.

Briana Sal-Soren | Pinda Solthar | Sibylla Abrantes | Sentapoth Findos | OPEN​