To Settle Grievances

[Caius Flavian]

Characters involved: [member="Aeri Vyn"]
Carida System
New Valor Station, Carida
Executive Suite

In my so far interesting and tumultuous start in my career as Senator this would perhaps be a highlight if not a real cut of political and statesmanship.
Today I hoped to sit down with Aeri Vyn, the representative of the Corporate Alliance.
I also hoped that perhaps a representative from the Directorate would be in attendance.
The goal was to address grievances with these organizations of influence and power.
Some of my fellow Senators had felt that it wasn't necessary to bother with the matter.
I however disagreed immensely.
In my time as an Imperial Commander along with my University education I had a healthy understanding of the necessastiy of a strong economy.
There were grave threats to galactic stability.
My Empress [member="Kista Fel"] gave me her final orders and wishes prior to abdicating the throne as reigning monarch of the Galactic Empire.
Defeat the Sith and aid the galaxy in finding peace.
She was no longer my Empress, but still I had sworn an oath and her final orders while as Empress were what I would follow until death.
Now here I sit a Senator in the Republic.
So the tides of life have once again changed my fortunes.

The goal here was to find a solution to the grievances.
Aeri Vyn had already sent me a preliminary list.
I read over them again as I awaited her arrival.

I turned my gaze up after finishing the last sentence and set the dataslate down.
My office on New Valor Station was the best of the Executive Suites. With a spartan like conference room.
Located in the upper main tower of the facility it was entirely controlled by my personal military forces.
My Flavian Guard as some of my local political rivals had begun to refer to them as.
Dozens of Storm troopers no longer wearing their traditional white armor as it tends to send the wrong message.
No now they wore their black service uniforms with my family crest on a white armband around the left arm.

I would never call them ex-Imperials but essentially it was what we were.
One of the three major docking arms was entirely controlled by my forces.
Imperial Military hardware was visible everywhere in Docking Arm 3 but most prominently was the ISDIII Herald of Retribution docked to the
She had come into my own control through the collapse of the Imperial Remnant.
While not technically mine in ownership she was a ship that I controlled through purely political and association as the former Flag Officer of it.
It was mutually led by several of my former Imperial colleagues.
New Valor Station could dock up to three large capital ships at a time.
It was built through a combination of Republic funding from a previous defense bill and through Carida's own.
As well as what little left I had of my own family's personal wealth and the Remnants of the Imperial treasury.

If you factored out the light proton beam the Herald of Retribution paled somewhat in comparison to fire power of New Valor Station.
The name of the station derived from its predecessor of Valor Station the Old Republic's military star base where history was made long ago when the Confederacy of Independent Systems attempted to incapacitate the Republic Military's High Command.
Adding New to the name helped add a little flair and recognition to the past as well as the future.

My grey steel travel mug was letting a trail of steam off.
I had a whole pot of Yavin Green Leaf Tea along with a pitcher of water.
Simple refreshments.
Along with a small minibar of liquor and ales.

Docking Arm 2 was for Caridan and Republic Military forces to utilize.
Aeri would likely arrive in Docking Arm 1 where those three hangars were for civilian port use.
When she and perhaps the other guests arrived they would find me in my Senatorial attire as Caridan's Senator.
Thus I wore the civilian uniform which barely differed from the Caridan military uniform.
With the exception of a red sash with the Republic's symbol on it from my left shoulder and over my chest to the right side and the entrapping of the Republic.
Lastly the most distinguishing difference between the Caridan military officers and civilian officials was the set of green laurels atop my head.
Caridan military officers wore the pick axe helms.
The atmosphere when greeted on this station would be a strange blend of Republic, Caridan, and Imperial attire.

 

[Cira]

[member="Caius Flavian"]

Aeri would amble alongside Danger as their ship docked. The hiss and slide of the door would reveal the two women. It was one of the few instances that Danger decided to take a break on her honeymoon to participate in this discussion personally. The full hipped redhead took point, her heels clicking softly upon the polish floor as the local Cardian escort and guards came to greet them.

The Queen of trade was dressed in a deep russet dresssuit, the hem of her skirt reaching just past the knees. Her hair was twisted up in an Aldaraanian roll, pinned in so that nary a hair was out of place. It was simple and classic, but still gave the impression of a woman who was here to discuss business.

Were they to be greeted, Danger would give a small cordial smile, extending her hand to whomever would take it.

 

[Kara Runo]

Commander Kara Runo would be the first to greet [member="Aeri Vyn"] and [member="Danger Arceneau"].
In stark contrast to the well dressed Queen of Trade, Kara Runo wore her black Imperial Navy Officer's uniform with the traditional ranking bar and four Code Cylinders.
She was accompanied by two others, both were storm troopers in their black service uniforms.
Quite obviously they were Imperials and stuck out among the Caridan military personnel and aristocratically dressed civilians in the vicinity.
Kara and her two compatriots also wore blue armbands on their right arms with the symbol of the old Imperial COG held in a fist with a green laurels.
They also had a Caridan escort in tow.
It burned her that such dispalys of unity was necessary.
If it were not for Flavian their world would have fallen to a Selectivist revolution.
She hid her disgust and approached the two ladies.

"Lady Arceneau and Miss Vyn, a pleasure to have you two aboard New Valor Station. I am Commander Kara Runo and I'll be escorting you through the station along with providing security while aboard. Senator Flavian is currently handling a domestic issue that cropped up and otherwise would be here to greet you in person." She said as exactly as ordered, although it was very much true, just dumb that the man had to bother to make it an order.

She shook hands with Danger and extended the same cordial smile to both of them.

"If you two will follow me, feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer them"
The security detail surrounded them and would begin the walk from the docking bay to the nearest turbolift.

 

[Cira]

[member="Kara Runo"] [member="Caius Flavian"]

The sight that beheld them was a matter of curiosity, but both women would maintain their bearing and cordial expressions. Danger was the first to shake hand and then the Zeltron assistant.

"Thank you, Commander Runo, a pleasure." her throaty voice would float over like thick Aldaraanian honey. A small perk of her brow would arch in interest at the mention that the Senator was currently indisposed. Would he miss the session? Just what other Senators would be involved?

It was a curious curio indeed.

"Of course." Danger would state, while Aeri would grant a small smile. Enroute, the duo would follow the woman, the security detail enclosing behind them.

Well... this was sure to get interesting...

 

[Kara Runo]

Kara was not a fan of chaperoning others.
In fact, she would rather be out in space just floating around in the cockpit of her TIE Punisher or just lounge about in her personal Lambda shuttle.
A slight determination was visible in her stride as she decided to have a word with Caius after this whole affair was done.
She waved to a few Caridan flight officers she had met recently in joint training exercises.
Some of the aristocratic types seemed to be aghast to be sharing the same facilities as those who were not as lavishly dressed.
It was a culture shock certainly as the nobles found themselves now sharing things with the 'peasants'

Leading them to a turbo lift in Docking Arm 1's Terminal which horizontally led to the central station.
It was a VIP lift which bypassed several security checkpoints.
Upon arriving to the main station in what appeared to be a reception room with one way glass looking out into the Terminal filled with shoppes, Cafes, and other assorted stores.
Here the Caridan escort would stay at the turbolift.
The party now of only five, the three imperials and two guests, approached another door which was guarded by two more Imperials dressed identically to the ones escorting the ladies.
Beyond it led to a small corridor wide enough for barely two abreast.
At the end of the corridor was a hatchway.
Kara put her eye to the sentry droid which popped out of the side of the bulkhead.

<Ocular Identity Verified> A computerized voice answered.
She then spoke "Ace 'Em High"
<Voice Recognition Verified>
A loud thud as the locking mechanisms undid themselves. The Hatch then opened inward slowly and mechanically.
On the other side a dozen laser sights cut through the darkness at the small party.
Kara stepped into the hatch without care and continued on her way
"Stand down" She said as if this was a constant nuisance.
Passing through the hatch the party was greeted by a squad of Storm Troopers in full armor guarding a room with a single turbo lift.
Their armor was not pure white, in fact they wore the same symbols of an Imperial COG clenched in a fist on their shoulder and breast plate with blue stripes adorning their helmets and armor.
Heavy blasters and carbines only with a scattershot were put at ease at Kara's orders.
"Ladies this is where we go our separate ways. Take this turbolift up and you'll be in Commodo-... Senator Flavian's Office"
She was still getting used to the title change.

[member="Aeri Vyn"]
[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Caius Flavian]

Yes I was in fact busy.
The recent civil war on Carida had brought about a series of social changes now enforced by the budding partnership between myself
as both president and senator of Carida along with my own military to keep the Caridan aristocracy in check.
A selectivist movement had rose up.
Along with a group of officers throughout the Merchant armies who also rebelled.
In the midst of Prime Minister Lasedri's Republic wide revolution the system of Carida had suffered through a series of unfortunate events.
As the last of the Imperial Commanders of the Imperial Remnant and following orders from my now abdicated Empress, Kista Fel, I embarked on a peacekeeping operation.
Now the result was I shared power with those who I had forced to the table.

I was finishing a holoconference call with Chancellor Reagos and Chief Justice Bsallia.
As President I was simply a figurehead and played a non-legislative role in local government but held some executive powers.
One of those powers was the law that allowed me as President to appoint a Senator to the galactic republic.
I had appointed myself and with Bsallia's and Reagos's confirmation I now was a player on the galactic stage.
A small player.
On the local front I was playing a pivotal role in preventing a weak economy from further destabilizing the situation.
I could only level my Star destroyer at this planet so much before even the threat of orbital bombardment wouldn't matter to the deep rooted problems this world had.

When the turbolift chimed open for my guests to arrive they would find me in the middle of that holoconference call
"Education is paramount to the progressive nature of achieving a more balanced society. If we don't implement a mandatory education system for youths then we risk stagnation in our future generations. We'll all have to pay taxes Reagos and I would rather not have to experience stupid people in the future"
"President Flavian the issue here is that the tax levels that Justicar Bsallia has demanded is outrageous. A flat tax is an equal and fair method of taxation." Chancellor Reagos was a fat man who was related to the previous Senator Tonald Drump. He was one of the most influential of the local Merchant nobles and in order to maintain peace
I had brokered the powersharing deal between him and the rebel leader Bsallia.
Bsallia was a short woman blonde haired female who rose among the rebels as one of the Republican Fronts military officers. The Selectivists were content with her as a leader to sit down at the table and discuss the future.
She now held the position as Chief Justice over the Palace of Order which was the judicial building where merchant houses once came together to meet and discuss grievances.
"Chancellor with all due respect," She began with a tone of sarcasm "A flat tax would simply grind the poor further into poverty and demolish any chance of a middle class to blossom. The Merchant houses will only continue to remain wealthy"
Before Reagos could retort I raised my hands and spoke "Chancellor, Justicar, this matter is of utmost importance and perhaps a night of rest and in the morning we can begin again with cooler heads?"
"Flavian you do realize it is morning here in Cliffside?"
"Or that it is night time here"
"My point being is that we'll take some time and return to the matter later..."
I ended the holoconference call and looked up to my two new arrivals.
"Welcome Lady [member="Danger Arceneau"], Miss [member="Aeri Vyn"], pardon my manners on not being able to greet you two when you landed. Domestic affairs are tedious sometimes."

 

[Cira]

[member="Caius Flavian"]


Danger knew all about domestic and intergalactic affairs.

It was for this reason she was here to discuss what would come after. A cordial smile would grace the Queen of Trade lips, and much like the Commander before, she extended her hand out to the man to greet.

“Of course, Senator.” Her honeyed drawl would float across the din. The slow clip of her heels along with her confidence presence would relay that this was a woman well used to discussing matters, be it business or casual. It just so happened that in this instance, things were a little more personal.

“No worries… I am simply pleased to be here.” Indeed she was. There were several concerns within the Corporate Alliance and how Free Trade would continue within Republic Territory. This was secondary, of course, to the restitution that Danger would be requesting on behalf of all affected employees, evacuation aid, and companies directly impacted by the former Prime Minister’s actions.

Those green eyes would pan around the Senator to discern who else would make it.

“Well then… where shall we begin?”

 

[Caius Flavian]

I rose from my chair and walked around the desk to greet them properly.
Taking Acreneau's hand with a firm business handshake, careful not grasp to hard but still enough of a squeeze to convey respect.
I gave the same shake with Aeri and then with my other arm waved toward the refreshments.
"First I would like to offer you both something to drink, I have a pot of hot water along with several types of tea. There is of course water. Along with several varieties of alcohol. Please help yourselves," I took note of her glancing eyes "It will unfortunately only be us today"
I already had my grey steel travel mug filled to the brim with some Yavin Green Leaf Tea so I returned to my seat.
In front my desk I had two very plush leather chairs.
"Second is one of the main reasons for this meeting. Reparations and Restitution correct? Then of course the last issue is that of trade and commerce under the new government and for the foreseeable future. I hope to lead the way by bringing these grievances and concerns in two bills. The discussion we have today I hope to incorporate the language as guidance in my drafting of these legislative measures"

[member="Aeri Vyn"] [member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Danger was pleased that Senator [member="Caius Flavian"] was of the sort to go straight to the point.

While yes she was a business woman, the native of Tatooine knew that there were some subjects one couldn't quite beat around the bush. Not any more at least. The wake of what had occurred had stung many a business sapient, and Danger was here to ensure that their concerns were heard.

"Water would be fine," she relayed, while Aeri, the Zeltron beside her took a seat.

"The same, please." Aeri would state, those legs as long as the Kessel Run swinging from left to right as she sat. Danger also crossed her legs, but she sank into her chair with notable confidence. The woman had to of course, this was a very important meeting indeed.

Danger prided herself in being a neutral party; such a stance had served to expand Arceneau Trade as a conglomerate where it was now.

"I too, hope to resolve this matter as smoothly as possible, Senator Flavian." Danger began, those bright green eyes focused upon the man.

"I hope one can understand the position those of the Corporate Alliance are in and their concerns in regards to the Republic."

 

[Caius Flavian]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Hope," I sat down and waved to R2 unit to fetch some water for the ladies, swiveled my chair their right and gazed out the window at the Star Destroyer parked outside "Hope implies the desire and expectation for something to happen. An almost strange need to put faith and trust."

While I faced the window I turned my head to them both

"The previous administration had rode on a wave of hope and the people of the Republic had placed their hopes and dreams into them. Such was the folly under the former executive power of the Republic. So much has changed since the great upheaval of Prime Minister Lasedri's administration sought to seize powers and force a revolution that plunged the Galactic Republic into absolute chaos. She crushed that hope and subsequently brought ruination to the economy of the Republic. Because of the upheaval I went from being an Imperial Flag Officer to a Warlord and then onto becoming a President and Senator of a Republic world. I guess what I am getting at is that despite the egregious actions of the Prime Minister we are still here. Few individuals are beyond redemption."

I paused and sipped my tea as the R2 unit unfolded a portable tray and began to provide some fresh water for the two guests.
I turned my gaze back out to the star destroyer and tapped a single finger onto my desk.

"Hope is what the Republic needs once more. As the Chairman for the Senate Appropriations Committee I have broad powers in utilizing discretionary spending as needed. So far this committee is oddly small at the moment with my colleague [member="Geral Varta"] also aiding in the legislative procedure who perhaps may join us," I paused to sip my tea before continuing "The actions of the previous administration stain the Republic's standard in a manner most unfitting. While those of us few that may have found redemption in the Republic during Lasedri's reign now must help restore hope for the Republic. For this to happen I would like you oh Queen of Trade [member="Danger Arceneau"] to submit to me a complete list of costs, damages, and collateral lives lost and respective families. It will be the first step in our long road to economic recovery. Renew that hope and we can once again seek to establish trust. Supreme Chancellor [member="Jack Sparrow"], although a pirate and scoundrel by all means is one of the most democratic minded individuals in terms of governance. I assume it comes from having lived the life of a pirate but I digress, I suspect that he'll very pleased to renew our ties to the private sector once more."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Caius Flavian"]

It was a very inspirational speech.

However, Danger had some experience with flowery speeches and no follow through. This is why this meeting in all its forms had to be conducted carefully and fairly. A much younger Danger of decades past would have called for blood, but age had tempered that red haze and all she wanted right now was to ensure ‘me and mine’ were properly attended to.

Far too much blood had been spilled already.

“That is good to hear, Senator, “ a small motion would be sent to Aeri, who then would provide a datapad of the information. It didn’t just deal with ATC, but with several of the other companies. Salacia Consolidated for example, she knew [member="Judah Dashiell"] had been one of the affected parties along with several others. The return of their property, the reconstruction, maybe even contracts in good faith would extend in that olive branch.

Quite possibly even corporate sway within the Senate would make it even better.

“Here is a complete list.” she told him, the Zeltron extending the datapad for the Senator to take. “However, while fair reimbursement and recompense is what the Corporate Alliance primarily is searching for, we are also concerned about Free Trade and just what the stance will it be within the Galactic Republic?”

 

[Martika Varta]

"The Republic is built upon a foundation of representative socialism abetted by a mixed economy." Martika Varta answered the question from across the room. He stood near the far section of the large viewport, facing the expanse. He had thus far remained silent and unnoticed, though not due to any particular intent on his own behalf. Martika had waited patiently for Caius to complete his call with the leaders of Carida's splintered government after Danger and her escort had arrived. He had listened to the other Senator's painful conversation with his co-leaders, certain Flavian had sorely missed the might of Imperial militant governance in those moments. Negotiation and cooperation were such...fickle pursuits.

The Umbaran turned away from the window, though it held his gaze as he stepped relaxedly toward the small congregation, his hands clasped at the small of his back. The planet outside, the industry and trade it saw...they all outshone the stars in the background. "Lasedri's attempted coup was a startling upset to our democracy, to be sure," Martika continued, speaking almost to himself. "Though the tenets of the Republic have hardly changed." He lifted a hand and began counting on long, pale fingers. "Facilitate free elections. Discover the needs of the people and provide them. Provide for the common defense and maintain the rights of the citizenry. Minimize outward influence and corruption of private interests. Maintain a productive presence within the rest of the Galactic community."
Martika shrugged, lowering his hand as he came to a halt before the group, facing the viewport. "You needn't be concerned about trade, Madame Arceneau. Our primarily goal is stability; there's no reason this should bar your growth and development as a private sector leader. Of course, environmental, domestic labor and production, and other concerns are factors that influence the level of regulation the Republic places on trade within its borders. It is for these reasons that our government levies steep taxes on entities as substantial as your own. Our current concerns are drawing manufacturing and production to our worlds, so that our resource-rich planets can be more efficiently utilized, whilst preserving those corporations and businesses that currently exist within our markets. Any imports will be tariffed to preserve competition between yourself and our domestic markets, and any production within our borders will be taxed. We are also seeking to move away from military fabrication and production, and are investigating more lucrative and sustainable practices of industry and trade." Martika eyed Danger briefly, then offered further thought. "These are perhaps gaps you may be able to fill...though keep in mind the Republic will make contractual offers based on the cost and quality of the products and services available, while simultaneously endeavoring to ensure the ATC's reintroduction to the Republic markets is a productive and healing process, as opposed to upsetting the existing ecosystem too terribly." Martika glanced at Senator Flavian, their most gracious host, to yield the floor before providing himself with a drink.

[member=Danger Arceneau] | [member=Caius Flavian]​

 

[Caius Flavian]

I picked up the datapad from Aeri with a nod to her.
Aeri's features reminded me of Captain Zia, my flag officer and commanding officer of the Herald of Retribution.
I began to thoroughly read through amount of damage caused in the Lasedri revolution who some now refer to as the Red Dawn.
A good name for what history would show to be a short but bloody affair.
Now I hoped to make it a twilight moment and put an end to such a chapter in galactic history.
Senator Varta who had been lurking about and had arrived recently ahead of this meeting to aid me in drafting the economic reforms I had spoken of just moments ago.
Umbaran's preferred shadows and dim areas.
I had come to enjoy his perspective on political and economic affairs.
Although we surely differed in some areas I felt that the Umbarans were a superb example of near human evolution.
A quality though was their highly inquisitive and secretive nature.
Although one particular trait of Varta, or Martika in informal conversation, was a bit of blunt side that was something I'm suspect comes with the particular caste that he hailed from.
As he spoke I cringed inwardly at the tone of the language.
I continued to look over the figures asked.
I began to make note how to divide up the funds.
Some could be utilized to provide full ride scholarships to universities for any who had been orphaned.
Funeral and proper burial rite compensation would be a good start.

Physical damages to property would be a tricky issue to address.
I viewed the figures and began to assess the values tagged to each particular item.
My time in university studying macroeconomics was a driving mechanism on ensuring prosperity.
A poor economy very well weakens the nation and makes it vulnerable.
I glanced out the view port at the world below and that principle rung so very true on my current situation.
I returned to the figures and simply accepted that each step taken in good faith would foster trust and noted that it would be a best move to make installments on payments of physical damages rather than a lump sum.
The Republic's credit rating had certainly taken a beating, on top of that the One Sith onslaught was relentless, so perhaps this might be a good way to build that trust once more.
As my colleague spoke of the idealized move from the military industrial sector that at the moment was both a crutch and also the remaining finacial pillar in our current war time situation to keeping us afloat.
My thoughts briefly flickered to the recent hearing my self and Senator Teigra had on the commissioning of a massive super carrier for the Republic Navy.
I refrained from saying anything on the matter at this time and figured Martika and I would have a private conversation about the matter later on, a united front for now had to remain.
I simply nodded in respect to what he spoken of as aside from that particular point it aligned with where I had started.

A sip from my mug of the warm tea to assuage my throat, time spent barking orders had taken its toll on my vocal cords and the holistic tea certainly helped, I gave a bit of a cough to loosen up a bit before speaking

"Because of the instability wrought by the attempt by Prime Minister Lasedri to force a command economy into existence I believe, as Senator Varta stated, we are working our way to move toward a middle ground with a mixed economy. An extreme shift toward a Free Market Economy would upset a number of system governments and we could risk the reverse problems experienced for example by Naboo circa 32 BBY"

I paused for a moment to hand Senator [member="Geral Varta"] the datapad with my notes and reasoning in regards to the outstanding grievances, another sip of tea and I continued

"A mixed economy is what we hope to foster. For example I hope in this substantial bill that I will begin to draft after our meeting here today I aim to provide legislation what for I'll refer to as the Republic's Merchant Fleet along with forming a Bureau of Ship and Services. The Republic Merchant Fleet is a means to improve civilian logistics between systems by offering government contracts to companies willing to ship goods between Republic worlds. Between the Republic BoSS and Republic Merchant Fleet all vessels that move within the Republic and will be considered under the protection of the Galactic Republic. The executive branch under Supreme Chancellor [member="Jack Sparrow"] would enforce that protection through the Republic Military and civil protection. Obviously Corporate... Security vessels,"

I carefully picked my phrasing there as some Corporations wielded military weaponry that outstripped some Republic war vessels

"Would fall under this umbrella as well. Tax break incentives can be made for companies whose loyalties and financial standing remain with the Republic. The Bureau of Ships and Services will be responsible for exactly what it originally did provide the Republic's unique transponder codes. Obviously there will be a lot of technical specifics with security, like all things nothing is perfect, but all this will facilitate stability, security, and nurture economic incentives to improve our economy. This is a means that I seek to help move the toward what Senator Varta just spoke of, allow for more lucrative and sustainable practices of industry and trade. Every company that is willing to get into shipping goods will be gaining a government contract under their belts allowing for growth and a set rate of income from the Republic. Imports from other galactic governments, once our Foreign Relations improve, will experience tax tariffs however the companies that import for us will gain tax breaks. For example my constituency of Carida,"

I waved to the planet below

"With government contracts the world of Carida would see a number of different companies arrive transporting specific goods that we import. If we needed pharmaceuticals from Kiribi another Republic world any companies that ship these goods to and from Carida wouldn't experience the tariffs, only the respective governments would experience it while the companies are simply the medium of movement."

I paused to allow that example to settle into everyone's minds.
Perhaps I was making an ass of myself of explaining this in such detail to a corporate giant CEO such as [member="Danger Arceneau"], but I figured the more I attempted to elaborate on my what I sought to propose then I could garner political weight to show before my colleagues when I introduced my first piece of legislation.

"Further more this measure would allow a further method of bringing new worlds and systems into the fold of the Republic. Anyone living under a rock still is very much aware the One Sith's volatile nature and their ever growing expansion has led to a growing list of atrocities,"

I looked to Aeri and also thought of Captain Zia and the horrors their species had experienced on Zeltross,

"Their version of a command economy is only sustainable through their war efforts. It is an unfortunate fact that as Senator Varta explained while we seek to foster more industries and trade, the war against the One Sith is not going to end for a long time. I sit on the Armed Services Committee and another colleague of ours" I waved to Geral Varta,"Senator Teigra have discussed at length on the need to bring more companies back to the Republic and invest in her defensive and offensive capabilities. Building military bases and war ships are all contracts we seek to reestablish and provide incentives for companies who focus on R&D. While the Senate is a means of moving our funds around to provide these I hope that through another bill I am working on in conjunction with my first piece of legislation would help to grease the gears of our war time economy. I hope that through amendment or repealing and propose a new military expansion act will help this. While the language in the original act was broad enough to encompass everything, it has so far failed to appropriately address how best to fund each branch. Through the armed services committee I expect to put forward a much more thorough model for our military along with economic incentives for companies to invest in improving our aging military hardware." My thoughts drifted to the One Sith and Mandalorians and the number of engagements where we were simply outclassed technologically.
I've spent a good number of nights and days on the ability of my foes while an Imperial and just as the same now as a Republic Senator...
I stopped talking and began to sip again on my tea and awaited Lady Arceneau's response.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Caius Flavian"] [member="Geral Varta"]

Danger knew that riding the edge of this explanation was due to covering bases and simply how politics went. She sat quietly, with Aeri at her side, listening to what the Senator had to say. When he was done, there was a sense of relief that would express itself with a small smile. It was good that there was an awareness to the delicate nature of the situation, and hearing that things would progress smoothly only made things all the better.

There was a lot of verbiage there, mention of bills and of a merchant fleet. Curious, indeed. For one such as Danger, maintaining her neutrality is what allowed her to reach from one span of the galaxy to the next. Folk needed their medicine, water, food, even luxuries. All required them to be transported with all due haste and with the peace of mind that the goods would arrive on schedule and whole.

That was what Arceneau Trade provided to its many clients, the peace of mind that their goods could travel anywhere in the verse with little fear of things going missing.

"That is good to hear, Senator." Danger would state, her smile lingering. "When would you expect such measures to go through the senate and pass?" that was the real question.

 

[Caius Flavian]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]
[member="Geral Varta"]

I pondered that myself actually...

I cleared my throat with a bit of a cough proceeded to discuss "Ideally with in the next month I hope to bring this to the Senate floor, however I'll have to likely bring to the Civics Committee first to ensure it fits well. Forming government agencies and such are a bit outside of my territory when it comes to legislative measures. Which is why Senator Varta is here with us today to give those assurances that measures such as the two I hope to bring forward can garner the support needed. Especially if our private sector friends see this as an opportunity rather than simply a means to regulate."

I waved to my compatriot as I spoke. Martika himself was a member of that particular committee and also the Appropriations committee. Thus holding influence in both although my weight at as chairperson is what had allowed me to make and break open piggy banks to tidy up messes such as the one Lasedri had left us in along with funneling money to the unusual and oddity that no other committee quite fit in.

"Once it hits the Senate floor it will be somewhat out of my hands other than making the case for it. I honestly hope that these particular measures won't generate to much unnecessary floundering over pointed issues. The congress as it is now seems a bit more active in terms of getting things done"

 

[Martika Varta]

Martika looked up from the decanter he was using to pour himself a drink and nodded as his name was mentioned by Flavian. "The measures will have the support they need from the various committees, I assure you." He replied. "Once the committee votes are secured, the remainder of the Senate will follow." Martika recapped the decanter and set it back upon the tray from whence it came. Stepping around to the seated area, he placed himself in a modestly designed chair opposite both Arceneau and Flavian. "My primary concern with these agreements is, of course, the war with the Sith," Martika continued, swirling the liquor in his glass as he prepared to broach a rather uncomfortable subject. "I've never been a lover of war profiteering," he said, sipping for a moment. "And I am concerned about reintroducing corporations to the Republic economy through legislation while they conduct business with our enemies. I'm inclined to introduce provisions banning such dichotomous activities."
Martika let the question sink in for a moment, then added. "Of course this isn't an attempt to marginalize the goal of this meeting, nor an implication that corporate entities should not be allowed to conduct their business when and where the market pleases them...yet I do not represent corporations. I represent people. And currently, the people I represent are being murdered by equipment and arms supplied to the Sith from corporations also seeking to conduct business within Republic space. I'm curious to know what your thoughts on this may be, Miss Arceneau."

[member=Caius Flavian] | [member=Danger Arceneau]​

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Geral Varta"] [member="Caius Flavian"]

Ah, this was the tricky bit. However, not one that Danger had not expected. She quietly gave a slight cant of her head, nodding at Caius before turning to Geral Varta.

"My understanding is that there are measures of risk and understanding that comes with dealing with a Galaxy full of hundreds of thousands of companies. There are a few that yes, would want to deal business within Republic space." she began, bringing up her glass to get a drink. "Yet there are others that are merely passing through. There are also those that have been established long before the Republic ever set foot within this territory, welcomed for bringing in work that would profit the local sector and ensure employment is high."

"Weapons manufacturing is just one small niche area; and even then, few companies ever sell exclusively --" Green eyes would flick over the rim of her glass. "That is just bad business to pigeon-hole oneself to one single market."

"The bulk of the companies seeking to do business within the Republic are only doing so to provide a service. Not all are simply wishing to deal arms."

 

[Martika Varta]

Martika narrowed his eyes as Arceneau spoke. The woman slippery, to say the least, and avoided a direct contradiction to his expressed concerns. He decided that the issue would best be resolved within the Senate, but wished to explore things further here and now. He took a sip from his glass, then set it down, running a fingertip around the lip of the glass, over and over as he briefly considered a tactful response. "The Republic can hardly be considered a single market, Miss Arceneau, I'm sure you are aware of this." He said this in a firm tone. He had always been, and would likely remain, a capitalist, though he could not in good conscience ignore the negative impact that dualistic business practices had on his people, and the Republic as a whole. "Weapons are not the only things that perpetuate war, and regardless of where borders were drawn in the past, what matters is where they are drawn in the present. Simply remain aware that while the Republic government wishes to ensure the stability of the economies within its borders, we may seek to limit these dualistic practices in the interest of our people." Martika drew his hand away from his glass, nodding toward Caius. "I'm certain Senator Flavian would agree, though perhaps this is not a discussion for the present; I do not wish to derail the course of this discussion."

[member=Caius Flavian] | [member=Danger Arceneau]​