Faction Ultimatum | Republic Senate & Great Houses

[Aurelian Veruna]

Location: Senate Hall, Theed Royal Palace, Naboo
In Reaction to: War on the Republic: Ultimatum

The holonet shattered the morning like a thrown glass. White corridors and soft-clad aides froze mid-step as the palace's private feeds snapped to the same injured face. Conversations died. The Senate's steady hum, a mix of debates and political maneuverings, stalled into a single, raw intake of breath.

Aurelian Veruna's smile vanished the instant the feed locked on Kalantha. One moment he was idly adjusting the cuff of his jacket, the next the High Chancellor was a ruin of bruises and blood, speaking on a loop for the whole Republic to witness. The sight ignited him like oil catching flame, burning away any helpless fury. His eyes hardened into the sort of dangerous, youthful focus that could charm an ally or terrify an opponent.

He barked for Tona with a voice grown suddenly too small for the storm inside him. "Tona... now. Stir the others. Senate Hall. Every chair you can fill." The request was a command wrapped in velvet; she obeyed, already moving before he turned.

As he strode, the palace around him blurred into motion: servants bolting between offices, datapads liberated from hands, emissaries gaping. Aurelian's thoughts spooled faster than his feet. He knew the Black Sun would demand concessions, and the ransom would be grotesque. He also knew a line in her voice would leave him on that list: "Interim Chancellor Aurelian Veruna... alive."

He tasted irony, bitter and metallic. Would some gilded Senator offer Sepan 8 as a bargaining chip, tucking him into the price like a trinket? Would an ambitious rival turn his name into currency to secure trade lines or political advantage? The idea made his blood run cold and hot at once.

He reached his pod, and the Senate Hall beyond unfurled like a sleeping beast. Every screen in the hall still looped Kalantha's fractured statement. He thrust his palm forward; demanding the feeds die.

Silence pooled, immediate and wide. Aurelian stepped forward into it, letting the danger in his smile hang. He then filled the room with a voice that was all inheritance and promise. "We will not negotiate with terrorists," he declared, each word struck like metal. "But we will not be cowed. This cannot stand; not for the Republic, not for Inara, and not for any of us who would make a market of a person's life. We make a play today."

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

They lost Dominique the moment the first demand was made. Sepan 8. One step closer to Denon. Again. Humbler this time. Perhaps they'd learned that turning up the heat too quickly by targeting Wielu earned a rapid response, and by doing so slower this time... well, it was only one system and for a good cause. Perhaps it would go unnoticed. Well, it was noticed. And it incensed Dominique to think the Black Sun would try yet again.

As for the credits, she didn't care. It was an obvious effort to stymie their attempt to build up defenses, but hardly worth getting upset over. A mere strategic decision.

Their last demand, however, was an absurd as the first. They wanted Veruna now. Why would they want to trade one Chancellor for another? Dominique had her thoughts on the matter. Ones she wouldn't share with even her aides at this point. So many often forgot or overlooked the fact those representing Denon knew how the game was played. Dominique did it with a silken steel grip unlike others, but that hadn't changed the nature of the game, or her understanding of the rules.

"Reschedule the day's meetings," Dominique announced as she rose from her desk, "I doubt anyone that planned to attend the economic meetings will find themselves free enough to complain now. And send word to our fleet, they're to be on standby alert. This could be a smokescreen to distract us while they launch an invasion." Fifty-fifty. Good enough odds to have them sit up a little straighter (if that were possible) out there in the void.

With that, the Denonite Director strode from the chamber and to where the Senate was evidently commanded to assemble. No small council meeting beforehand? The announcement might be felt too public. Or perhaps that last demand too personal. Whatever the case, all that was left was to see what followed.

Dominique remain standing as people assembled. She didn't feel like getting comfortable, or being unprepared should something transpire. This slow moving shadow war had begun to draw on her nerves. A sentiment Aurelian might share if by 'play' he meant a proper response to this effort to extort them.

For the time, however, she was silent. Dominique wanted a read on those that would attend. How eager would they be to respond? In what capacity? Or would they all stand there silent uninterested in taking any responsibility? How many of them would object and council drawing it out? Because it was a war in the shadows, and she didn't for a moment believe it hadn't already crossed the threshold.

Aurelian Veruna | Open​

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

​

Naboo. Xazzex hated being on Naboo. Not because of its idyllic setting. Falleen had its own naturalist environs. There'd been trouble with pollution from industry at one point, but they had it under control now. Not as well as the Great Naboo, but well enough not to feel envious. Naboo wasn't the only world with trees and waterfalls. It was the people. The way they walked. How they talked. A cavalier attitude believing the galaxy was theirs because they happened to be Human.

That was the problem. Too many Humans.

Not that you could say that and not have half the galaxy immediately turn against you. Not openly. Among the right crowd, however; those that understood the threat their kind posed due to sheer numbers alone. Obviously, it wasn't talent that kept them at the fore.

And to be conjured so hastily... Xazzex Xivar strode through the hallway in no particular hurry accompanied by the cloaked droid that delicious woman from Nar Shaddaa had gifted her. Let the rest of them scurry for their seats. No planets were on fire. Why this broadcast that no doubt was the cause of the commotion hadn't even set a deadline for the exchange. She wasn't going to hurry because they demanded it without cause.

In due time, of course, the Senator [and Empress] of Falleen took her seat and lifted a goblet of wine from the side table.

Likewise, Aurelian took the floor just as soon as the chamber had as many seats as they could fill. Xazzex actually didn't mind Aurelian. Still Human, but his attitude was at least enjoyable. Arrogant Haughty. Commanding. If only he were Falleen. His words were bold and decisive, which were pleasing to the ear; but he stopped short of describing the play. A pause meant to solicit response? Give everyone time to process?

Yes, well, not everyone in the chamber was as sharp as they should be to occupy their seat. More was the pity for their worlds, but Xazzex didn't care if they fell behind from sheer incompetence. As for herself, she would wait to hear what the man had in mind before she objected. After all, there was that standing arrangement with interested third parties.

Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Open​

 

[Aerys Mourn]

HOPE SHATTERED

Tag: Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Xazzex Xivar​

Silence followed Aurelian’s declaration, sharp and absolute, the kind that comes when conviction fills every corner of a room. From the back of the Senate chamber, Aerys rose. The senator from Vandor carried himself with the quiet gravitas of one who had walked both battlefields and council floors, his hands clasped behind his back as his gaze swept the room. The glow of looping holofeeds still washed over the faces of his peers, Chancellor Kalantha’s bruised visage flickering like a wound the galaxy could not look away from.

Aerys did not speak at once. He listened to the faint hum of unease in the air, to the murmuring current of the Force that wove through the chamber like smoke. When he finally stepped forward, his voice did not cut, but carried, a calm current meant to steady the tide.

“We must be clear,” he began, his tone deliberate, unhurried. “Anger will make us loud, but not wise. If we meet terror only with vengeance, we surrender to its design.” The words were not a rebuke, but a reminder. He knew the Chancellor’s fire was needed; the Republic would not survive without those willing to meet darkness head-on, but even fire needed the breath of restraint to shape it into something enduring.

He extended one hand slightly, a subtle gesture that only the Force-sensitive in the room might have felt. Through it, Aerys sent a ripple of calm, a faint warmth that rolled outward like sunlight breaking through stormclouds. Somewhere, if the Force willed it, perhaps even Kalantha might feel it: a whisper of steadiness, a reminder that the Senate still stood with her, not as bartering politicians, but as sentinels of the Republic’s soul.

“The Black Sun will expect our rage,” Aerys continued. “They will count on it. Let them be wrong. Let our play be one of precision, not impulse.” His gaze drifted across the tiers of the Senate floor. “We must pursue those who trade in lives as if they were cargo, investigate every senator, every merchant, every syndicate contact who saw this as opportunity. Justice demands we move swiftly, but it also demands we move rightly.”

A hush followed. The tension in the chamber remained charged as he continued to speak, “What I ask,” he said at last, “is unity of purpose, not of emotion. Let courage guide our hearts, and prudence our hands. We must not let outrage blind us to the duty that defines us. The Republic will stand tallest not when it strikes, but when it refuses to fall.”

He inclined his head toward Aurelian then, a gesture of respect, not submission. “The Interim Chancellor’s courage gives us momentum, and we must use that to return her home.” as Aerys returned to his seat, the Force lingered around him like the quiet after a storm, not stillness, but balance.

They Would Not Falter.​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx Xazzex Xivar Aerys Mourn

​

The chamber had fallen into a strained quiet, broken only by the faint hum of holo-displays still flickering Kalantha's wounded image across the walls. It was a sight that pierced through even the most hardened hearts, but for Senator Eharl Sarn of Enarc, it did something far rarer. It broke his composure.

The elderly Ithorian's throat rumbled low and deep, his twin mouths drawing a tremulous breath. When he finally spoke, the usual gentle cadence of his voice carried a weight of fury few had ever heard from him.

"This is no longer a matter of deliberation," he began, his voice resonating through the chamber like a slow, rolling tide. "That transmission is proof of life, and proof of our failure to act sooner. We must not delay any longer."

His dark eyes glistened, not with sentiment, but conviction.

"High Chancellor Kalantha was formerly our Queen, the heart of this Republic when it was the Royal Republic. She has given everything in service to its people, and now she is left to the wild dogs of Black Sun?" His usually calm tone cracked with indignation. "Unacceptable."

He turned toward the senators' tiered seats, his broad form rising as he gestured with one heavy hand.

"I call for direct action. I call upon the Bothan Spy Network, upon Republic Intelligence, upon every agent and ally within our reach, to find her and bring her home. Not tomorrow. Not next session. Now."

A pause, then softer, but no less resolute: "This has gone on far too long. We owe her more than words. We owe her our action."

​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

T H E E D ** P A L A C E
Items: x x x x x

The throne room was silent save for the low hum of the holo-feed dying into static. The image of Kalantha's bruised and bloody visage still burned behind Sibylla's eyes as any brand.

The weight of her headdress pressed against her skull, the jeweled lattice biting faintly into her scalp. It was grounding pain, as pain was often easier to control than rage. Her posture remained immaculate -- the perfect picture of Nabooan grace and composure but the faint tremor at her lower lip where the maroon Scar of Remembrance stained it betrayed the storm beneath.

Sibylla's heart thundered as anger rolled through her veins in cold, methodical waves.

How dare they.

"Your Majesty," Corde's voice broke the suffocating quiet with that deadly measured calm only a Daughter of the Scar could convey.

"Interim High Chancellor Veruna has called an emergency Senate meeting to rally a decision."

Sibylla's jaw tightened. Of course he had. Aurelian would not let this stand. Neither would she. Those hazel eyes fixed on the flickering holoprojector as her jaw tightened.

"No... we do not negotiate with terrorists," she murmured. "But we will make Black Sun regret they ever touched our former Queen."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Location: The Senate
Tags: Dominique Vexx | Xazzex Xivar | Aerys Mourn | Eharl Sarn | Sibylla Abrantes

Aurelian's pod moves back into the center of the hall, letting each voice settle. He grins, a look that suggests danger is just another stage to master. He inclines his head subtly to everyone, showing respect, but with clear steeliness underneath.

He speaks, his voice low and sure at first, then gaining volume so no senator could mistake his seriousness for mere bravado. "We will not be shattered by spectacle," he declares. "Under this state of emergency I authorize the immediate deployment of palace and planetary security protocols. My personal detail doubles tonight. The Palace perimeter goes from courtesy to cordon. If any senator wishes additional protection, submit a request and it will be granted without delay."

Aurelian paces once, and the hall seems to lean with him, pulled by curiosity. "This is not a moment for symbols alone," he continues. "I am opening direct lines to the High Republic Strategic Command. We form a joint task force this hour covering intelligence, special operations, and fleet coordination. We will not haggle over honor when her life hangs between us and the criminals who profited from her capture."

Aurelian's eyes flash with an appetite for decisive action. "Denon and its Fleets have always answered when the Republic calls. Along with our own fleet I will ask them to interdict Black Sun logistics in the hyperlanes: denying them safe routes, seizure points, and banking couriers. We will choke their corridors of profit."

He then turns, his gaze sweeping the tiers as if memorizing faces for the work ahead. "Republic Intelligence and the Bothan network will be given all necessary clearances and resources. When they locate Kalantha, we will not dither. Precision extraction and surgical retaliation is the order. This means arrests, seizures, and the dismantling of syndicate cells across the Mid-Rim. No safe harbors. No comfortable silence."

Aurelians hand rises once, impatient with the room's simmering debate. "We will act with speed and legality. We will act with force when needed. We will return the High Chancellor alive, and we will make Black Sun pay in ways that echo through their ledgers and their bones."

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique paid careful attention to Aerys' speech. The words and phrases, intonation, inflection... What he said wasn't wrong, but the right word mixed with calls for 'prudence' could paralyze the body. 'Haste' was a term some used to 'caution' inaction. Not directly, but such counsel inevitably was meant to cause confusion, uncertainty, and doubt. By the end, however, it didn't seem Aerys meant to forestall a response. Some might take it that way, but Dominique didn't consider him a hostile actor.

Meanwhile, Eharl took an uncharacteristically proactive approach to this assembly. Personal history motivated them to action? His tone certainly suggested as much. Well, if not now then when? It was good to see the man in action without being prompted.

There were others, and some cast a dubious lot, but those prone to calling attention to procedural matters or demanding they not act 'hastily' had not made their thoughts know yet. Perhaps they too were waiting to see where Aurelian stood; what the Republic intended before making any assumptions. Dominique understood well if that were true. After all, she hadn't stepped forward because she needed to know the man's thoughts. If there'd been even the slightest consideration to capitulating to the demands, she would have rattled the chandeliers of the Assembly with her voice. They were not trading one Chancellor for another; one strong leader for another while the Black Sun sought to traumatize the person, and shake the faith in a nation.

The Denonite nodded slightly as Aurelian began to lay out his plan. Even the calling upon for Denon's participation did not run afoul. Until he mentioned interdicting Black Sun logistics in the hyperlanes. That was a matter they would need to discuss outside of Chambers. A dangerous play. Not just because it would impact corporations, but it could quickly spiral out of control. Kidnapping their Chancellor was an Act of War, but which government in the Syndicate was responsible? Meanwhile, locking down trade routes of vessels 'allegedly' part of said Syndicate could be viewed as an Act of War by a very specific government: the High Republic. And, yes, there were the optics of Denon being involved as well, but a hot trade war was far more concerning.

Perhaps Aurelian, or Republic Intelligence, would have a means of fingering known criminal elements however. In which case it was little more than a police action. Yes, Dominique would have to see what data was available to devise the best way to spin this to their advantage. To let the masses know they weren't interdicting everyone, but specific, known criminal elements. It wasn't just the High Republic citizenry she had to convince, but the galactic community as well.

Then there was the matter of Aurelian's 'no safe harbors' comment. Well, it was just a speech. An impassioned and understandable response. One that was making Dominique more work having to placate those that might fear their trade through Denon might be affected. No, Denon was too big to worry about everything being put under a microscope -- that was a feature. Still, Dominique would need to carefully consider if there might be trade supporting the Syndicate and how best to isolate them from the rest. At the same time, she might be able to extract finances or resources from the Republic for Denon; not to lock it down, but to help excise some of the criminal elements. No doubt the Syndicate had members on her world -- it was a big planet -- and while she liked having an open door policy given their recent disposition angling in Denon's direction perhaps it was time to set boundaries.

She had to admit, this was one of Aurelian's finest speeches. A gradual build. A strong closing. A clear and specific objective -- well, the return of the Chancellor, anyway. Making the Black Sun pay was easier said than done; after all, how could you put a cost estimate on one Chancellor's life? Well, Analysts on Denon already had, but no one needed to see those reports now did they?

If the chamber clapped for his performance, Dominique would join them. She wouldn't hoot or hollar, of course, but a smile and applause was not unwarranted.

Aurelian Veruna | Xazzex Xivar | Aerys Mourn | Eharl Sarn | Sibylla Abrantes | Open​

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

​

Xazzex's countenance didn't change despite the calls for action, and the love for their Chancellor on display. It was a grand performance. As someone that expected nothing less than this from her own Court should something happen to her, Xazzex praised the lot of them for the passion they brought to the scene. And just like if it had happened to herself, the Falleen Empress expected it was nothing but a show. Multiple factions would be sharpening their knives to claim whatever power became available in this vacuum. Aurelian might be filling in for the time being, but 'proper' elections had to be held; which was the polite way of saying his power wasn't as solidified as it might seem.

Genuine, selfless concern? Don't be absurd. The Falleen didn't fall for outsider theater.

Aerys had been the first to draw a stare from the Falleen that was comfortably seated for the show. The call for every senator, merchant, and whomever else he deemed deviant to be investigated... If he for one moment thought she'd submit to any thing of the sort, he was greatly mistaken. The Republic might have Falleen surrounded, but that did not mean Falleen had become one of their toadies -- a helpless urchin with their hands out hopeful not to be beaten for their efforts. They could try, and then they'd have two fronts to deal with.

Aurelian, meanwhile, as the ring leader of this puppet show, got her full attention. Xazzex slowly swirled the wine in her goblet as he laid out his 'plan' for action. Concepts of a plan at any rate. Lock down the hyperlanes, ferret out the criminals.

Once the clamor died down, Xazzex set the glass aside and stepped forward to speak. "By all means, save High Chancellor Kalantha." They could do that by capitulating, after all. "But do you intend for this Republic to become an Empire?" She paused for a single second. "So many ideas are being cloaked within the idea of saving her. So many dangerous ideas that have a historical habit of never being undone. Investigate the Senators. Investigate the Merchants. Interdict the Hyperlanes."

"Dismantling the Syndicate." Xazzex slammed a hand down on her podium. "That one is my favorite. Let me ask those with all the answers this: if it was so easy to excise the criminal element from your ranks to prevent the kidnapping of the High Chancellor in the first place, or in punishing those that have wronged you, why hadn't you ever done it before?" The Falleen's brow rose as she stood there staring at Aurelian. Then her gaze slowly swept out to the rest of those assembled. "Why haven't you already taken these steps before? What has changed? Do you have new spy networks? New technologies? A sudden well-spring in credits to finance ambitious, if risky initiatives? Or is this all being excused in an effort to purportedly save one, single person when there are people forced into slavery every. single. day?" Her turn stopped back on Aurelian.

The emerald green woman stood there with her chin lifted, just staring for a few seconds. "The people would love to know why."

Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Aerys Mourn | Eharl Sarn | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x

​

The rumble in Senator Sarn's chest was low as the Itohorian readied himself. He inclined his head to Empress Xazzex with a courtesy his years demanded, but his eyestalks held iron.

"Empress Xazzex, your questions are just," he began in a mild but stern tone, "History teaches us to fear power taken in the name of mercy. We must be vigilant of that. I will not excuse past failures, but I want to bring back to the forefront that it was Black Sun who attacked Senators at Wielu and Sepan 8, who dare charge into our Senate Chambers and kidnap the High Chancellor and murder our Magistrate, and right after did the Empire decide to use a superweapon in the form of the Death Star III to attack the Alliance, forcing us to shore up our defenses in the potential attack of a planet killer."

He folded his hands as his long slender fingers tented over his stomach in a slow and deliberate manner.

"But a living woman hangs in the balance. Restoration of her safety is not the same thing as empire. What Interim Chancellor Veruna proposes is targeted: a joint task force with Senate oversight, legal warrants, sunset provisions, and audits by the Assembly. Rescue first and transparent reckoning next. We will not trade law for spectacle."

His two mouths softened a fraction.

"If you doubt our intent, sit with me when the Bothans and Republic Intelligence brief us. Read the warrants. Watch the clearances. Judge the measures you insist upon. Let prudence and urgency walk together. Save High Chancellor Kalantha now, then we will pull the rot into the light and answer every hard question with proof and not platitude."

| Xazzex Xivar Dominique Vexx Aurelian Veruna Sibylla Abrantes Aerys Mourn |​

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

​

From the first word. The first word. It only reinforced everything Xazzex thought of outsiders. Well-meaning idiots.

Empress? Xazzex didn't recall Sarn ever humbling himself at her feet and pledging loyalty to Falleen. He certainly wasn't Falleen himself. The Empress of the Falleen didn't walk about out in the open for everyone to see her face and think of her as just any ordinary citizen. They had Senator Xazzex Xivar suffering their idiocy -- so as to ensure the Empress didn't get some blind fool's interpretation of their nonsense. The same sort of thing she did for Falleen's own government -- let them rule as they saw fit or as she demanded, oversee their actions, and step in to correct them when they did something truly idiotic.

"Now the threat is not only a band of criminals capable of kidnapping our Chancellor, and whose threat must countered immediately as it has been allowed to grow too great; but to address a planet killer deployed by the Galactic Empire and already destroyed by an allied fleet."

Xazzex nodded slightly.

"Members of the Senate, and Citizens of the Republic, I invite you all to remember this moment. Not as a simply response to criminal action. Not as a well-thoughtout or planned response to ensuring the defense of our planets and our peoples. But when the Republic chose to do whatever it took to stop an undefined enemy of uncertain persons. The Interim Chancellor and Senator of Enarc seek to reassure us the Rule of Law has not been abandoned, and yet I districtly heard the Interim Chancellor, invoking emergency powers, state the Fleet will directed to interdict 'just' hostile vessels along hyperlanes. To say I am skeptical the means to divine which vessels are so hostile to justify extra-judicial searches, restraint, and even incarceration is putting it mildly."

A hand flipped out to the side.

"The Intent is not in question. The means are. Falleen would gladly assist this body in ensuring our freedoms are not savagely curtailed; and should our faith be misplaced, our community can rest assured such aggregious violations will be made known. No one is above the law."

Personally, Xazzex didn't care whether they did or might later consider her above it, beside it, or beyond it. It was a sentiment that played well with the Humans regardless. In any case, it seemed unlikely she could stall this vote or scuttle it. Vexing as that was, perhaps she could at least minimize the damage.

Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Sibylla Abrantes | Aerys Mourn | Eharl Sarn​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Location: THE SENATE
Tags: Xazzex Xivar | Eharl Sarn | Sibylla Abrantes | Dominique Vexx | Aerys Mourn

Aurelian didn't stand immediately. He let her accusations settle, letting the room feel the weight of them, the spark she'd so deliberately struck.

Then he rose, slow and measured, every inch the heir to a proud legacy. "Senator..." he began, his voice now colder, stripped of its earlier smoothness. "You mistake decisive governance for tyranny, and your own cynicism for insight."

His pod glided forward, casting a long shadow across the chamber. "You ask why we haven't eradicated the Black Sun before this moment. The same could be asked of Falleen. After all, Black Sun's leadership wasn't born in our Senate." A thin smile touched his lips. "Many of their most lethal operators were born under your crown. Is the Prince of the Underworld not Falleen?"

A murmur went through the hall. "You question our ability to track hostile vessels along the hyperlanes," he continued, "as if Denon's Defense Fleet hasn't been doing exactly that for decades. As if lane interdiction, cargo scans, and targeted seizures are unfamiliar concepts. They are not. They are the daily tools of border protection and counter-piracy. We are expanding existing authority, not inventing a new empire."

He leaned forward. "And as for your fearmongering about investigative overreach... let me be perfectly clear. Any senator, merchant, or dignitary who profits from organized crime or enables syndicate operations should be afraid. Not because the Republic has become an empire, but because the law finally has the spine to hold them accountable."

His gaze cut like a vibroblade. "If any among us," he said slowly, "worries that interdictions or intelligence sweeps might uncover their dealings... that is not a flaw in the legislation. That is a confession."

The silence that followed was taut and electric. "You claim Falleen will ensure freedoms aren't curtailed," Aurelian finished, his voice dropping into a quiet threat, "and I welcome your scrutiny. Because when the Bothan Network and RIS lay their findings before us, I will expect the same righteous outrage from you... should they find collaborators among your own circles."

A final, chilling smile. "This is not an empire. This is the Republic remembering it has teeth. And I assure you, Senator... we will use them."

​

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

​

"Have a care, Interim Chancellor. You might think my tongue a blade, as you wield your own, but I do not speak for the multitude. So, your 'observation' regarding whether this 'Prince of the Underworld' is Falleen, which some might take as xenophobic remark, should be weighed more carefully. So the honor of all those you represent is not thought less of before the wider, diverse galactic community." Xazzex met Aurelian's eyes without flinching through the exchange.

"As for expanding the authority for existing legal measures: how reassuring. It almost smacks of nothing more than hollow platitudes of this Republic taking a hard stand when -- in truth -- it's merely rededicating itself? The people should feel relieved to know such thorough measures have been taken all this time, and that only the criminal elements that have not eluded us this far will be snared by these traps." Existing measures that had obviously not forestalled attacks Aurelian had trotted out to justify recent actions or would be used to substantiate more in the future.

Xazzex turned her golden eyes out to the Assembly. "And I trust everyone in this room can tell the difference between 'being worried' because of a draconican dragnet versus that of guilt. Perhaps we'll have the Jedi use their mind powers to read the purported enemies of the States' thoughts to tell the difference, and detect falsehoods. Wouldn't that be most effective, Chancellor?" She turned to look back to Aurelian. "Ascertaining the guilt of other parties with no room for doubt. No? Too Imperial? Well, perhaps you'll devise another means for your confessions." Shame they didn't have pheromones that could compel a person to do practically anything. Well, they were only Human.

"I look forward to hearing of these efforts. I'm sure it will prove most... enlightening." Xazzex met Aurelian's stare. If he thought she would be the one to sweat because of the Republic's crackdown, he didn't know her well enough. Which they all should seeing how the Confederacy had represented itself before this very chamber, and often times passionately. Perhaps he thought Falleen stood alone and would fold if the pressure was on? She almost wished he would try.

Aurelian Veruna | Eharl Sarn | Sibylla Abrantes | Dominique Vexx | Aerys Mourn​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Aurelian Veruna Xazzex Xivar Dominique Vexx Aerys Mourn

​

Senator Sarn sat quietly through the exchange as his twin mouths pressed into a thin line, the amber eyestalks shifting slowly between the Interim Chancellor and the Falleen Senator. There was no mistaking the tension pooling within the Senate Hall as the air felt charged.

It only served to prompt the old Ithorian to exhale a slow, rumbling breath that billowed forward as he leaned forward to speak.

"Enough," he began, his deep rumbling voice carrying through the chamber with the roll of thunder.

"We are not here to trade insults or question one another's heritage. I do not approve of the remark that the Falleen of the Underworld represents all Falleen. The crimes of one do not brand a species. Each being chooses their own path and it is by their deeds they must be judged."

A whosh flew from his twin mouths, letting that settle before continuing in a firm but kind tone.

"Interim Chancellor Veruna's intent is clear. So too are Senator Xivar's concerns. Both are valid. We must always guard against overreach, even as we act to defend the Republic. To hesitate too long, however, is to invite the rot to grow deeper still."

Sarn's eyestalks lowered slightly as he panned to look at the rest of the Senators in session in a thoughtful musing.

"The path forward must balance law and resolve. We are all on the same side. The side of justice, of stability, of bringing our High Chancellor home."

His voice lingered before he took in another echoing breath.

"It should be evident to us all that we have a duty to our Republic and to our people. The time for division is over. The time for action -- action conducted with precision and purpose has come. If it is with a focused strike that uses the resources we have to bring her back, then it is not overreach... it is duty."

The elderly Senator of Enarc Ithorian's head inclined towards them all.

"Let us bring High Chancellor Kalantha home."

​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Eharl Sarn Xazzex Xivar Dominique Vexx Aerys Mourn Aurelian Veruna

Due to the financial difficulties faced by the Trade Federation following the destruction of Death Star III over Atrisia, former Senator Sentapoth Findos was summoned back to Neimoidia to serve as an intermediary between the occupying Imperial Forces and the Neimoidian Government.

Therefore, their influence within the High Republic began to diminish, and with the disintegration of the Galactic Alliance, it became much more important to spread their tendrils into a new market not yet burdened by overt regulations.

Toshara was selected by Senator Dod because it held no particular value except for its connections to the Criminal Underworld which would be advantageous for him to secure financing for Federation expansion across the Republic and hopefully keep them afloat until a branch office could be established within the Sith Order's borders.

However, there was a minor issue that required attention: the High Republic Chancellor had been abducted by the Black Sun Syndicate and was being held for ransom.

Nothing could be done without their support in the matter though it appeared that he had traded one bunch of clowns for another as the Republic' Senate was in gridlock with Falleen's Empress Xazzex Xivar squaring off with both Senator Eharl Sarn and Interm Chancellor Aurelian Veruna .

"As Senator Sarn explained, there is no need for this chamber to become bogged down in a tit for tat between our esteemed Empress of Falleen and the Interm Chancellor. Though instead of immediately reacting with violence and the blockading of legitimate trading routes, which many corporations use to ferry goods and services across the Republic.." Monaray did not mention the fact that he was basically fronting for the Trade Federation but anyone with common sense could deduce that the closure of hyperspace lanes would be an act of aggression on the High Republic's part and would anger the Federation's Directorate.

"...We may instead adopt a more flexible posture by engaging in diplomacy first. After all their demands are not set in stone and if we propose a more reasonable offer in return for the High Chancellor, that would be far better than running in blaze of glory and accidently having her killed. An enemy backed into a corner has nothing to lose. We know the Black Sun is not suicidal in their thinking and it is unlikely that they would risk a direct military confrontation after the High Republic defeated them last time in battle." While it might be treasonous to some members of the Senate. Diplomacy was the lifeblood of any democracy and if they could have the Chancellor returned unharmed then it would save them credits in the long term as fighting the Criminal Underworld is not as easy as it seems.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique didn't have anything to say about the Falleen Senator's incendiary comments, nor anything related to them. Far as she was concerned, the two parties directly involved had that in hand. She found it quite illuminating, in fact. Others in chamber did not agree, however, as they sought to curtail any further exchanges. No doubt they thought time was of the essence. Only that had been true before. Now time was... ambiguous at best. When would the Black Sun contact them next? Surely not in the next few minutes. And somehow, Dominique doubted Aurelian was patiently awaiting the Assembly's approval for what he'd deemed necessary. In point of fact, he'd already stated certain actions had been done under emergency order.

As for Denon's Fleet in the East... Well, Dominique wasn't much on begging for permission from the Senate. Aurelian knew he only had to ask and get her to agree to his plan for orders to be passed down. He did have to get her to agree, however; they were walking a tightrope with Denon's reputation also on the line. Well, her world provided many services -- just happened this time it was the use of a fleet. Their over all disposition toward even criminals hadn't changed (not that anyone on Naboo needed to know that).

It wasn't until Senator Dod spoke that she felt a compulsion to speak. Up until that moment -- Falleen intrusion aside -- most were on board with Aurelian's plan, in general. The Neimoidian, however, proposed negotiation.

"Whether we engage in 'diplomacy' or not aside, there is no scenario where exchanging one hostage for another is acceptable." Dominique wanted that on the record if anyone was even thinking of humoring the Black Sun. That 'demand' by the Syndicate was a trap designed to cripple them. Might it be non-negotiable? Perhaps. Perhaps Kalantha might even have to be sacrificed because of it; but the woman would have understood the calculus, no matter how much Dominique personally favored such an open-minded woman.

Then Dominique shook her head. "As for them being backed into a corner... Denon's fight with Darkwire is no secret. Sordid tale as it was, let me stress to this Senate that the Black Sun are not cornered nor close to being cornered. We do not presently have them on the ropes. They will continue to push in along our borders until they find a weakness they can exploit," she paused for a single second, "and then they will push in even further. Do not underestimate them because you think them morally inferior. They make bank, gentlepersons. Their influence has grown in recent time. They are a clear and present danger to this Republic. Act accordingly." She did not like dredging up her world's past -- it had been an embarrassing time she had managed best as she could under the circumstances -- but the Black Sun and Darkwire shared certain things in common. Both were looked down upon as 'mere' criminals or terrorists. Both had a lethargic response because of that sense of being a weak or loose cabal of thugs. Those were gross strategic errors. They needed to take this seriously from the start of everything was doomed to fail.

Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes | Eharl Sarn | Xazzex Xivar | Aerys Mourn | Monaray Dod​