Much like a child, Redarr followed
Mya Jesel
closely as they entered the chamber, Jedi filtering and taking seats while the Khedive remained standing. He offered a polite smile and a small bow to those who looked his way but refrained from speaking until the Jedi had gathered and taken their seats. Again, his companion introduced him and for that, he was grateful to have a friend who was far more comfortable among the Jedi. They did not frighten him so much as they appeared almost otherworldly. Redarr had trouble wrapping his head around the idea that these simple beings carried so much power and knowledge within themselves, something he would never process. Perhaps he would come to have insight into their ways one day, but for now, he would be happy enough with a formal introduction.
"I must thank my companion, for she has made this all possible. I wish I could have come simply for warm greetings and friendly faces, but circumstances on my homeworld have brought me here to ask for your aid."
Redarr addressed those who had already taken their seats and those still filtering in, but he believed that he had gathered enough attention to proceed with his request. He could only hope that those who were gathered in the chamber would recognize his plight and the danger that was to come.
"My homeworld has suffered many calamities in the past few centuries, besieged and conquered by countless evils that have plagued the galaxy. It is only recently, with our entry into the League and the aid that has brought that we have regained our place in the galaxy and have found ourselves in a position to aid others. Yet darkness gathers on the fringes of League space, a darkness that has brought nothing but evil to the galaxy. The Sith."
The older statesman pauses, quietly clearing his throat before beginning again.
"We have been granted a reprieve for the time being as the Sith consume themselves with infighting, but soon they will unite and push into League space. You might say I am selfish, but I firmly believe that my homeworld will be among the first targets, along with the world we stand on now. But I am not here to lecture you on future threats, rather, I wish to tell all of you something that has been hidden from my own people for the sake of public order."
Reaching for his belt, Redarr removes a holoprojector and carefully places it on the floor. When activated, a large, holographic rendition of Sluis Van and the shipyards surrounding it is displayed. Redarr directs attention to certain areas of the planet having the projector zoom in as he continues to speak.
"Tensions between the native Sluissi, Humans, and Bith have always been an issue, but now they are exacerbated by the arrival of refugees from Sith space. The Sluissi fear their species will finally be overwhelmed by new arrivals and have become more militant. In the Congregate, Sluissi representatives call for a complete ban on any arriving refugees while others have begun to take up arms. These groups are small and security forces have largely been able to contain them but it would not take much for a full-scale rebellion to break out. I will not turn away those who suffer, but I would not have them murdered either. This is the issue that consumes my government, but what I tell you now is something myself and a few key members of my administration have kept a closely guarded secret."
The holographic display changes, Sluis Van disappears and instead a projection of a crime scene is displayed. Dead humans lay crumpled, clearly not killed by blaster fire but instead slashed with a lightsaber. On the wall behind the crime scene, drawn in blood, is the symbol of the Sith Order.
"This attack occurred a few weeks ago. Others like it have begun to pop up, always humans killed. I do not know if this is a true operation on behalf of the Sith or a rouge Dark Lord, but regardless these attacks are meant to inspire the militant Sluissi to rise up. Whispers even say they have been promised Sluis Van if they willingly turn their world over to the Sith Empire. This cannot be verified, but what can be is the constant raids by pirates and slavers, attacking refugees convoys and retreating into Sith space before defense forces can stop them."
With a sigh, Redarr deactivates the hologram and returns the projector to his belt.
"My advisors propose two options. Give in to the Sluissi demands and prevent refugees from arriving on world, which would hopefully buy us time to deal with the murders and the raiders. The other option, one I am even less inclined to agree with, would be to begin to purchase vast quantities of battle droids and begin construction of a new, offensive navy and crush rebellion by force. Some militants within my own party propose we invade Sith space to destroy the raiders there which could very well direct the Sith's attention toward us."
Redarr folds his hands behind his back, his head turning to look at those who were listening as if to make his request more impactful.
"Quite simply, I need the Jedi. Both to investigate the murders and aid in protecting the refugees'. It is my hope that once the raiders find Jedi protecting them they will at least reduce their attacks and give the defense forces time to regroup and prepare better defenses. I must beg this of you, I do not wish to plunge my world into civil war."
Rhiza Dural
|
Tiland Kortun
| Redarr Syko
