An Anti-Slavery Legislation

[Darren Brunswick]

Senator Brunswick of Kuat calmly sipped on his vine coffee as the afternoon Senate session started. After a minute, he put down his coffee cup and reached for his pod's controls. With a gentle thrust, the pod started moving to the center of the Senate. The conversations that had a minute ago filled the dome now ceased as Brunswick stood up on his pod as it he reached the center of the Senate's chamber.

He put his pod on a slow 360 degree turn as he started speaking so that he could make eye contact with every senator inside the chamber. "Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and my fellow Senators of the Galactic Republci!" Brusnwick's voice rang out across the chamber of the Senate. "I'd first like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to talk to you today about an important issue. I stand before you today, to convince the Senate to officially prohibit slavery in the Galactic Republic."

"Yes, it is true that there are some planets in our Republic that has put a stop to slavery. However, there are no current official laws in place in the Galactic Republic that make slave trade and usage illegal. My friends, fellow senators, we must pass an anti-slavery legislation so that we show the Galaxy that we will not tolerate the immoral use and trade of slaves!" Brunswick paused for a second, before continuing.

"I have already prepared a draft for this legislation, ofcourse." Senator Brunswick pressed a button on his pod, and a giant holographic image was broadcasted above his head of the draft. It was as the following:
The Anti-Slavery Act
- recognizing that there is no current law in the Galactic Republic that prohibits or even monitors slavery,
- beliving that the Galactic Republic should not tolerate slavery of any kind,
- therefore this act officially prohibits all types of slavery in every planet in the Galactic Republic.
- Any citizen or official no matter their wealth or social rank found to be trading, smuggling, or possessing slaves will be punished with a fine no less than 10,000 Galactic credits, and / or at least one year in prison.

The Senator of Kuat gazed around at his audience, and waited as he waited for the Senate's reaction to his proposed legislation.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

Aurelia rose and activated her microphone.
"The motion has been tabled by the honourable Senator of Kuat. I will examine the contents of this bill, and while I feel it is vitally necessary, we must ensure there are no loopholes which may be exploited. I have seen the term 'indenturing' or 'fixed contract' being used as a surrogate for slavery. Does your bill contain provisions to eliminate these loopholes, Senator?"

"Does anyone wish to comment on this bill before it is put to the vote?"

 

[Darren Brunswick]

Senator Brunswick listened patiently as the Chancellor spoke.
"Yes, your excellency. The terms 'indenturing' or 'fixed contract' indeed are sometimes used as a surrogate for slavery. This bill, however, defines slaves as a person who is the legal property of another and is not paid for by the owner. Therefore, the legality of indenturing / fixed contract will depend on whether or not the person is being paid." clarified the senator. He looked around the chamber for additional comments.

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

Ardak sighed as Senator Brunswick began to propose his anti-slavery bill. Man didn't even know his own history. He left his seated position at the front of the pod and went back to speak with one of his advisers.

"I want Queen Lorelei on the hololine immediately." Ardak said to his men, and they began shuffling about to bring out a holomonitor and contact Kuat's Queen. Ardak then returned to his pod just as Aurelia asked for comment.

"Senator Brunswick, this bill cannot pass if the stability of the Republic is to be maintained. Regrettably, it seems that you do not know the history of your own planet, as the Kuat nobles rely on a form of indentured servitude to help produce intelligent and able heirs. These men and women called the Telbun would be outlawed under this bill, and it would result in Kuat, as well as Kuat Drive Yards, which I might add is one of the top three ship producers in the Galaxy and extremely vital to the defense of the Republic, would most likely succeed in protest. In order to conduct a conversation of this bill with a person more knowledgeable in the history and culture of Kuat, I have taken the liberty in getting a hololink to the Queen of Kuat,( @[member="Lady Silencia"].) Queen Lorelei. Ardak spoke as a holomonitor appeared next to him with an image of Kuat's Queen.

"Now Senator @[member="Darren Brunswick"], if you would I'd like you tell the contents of bill again, to the woman in command of your post."

OOC:I have talked with a Faction Admin and have been allowed to bring a non-senator character into the Senate.

 

[Darren Brunswick]

Senator Brunswick still gave a somewhat forced polite smile to Senator Serifen.
So Brunswick didn't some of his own history, eh? Brunswick cleared his throat before speaking. "First of all, I'd like to let you know, senator, that Lady Silencia is NOT the Queen of Kuat. Lady Lorelei Darke, senator, is the Sovereign of Kuat as well as the CEO of KDY. ((Lady Silencia is her Sith name just FYI.)) I am not aware who Lady Silencia is. Now, "You have asked me to restate my proposed bill. I will gladly repeat the words of my proposed legislation."

The Anti-Slavery Act
- recognizing that there is no current law in the Galactic Republic that prohibits or even monitors slavery,
- beliving that the Galactic Republic should not tolerate slavery of any kind,
- therefore this act officially prohibits all types of slavery in every planet in the Galactic Republic.
- Any citizen or official no matter their wealth or social rank found to be trading, smuggling, or possessing slaves will be punished with a fine no less than 10,000 Galactic credits, and / or at least one year in prison.

And I have another question for you, senator. Why would we classify Telbun as a slave when they already get paid more than I do? In case you're not aware, although they are technically 'property of the upper class', they are paid handsomely. Many Kuatians consider becoming a Telburn a great honor. Also, Senator Serifen, I'd have double checked my facts before criticizing another senator for not knowing their planet's own history. But please, I am more than interested in hearing what Lady Lorelei has to say."

 

[Quietus]

Lady Lorelei sat stiffly within a high-backed chair of her Council chambers. She had been, as of a moment ago, sitting in a meeting of the Kuatian Council to discuss new developments within their R&D branch. The call to Senate meeting came as some surprise and also some irritation.

The recently appointed Queen, Kuat of Kuat and Sovereign of the Planet, turned a narrowed gaze in upon the holographic image presented to her. Lips tightening as her fair Senator said his piece.

"Thank you, Senator Serifen, for bringing this to my attention. Admittedly I'm a bit at a loss for words regarding my Senator's move for this, given as it stands that while the position of a Telbun is indeed an honorable one steeped in tradition, it is by Senator Brunswick's very definition one of servitude and slavery."

The Queen folded her hands on the table before her, gaze lifting momentarily to glance around the Council table and the dozens of members present to witness this account. Of course they would not be visible on the projection received by the Senate, but it was clear by her motion to maintain silence on her end that she was not alone.

"That being said I cannot currently promote this move in legislation proposed by Senator Brunswick on the grounds of failure to communicate. Rest assured, majority Council agrees."

There was a wave of murmuring that might have transmitted through, resulting from the talk on her end within the Council Chamber. Lorelei once more held up a hand for silence.

 

[Darren Brunswick]

Brunswick gritted his teeth as the woman spoke. It was difficult enough tolerating her as the CEO of KDY, but it almost drove him nuts that Lorelei had become the 'Sovereign of Kuat'.
"Thank you, Senator Serifen, for bringing this to my attention. Admittedly I'm a bit at a loss for words regarding my Senator's move for this, given as it stands that while the position of a Telbun is indeed an honorable one steeped in tradition, it is by Senator Brunswick's very definition one of servitude and slavery. That being said I cannot currently promote this move in legislation proposed by Senator Brunswick on the grounds of failure to communicate. Rest assured, majority Council agrees."

Brunswick was slightly irritated at that point, but tried to maintain at least a polite posutre and expression. "I apologize, m'lady. I will make sure by all means that I contact you to discuss every single piece of legislation that I plan to propose or vote for. Also, my Queen has stated that the Tulban goes against my definition of slavery. I have defined slaves as those who are not paid, and as both of us are aware, they get paid even more than me. My friends, I will make sure that Kuat's USE OF TULBANS ARE NOT BANNED by this law. Is that good? Are there any other reasons, @[member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""]Ardak Serifen, besides the possibility of making Tulbans illegal why the passage of this bill will harm 'the stability of the Republic'?"

 

[Quietus]

"You seem to misunderstand, Senator Brunswick," Lorelei returned sharply, "Telbun do not receive salaries nor payment for their services to their assigned families. They are paid for by means as compensation to their own families from which they are purchased. Selectively bought, as it were, though we chose not to word it so here for fear of looking uncivilized. Perhaps you are thinking of payment by social means as per providing a household in which to reside and a purchasing family within which to partake. Were residency considered payment in any form, then by all means there is no such thing as a slave in all the galaxy. All Masters are tasked with keeping their tools, lest they rot and become useless."

A dark look claimed her expression, but not one of mirth, one of disgust. For the Queen of Kuat, speaking the words as she did was a disgust in itself, but necessary to make her point. She took a calming breath and straightened herself, "That is my official stance, Members of the Senate may take it for face value. Should this bill come to pass I suspect there will be more words to share. Thank you again, Senator Serifen. Have you any further questions for myself or, perhaps, the entirety of the Kuatian Council sans Senator Brunswick?"

 

[Rodo Mass]

Coming forward, Rodo moved slowly, the robes billowing around his body. Since his return due to Mak's help, he had been wondering what this new world would offer him. With the Galactic Republic again, one he had remembered, the droid was glad to see that the senators were going at making everyone equal and making slavery illegal.

Though, as a droid revolutionist and a Jedi, it was his goal to continue to push for rights for droids. As he stepped onto a pod and moved forward, Rodo looked at the senators assembled, his voice modulator rising for all to hear.

"I have a worry, senators, and it's one that has never been address by the Republic, this one, or the Old Republic. Droids are not given these rights, and thousands of my brethren across the Galaxy, who are sapient and sentient, who have emotions, who feel and think, are still being held as property."
"As a droid myself, and a Jedi Knight, I find it strange that droids aren't given their freedom..."

 

[Darren Brunswick]

Senator Brunswick once more gritted his teeth as he heard the CEO / Queen speak.
"Well, then. It does seem indeed that I have not been correctly educated in the history of my planet. And for that, I apologize. But as I have said it before, I'll MAKE SURE THAT THE USE OF TALBURN ARE NOT MADE ILLEGAL BY MY LEGISLATION!"
Brunswick almost shouted the last sentence, frustrated and annoyed.
"Lady Lorelei, I do have a question for you and my fellow councilors of KDY. I ask you, my friends, why are our Talbruns still not getting paid? Are my fellow Kuatians too proud to stop this tradition of a sort of forced slavery?! But do not worry, as this legislation, if it passes, will not affect our use of Talburns."

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

Ardak took the mic and addressed Senator Brunswick and the entire Senate. "So first you say Telbuns are not defined as slaves by the Bill, then your queen says it fits your legal definition, then you say the bill will specifically not affect Telbuns? Without even redrafting the Bill? Or perhaps you are implying that you'll alter the contents of the bill after it's passed? Senator Brunswick, the frustrations and angers you are hold are transparent to the Senate, and I believe your insistence on arguing with the leading government of your planet are sufficient evidence that you were not aware of the consequences that your proposed Bill would cause if passed. I would like to motion for the Senate to be sent into a recess, until Senator Brunswick has spoken with the officials of his planet and can adequately represent their policies and beliefs."

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

On the podium Aurelia Saelari let out a profound sigh. She wondered why it was that she had been born now and not in a time where every single issue didn't create a storm of arguments, issues and debates that made the Old Republic look like a slick machine.

If she didn't have great willpower, she'd have face-palmed.

The issue of why the rulers of Kuat required indentured breeding slaves was not one she felt like asking. Clearly they thought they had good reasons....

 

[Darren Brunswick]

Senator Brunswick by this time, had regained calm.
"My fellow senators, I apologize once more for my frustration. However. I have repeatedly stated that the use of Telburns wouldn't be affected by my legislation. Here is a new draft:

The Anti-Slavery Act
- recognizing that there is no current law in the Galactic Republic that prohibits or even monitors slavery,
- beliving that the Galactic Republic should not tolerate slavery of any kind,
- therefore this act officially prohibits all types of slavery in every planet in the Galactic Republic.
- the exception being that of use of Telburns in Kuat
- Any citizen or official no matter their wealth or social rank found to be trading, smuggling, or possessing slaves will be punished with a fine no less than 10,000 Galactic credits, and / or at least one year in prison.

Senator Serifen, it is none of your business on telling me how to handle my politics. I see no reason why this bill shouldn't even be put into a vote if you cannot provide another good reasoning against the legislation. After all, if my fellow senators here really share the same thoughts as you, Senator Serifen, they'd vote against the legislation. I am frustrated that the only argument Senator Serifen provided against my legislation was about the use of Telburns. Are there any more comments or questions?"

 

[Rodo Mass]

"Yes. What about the concerns of the rights of droids, senator? No one has yet address my concern on your anti-slavery law when it comes to droids."

 

[Darren Brunswick]

Brunswick shook his head.
"I apologize, Master Jedi. But at this in the Senate we are not dealing with the rights of droids. Today is not the time to discuss the rights of a droid, and does not concern the issue at hand."

 

[Rodo Mass]

"But free droids are still placed under owners, negating their freedom of choice, putting them as workers and quelling their rights. You build a slave, and when your slave becomes self-aware, the droid is still held as a prisoner."

"I am a droid and a Jedi, but I am only this due to a special occurrence with a Shard in my body that has the ability to control the Force. If I am able to be what I am, due to my fighting for my freedom, why can't droids have the same freedoms as biologicals?"

 

[Darren Brunswick]

"I apologize once more, Master Jedi, but we will debate about droids at another time. Thank you."

 

[Rodo Mass]

Looking at the senator for a few seconds, he moved the pod back to it's station, walking away from the Senate. So, this was the Republic that Mak had once spoken about. He had said he always detested it, that he had disliked politicians, that they were useless, but seeing it now, for himself, Rodo wasn't sure.

While he didn't like the fact that droids were still being kept out of the discussion, at least he made a step in telling others how he felt. Though, as he was about to leave the building, a voice rang through him, one he knew well.

"It didn't go as you planned, did it...?

It was the Shard that was inside of him, Delexis. While most wouldn't understand, they had connection, a friendship. He had saved him centuries ago, and by placing him in his body, Rodo was able to become a Jedi, with Delexis guiding the Force. They were friends. Stopping, he pondered the question.

"No, but it was a start. I've seen old recordings of Senate meetings, so I knew the protocols, but to see it firsthand is something different. You must understand, if you were an Iron Knight, you would have the same right as anyone else, due to you being a sentient species."

"But a droid, no matter how sentient and sapient he becomes, is still looked as a piece of property. For thousands of years, we've been the tools of war, construction and general labor for the Galaxy. I'm the first of my kind, a droid who has his own will and is sentient and sapient, and maybe I can do something to change how droids are treated."

"And Mak Manto? Will you tell him of this? You two were once enemies and than friends. Now that he has returned, how does he fit into all of this?"

"I think Mak will help. Before he was placed in cryostasis, he helped me save an army of droids that several factions wanted to use for war, that became self-aware, but we helped them, brought them to a world where they could be free. For now, I won't say anything, but let's see how this works out."

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

OOC: @[member="Rodo Mass"], if you want to talk in a Senate thread you need to be a Senator or a Jedi Council Member on the Jedi Council. You can't just walk into a senate thread with you're droid and pretend you can speak to the entire audience.

IC:

Ardak began speaking to the security of the senate "Security, this droid has no legal right to be present at a senate meeting. Please escort him out, and report his lack of regard for Republic Law to Grandmaster Darron Wraith." Ardak ordered and security escorted the Droid out of the senate. Ardak then turned his attention to the Kuat Senator, and began systematically explaining his change of position throughout the meeting.

"Senator Brunswick, you're methodology and proposal have changed many times throughout the debate. I would recommend you assist me in calling for a recess before you further sully your name. You began the debate saying that the provisions your bill were, and I quote;

- recognizing that there is no current law in the Galactic Republic that prohibits or even monitors slavery,
- beliving that the Galactic Republic should not tolerate slavery of any kind,
- therefore this act officially prohibits all types of slavery in every planet in the Galactic Republic.
- Any citizen or official no matter their wealth or social rank found to be trading, smuggling, or possessing slaves will be punished with a fine no less than 10,000 Galactic credits, and / or at least one year in prison."

"Afterwards Chancellor Aurelia asked you if there were any loopholes about 'fixed contracts' or 'indentured servitude', to which you replied there were no loopholes saying, and again I quote;
This bill, however, defines slaves as a person who is the legal property of another and is not paid for by the owner.
Which combined with the previous statement I quotes, implies that under no circumstances could any sentient of any class in any planet have another sentient defined as their legal property. Afterwards I brought in Lady Lorelei and she informed you this would contradict the culture and laws of your own planet. After arguing with your planet's council and publicly questioning their ideals and beliefs, you insisted the Telbun system would not be illegal and finally drafted a new bill, stating all of the above with the exception of Kuat, which raises a very dangerous precedent. What about all of the other worlds that hold slavery as part of their culture? Do you really wish to pass a law stating that Kuat effectively doesn't have to follow the rules the rest of the Republic follows? Or do you wish to convey that if you give the Republic enough guns and ships that you get special treatment? Such a 'Might is Right' philosophy would make us no better than the Empire, and would result in other factory worlds demanding special treatment, leading to discontent between import-based and export based worlds, likely leading us to a Civil War, which we neither afford in credits or lives, even without the looming threat of the Sith. If you wish to Champion the right of Slaves and Indentured Servants so be it, but I would recommend attempting to pass such laws on your own planet before attempting to pass on what is the biggest or second biggest Government in the galaxy."

 

[Darren Brunswick]

There were a very few things in life that infuriated Brunswick. One of the recent things added to his list of anger was being not able to pass a simple legislation to outlaw slavery in the Republic. However, if there was one thing he learned from being senator, it was that legislations didn't pass if you raised your voice too much. After a second or two of calming himself, the Kuatian senator spoke.

"Yes, senator, I do admit that I have changed my views on this matter multiple times the past ten minutes. Yet I'd like to let you know I am more than prepared to 'sully' my name in order to pass a legislation that will finally free the slaves in the Republic! I ask you, senator: what other planets are there currently in our Republic that has slaves as part of our culture besides Kuat? I assure you my fellow senators! As soon as this meeting is over, I shall see to it that our Telburns are paid for their work! Also, Senator Serifen, you contradict yourself as well. You first said the following: These men and women called the Telburn would be outlawed under this bill, and it would result in Kuat, as well as Kuat Drive Yards, which I might add is one of the top three ship producers in the Galaxy and extremely vital to the defense of the Republic... And yet now you're asking me why we are giving Kuat special treatment? Yes, my friends! I will tell you this: Credits will be lost when this legislation frees the slaves in the Republic. Yet, are credits really more important to us than living beings? Also, Senator Serifen stated for me to try and pass anti-slavery laws in my own planet before, 'attempting to pass on what is the biggest or second biggest Government in the galaxy.' Oh really now? There are only a few dozens of Telburn in Kuat. Do I really need a law that dictates the use of these handful of my fellow Kuatians? At this time, I have requested that Jedi Grandmaster @[member="Darron Wraith"] speak before the Senate about his view on this issue."