Crossroads

[Faith Organa]

Faith contacted the new Supreme Commander [member="Willam Forlon"] she had a concern that she wished to discuss with him to get his opinions and thoughts

She stood in her office on Chazwa she wondered how much longer she’d be able to say this is my office.

Ana stepped in, “I’m sure he’ll be long shortly, he’s not late you know”

Faith nodded, “I know I just have a lot on my mind and I don’t know which way to go, I’m hoping speaking with him will ease it”

Her mother was very adamant of late of what they could or would do. Faith, she wanted to live in a perfect world where everyone got along, and everything was peaceful. No one went to war, and no one died needlessly.

Faith was on edge, Alderaan talks were only a few days away and this might be her only opportunity to talk with the new Supreme Commander, even if it was a short conversation.

 

[Willam Forlon]

Willam Forlon walked through the front entrance of the political complex escorted by his aid and the man sent to escort him to the building upon his arrival on Chazwa. He had been busy since his appointment as Supreme Commander and much of his work now took him off world. Willam had no idea what the Alderaanian woman had wanted but her request for a meeting had seemed urgent. He had made it his first in a long line of meetings he was to attend while on Chazwa. The political escort pointed out a lift and gave him a room number and walked away to an alcove near the entrance. Forlon looked at his aid and shurgged. The two stepped into the lift and hit the button for the floor they had been given. The doors opened to a wide halway lined with offices which Willam assumed were the private offices of the Republics senators. They walked down the ling halway and found the room and pressed the door chime.

"Supreme Commander Forlon here to see Princess [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]." said Willam as someone answered the door.

 

[Faith Organa]

Ana turned around, "Welcome Supreme Commander, Minister Balor-Organa is just inside" Ana opened the door, "Minister your morning appointment is here"

Faith dressed for business today looked toward the door, ok. She took a few steps to meet the new Supreme Commander, "[member="Willam Forlon"] , Welcome and congratulations on being appointed Supreme Commander and please call me Faith or Minister. The Princess thing is only for official visits off world as requested by my family." She smiled brightly wanting him to feel welcome.

Ana came in with a basket, Faith took it from her, "A small gift from Alderaan, honey wine, artisans breads and cheeses, great for off duty time. Please accept with our thanks for what I know will be a huge tasking" She smiled.

"And no I didn't just ask you here to give you this I could have sent it by messenger. I have a concern about Republic positioning, and I'd like to hear your opinion please, it will help me to get agents assigned."

Ana had quietly stepped back out available at a moment's notice from Faith.

 

[Willam Forlon]

Willam walked through the door, noticing the women there. The aid smiled and introduced him as he entered the room. The raven-haired princess of Alderaan greeted him with a smile and a congratulatory comment. It had been a whirlwind of meetings, inspections, and more questions than Willam had liked. BUt the job was what it was and he knew he would have to adapt to the position and what went along with it. The aid returned with a basket which Forlon took and looked over quickly before he nodded and smiled to [member="Faith Balor-Organa"].

"Very well Minister, it is an honor. Thank you for the gift. I will certainly enjoy it as soon as my schedule allows for down time. I must admit the new found fame is taxing." He said as he motioned for his own aid to walk up beside him. He handed the gift to the man then nodded to him and watched as the man went back to the back wall near the door with the basket. He turned and smiled once again at the Minister.

"Very well minister, what questions do you have? My opinions on the subject would be best explained if I first know what concerns you have" he said thinking over the question. It was understandable the woman would want to know where he stood on many issues but before he committed to voicing any of his own feeling he needed to gauge the woman's interests. She was the head of Intelligence after all. She would more likely know more about what was going on in the Republic than he. Hell; she most likely knew more about him than he did but for now, he would dance around the subject until he had a better idea of what the woman's intentions were.

 

[Faith Organa]

"Oh Commander [member="Willam Forlon"] I know all about fame and taxing. I can give you some tips if you want their little ones but sometimes it saves your sanity" She smiled again she was glad he was not stiff and over bearing like some of the military minded that she had encountered over the last few years.

"Yes come here please" Faith went over and pulled up the map "this convergence point here, Contruum, Azure, Cartao, and Khorm each held by a different faction, each having a slender reed of space separating them. Now intel says that the One Sith are expanding in the Outer Rim, we are expanding south, and so are the Mandalorians. This area of space troubles me, I think it could be a problem. I want to agents into this area see what we can get back on what is happening. Maybe set a listening post."

Faith made a face, "What do you think of this" She pointed again to that area of space.

"Also think on this before you answer what if the Sith decide to Aarrgonar or Khorm, or if the Mandalorians decide to go for Vena. How will that affect us in the Republic." Faith shook her head, "it's just too fething close for comfort for me."

 

[Willam Forlon]

Forlon listened to [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] as she explained her concerns and quested him on his thoughts. He knew of the area and the situation there. He had been monitoring closely the situation on Azure. It's close proximity to Khomm and the Mandalorians was something to consider and which would maintain his attentions for the foreseeable future.

The Conruum, Cartao, Korda clustering was a different issue. He had already made arrangments to put additional garrison forces on Cartao. It was particularly important currently as an open route from north to south. It had been supplemented after the battle of Contruum with four garrisons and a dedicated defense fleet but as of yet the world still remained vulnerable as a target of importance. Mainly because it was important to the Republic. The Sith had not moved to query the world's defenses as of yet. He assumed their expansion in the outer rim had sated their need for conquest, so far that is. Of the two world's Cartao was the priority in his mind. While hostilities of late with the Mandalorians had been unpleasant, they were still honorable and more importantly, a prideful race. The Sith however, were a mixed bag of chaotic despots and their loyalists. They were the more dangerous enemy by far. The Mandalorians were more martial and over-all better at war, but the Sith were bat shat insane. That made them unpredictable and more prone to needless violence. The Mandalorians would act on greed and honor as they did at Roche, the Sith would just act on whim and the needless desire to sow chaos.

He considered the Alderaanian's words then answered. "Minister Organa, The import of these world's are paramount in my mind. The junction linking the northern and southern regions of the Republic is a volatile powder keg that currently is only being held at bay by the Sith and Mandalorians lack of action. I have already seen to beefing up the defenses of Cartao. It is, in my mind the most likely to be assailed. The Mandalorian's may well act and in doing so cut our regions in half. They would not do so intentionally, They just would not consider it as it is not their business. The Sith though look for such opportunities. They would act against their betterment just to strike a blow at the Republic. The situation is not a good one. Forgiving my language but it is a fething disaster waiting to happen. That being said I will fortify these worlds as best I can, using any and all available forces not needed in other areas. But we have thousands of other worlds to protect. These too require out vigilance." Willam paused a moment to think about what he was going to say next. How much did he need to give the woman. How much did she already know about the situation and condition of the Republics military. HE gauged his next words carefully then spoke again deciding to be candid with the woman.

"Minister Organa, I understand your concerns, they are indeed warranted. The fact of the matter is we are dangerously under gunned for future fights. Our fleet is in shambles and while we have a large enough army for anything the Sith or Mandalorians can throw at us, They are held in commands on worlds utilizing them as planetary defense forces. Many of the worlds hold their forces in reserve not dedicating any of their forces to the greater defense of the Republic. While the peoples of these worlds are protected from minor threats if a large scale assault were to be launched against them they could not hold out. And with so many worlds holding back their forces the main Republic Army not assigned to worlds is spread out thin and unable to in many cases support these worlds. By strengthening their own defense and ignoring their obligations to the Republic they sign their own death warrants. This is the main issue I face now and why worlds like Cartao are at such risk." said Willam watching the woman as she listened to him. Watching her face carefully for any sign of her surprise at his words.

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith nodded listening to SC [member="Willam Forlon"] he had been assessing this thank goodness, and it seemed they had the same opinion about things.

"Before they were afraid of the Sith invading now they're afraid the Republic can't protect them. It's a double edged sword the Republic is still suffering from the damage done by Genevieve and Jack who is charismatic needs time." Faith looked to the map and then back to Willam.

"Mandalorians. We know that there are clans will always hate the Republic, and that there are some they will continue to raid the Republic, and that there are some that will work with the Republic. "

Faith looked at where the One Sith could go, if they took on the Mandalorians cutting across Republic space by a hex they could divide the republic, and keep the mandalorians busy effectively hurting both.

"I'm thinking of talking to the Mandalorians again, but this time I want to address the Alor Council talk to all the clan leaders at the same time and see if we can get them to come to an agreement about this area of space. What do you think of that idea? And be honest don't gloss anything, I despise gloss I like direct."

Faith looked at the Supreme Commander, his input was crucial.

 

[Willam Forlon]

Willam looked over the map listening to [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]. Her assertion that some of the Mandalorians were against and some friendly to the Republic was something she would know more about than He. He admittedly knew little about Mandalorian politics other than it existed and its basic idealism. He knew some were more martial than others, that he had witnessed firs hand. But for her to involve the Alor Council in talks was something Willam had reservations about. If, like she said, certain clans were against the Republic would questing them about the region be wise, or would it blatantly point to the area of space and say look here, this is where you can hurt us most.

"Minister, I am a warrior, I do not see things like you or any of the other members of the senate. This is why I am not involved in peace. The Republic military is a tool by which the republic protects its people. If you say go here and protect it we will. If you need us to sit behind you and cast a very menacing shadow to aid in your political missions, that too we can do. My feelings one way or the other does not come into play when I perform my duties or order my people to do the same. Unlike previous Supreme Commander's, I have no desire to shape the Republic. I have no mechanization for the future of the Republic outside defending her. I always have and will always advise against military action. It is a tool that has been used too frequently and without cause in the past. You and the senate do not want me giving advice on political matters. I am not equipped to advise you beyond matters of war. Using me and my forces should be the very last thing on the table. If I am set loose on a foe, I will wage war the only way I know how. It will not be pretty, nor will it be an act in a play that is based on political machinations. The Military is not here to press the senate's or the Republics will. That has been the problem in the past minister. We are here to defend our people, to make sure the things that go bump in the night are grappled, floored and slain without question or remorse. I am not the savior the Republic looks for, nor am I an angel sent to make things better. I am the demon sitting on his thrown waiting to be let loose on the world. Please forgive my attitude minister, but I need you and the rest of the Republic to know that I need to be kept on a lease, for once released I will burn to the ground and end whatever I am set against." Willam paused to let the minister take in what he had just said. He knew his words were impertinent to her question but going forward she needed to know he was not the good guy. He was the blade hidden that had only one reason and that is death.

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Willam Forlon"]​

​

"I don't need the Military to press anything Commander, I'm just looking for your view on a situation and you've explained that you've noticed it to. I just want to help protect that area for a number of reasons. One being a particular trade route that is used by a sister system and I just need to figure out how to initiate all of this. But I might have an in."

She tilted her head, "I can't keep using my family ties, but I'm willing to try and bring in a consultant. Would you be opposed to my asking for a consultant from the mandalorians to talk to them about this area since they are so close?" She looked at the map, "There has to be a place, a point in which we can agree on something." Faith sighed heavily. "I just don't trust the Sith as far as I can throw the dark lord not to attack and not to try and cut us off down there. With the new Capital being on the very end of a tendril and the vast majority of planets held still in this area. It's a disaster waiting to happen."

A disaster that could leave her family on Aldera in trouble.

 

[Willam Forlon]

Willam nodded as she spoke of her reasons for the meeting and the talk of defending the area. The trade routes to the southern worlds was indeed something he had been considering. Involving the Mandalorians could work in harboring some good faith with them. With the actions of the former chancellor and the mess at Roche and the aftermath and tensions following it, the Republic needed to mend fences with the Mandalorians.

"No maam, I do not see why that would be a problem. Like I said, they are a noble and proud people, many are hostile currently to the Republic but the misunderstanding of the galaxy as a whole of the past few months and of the actions of a very small regime have colored any credit we have. Working with the Mandalorian's to guard these routes would go a long way towards cleansing the good name of the Republic. Our previous leaders were not worried about how the galaxy saw us, the only perceived how they imagined the Republic. We have been to martial and forgot the true meaning of what it means to be the Galactic Republic. This is something I direly regret the part I played, but I am a man of honor and dedication and do as I am told." Forlon said. He thought about the last part and he too felt unease at the thought of the Sith.

"The Sith are the true enemy here. Pirates, raiders, and even the Mandalorian's are a very distant secondary threat. Even with the current situation and the Mandalorian's outlook when it comes to us, The Sith can be counted on to strike. It is not a will they attack us situation, it is a very real when will they attack us situation that we can not ignore." said Willam looking at the map again. The situation was a nightmare and he knew it. He only hoped the woman who had asked him here knew the full extent of it.

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith nodded, she had a very good idea of what the consequences could be and that is what was keeping her up nights right now.

"Supreme Commander [member="Willam Forlon"], would you be willing to travel with me, as I don't know that anyone would be comfortable coming here right now, and it might go a long way to show our cooperative side if we agree to meet elsewhere if it is requested."

She couldn't talk to her Uncle [member="Ordo"] right now, and [member="Ember Rekali"] was still mourning his daughter, [member="Strider Garon"] was dead , her Aunt wasn't a tactician. She might be able to talk to [member="Anija Betna"] or and it was a strong MAYBE [member="Elijah Rekali"]. She needed a voice that would listen, make recommendations, and be able to talk to the Council of Alors or take her so she could talk to the Council of Alors. If she could get them to agree, then she could present the agreement to the Senate, or depending on her status have another Senator present it on her behalf.

So who would do that? She would have to find out and that might take a little time.

 

[Willam Forlon]

Forlon considered the womans question carefully. His schedule limited his time now and while such a trip was not out of the question he would have to make some accommodations for his staff for him to take part in such a meeting. He thought about he implications of the meeting and the current situation with the Mandalorians. WHile the relationship was strained he respected them and felt a need to try to patch the relationship with them.

"Minister [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], I could agree to accompany you and meet with whom ever you like. But it would have to be a neutral location. Relations are tedious with the Mandalorians and while I wish to repair that relationship my security detail would never let me go into Mandalorian space under the current circumstances, nor would I expect their representatives to agree to a meeting inside Republic Territory. IF we can find a neutral location for such a meeting I would agree to join." Said Willam as thoughts of how to pull this off began cycling through his mind. The Republic needed the Mandalorians as allies.

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Willam Forlon"]​

​

"I will secure a neutral location Supreme Commander Forlon it may take some doing, but I will find it" She had an idea of using the same place they had for the peace talks, "Let me make contact with them and I will get with you and your staff. If anything I'm hoping we can at least have a dialog with them"

She would and could call on Commander Vereen but she hated to ask him twice for something that might reflect badly if it did not go well.

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith had left the SC to begin developing a plan however there was now information that said the Sith were moving first on Togaria and that could split the Republic in half just as she feared.

Message to: Supreme Commander [member="Willam Forlon"]

Since our last meeting it has come to my attention that the Sith will be moving on Togaria it would seem that I am too late to try to broker an agreement with the Mandalorians for that region of space.

Faith Balor-Organa