rex populi
General Ministry Canton, Fondor
Central Pulpit
- Amani Serys - Monaray Dod - Jenn Kryze - Marya Werdegast - Vianca Mecetti - Damian du Couteau - Lehvi Vass - Open -
He repaid each representative's congratulations with a thin-lipped smile, and a polite nod. He understood their well-wishes, and appreciated them... but he didn't feel like he'd won anything. The position of Chancellor was a responsibility, that he'd pursued out of a sense of duty. Not a prize.
"Dahrtag speaks. I have two questions, Chancellor Organa. First, do you still intend to represent your homeworld of Alderaan in the Senate while serving as Chancellor? And second, will you instate similar policies regarding refugees throughout the Alliance as you have on Alderaan?"
Alicio acknowledged Senator Werdegast with as much grace as he could muster. "Our duties to the people don't end when they lose their homes. My stance on that matter won't change with the size of my office." His lip pulled into an easy smile. "To your first question, it would be unfair of me to represent one planet, when it is now my duty to represent us all. Alderaan will hold new elections for their seat in the Senate, and I have faith they will appoint someone worthy to be their voice."
Vianca Mecetti spoke next, and Alicio could already feel a more genuine smile coming on. He listened to her voice, his shoulders relaxing. "Thank you, Lady Mecetti. Your support, however contrarian, is always welcome. But if I may be counter-contrarian, I do believe we share a similar vision for the Alliance. We may disagree, roots may branch in different directions, but they all have the same goal; to help the tree grow. If we keep that in mind, you may find our visions align more closely than you expect."
Alicio then focused on Lehvi Vass , thought sharpening his gaze once more. It was the first difficult question of the night. "Thank you for coming this far, Representative. And for your Federation's generosity." Alicio ticked a frown. However grateful he was, he immediately clocked why Representative Vass would mention his planet's relief work before pitching a meeting with the man that championed SELCORE. As far as political moves went, it wasn't sneaky or underhanded, but it raised Alicio's hackles nonetheless. "SELCORE has been working hard to provide refugees with the means to live post disaster. I expect we'll have much to discuss on that front."
Alicio wanted to make sure he was understood. He paused a moment, before addressing the room. "I think if anyone voted for me in the hopes of an immediate and complete overhaul of the Alliance's military doctrine, they will be sorely disappointed. We will be proactive in defending our allies, and safeguarding the innocent. That will not change."
"And, if I may go off on a tangent for a moment... I was a city-planner, before I became the Senator of Alderaan. I juggled contracts, approved building projects, and mapped out sewer systems. What I am not is a battlefield strategist, and I'm more than happy to rely on the brilliant web of strategic minds the Alliance is blessed with, such as Supreme Commander Amelia von Sorenn ."
"But as a city-builder, I know the importance of efficient systems. And writing legislation to bolster our infrastructure, sponsor innovations, and streamline communication? To create efficient systems? That's how we help win wars."