Faction No Armor Against Fate | Galactic Alliance Senate

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi Fortan had returned to Coruscant only a day and a half, and she already felt as though she could count on one hand the days of good grace she had left in the Federal Assembly. True, she might have been imagining things -- might have been letting her paranoia get the better of her -- but some of her colleagues seemed to be regarding her differently these days. She had spent time in enemy hands, had been subjected to interrogation, and it was only natural to question whether she had cracked and laid bare the Alliance's defensive posture and national security secrets to the Mandalorians. Perhaps there were some that thought she was inclined to do so. Once an imperial, always an imperial, always seeking to see democracy laid low.

The woman had thought about resigning, but there was much, much more work to accomplish. The total destruction of the Mandalorian Enclave, for instance, but much more pressing was the need to get Alicio Organa back from the savages.

Natasi had signaled her intention to address the Federal Assembly at the next session, and when it was time she was recognized by the chair. She pulled herself to her feet and navigated her pod into the well of the Senate. The light shone on her, made her wince away from it briefly before steeling herself.

"Madame Chancellor," she began cautiously, but with a growing strength in her voice. "Thank you for recognizing my request to speak. I rise on a matter of significant importance to myself and to the Senate at large. As you are no doubt aware, I was -- until a few days ago -- the unwilling guest of the Mandalorian Enclave. Thanks entirely to the good work, the bravery and determination -- and frankly, the self-sacrifice -- of Senator Organa, whose pod is empty today, I was rescued from the Mandalorians. Senator Organa offered to stand in my place as a prisoner of the Mandalorian Enclave until the terms of the agreement he made are fulfilled."

Natasi paused and surveyed the Senate, her dark eyes drinking in the cathedral to democracy she was privileged to serve in. "This is, I think we will all agree, not a fair trade. Senator Organa's contributions to this august body, to our democracy, to our Galactic Alliance, cannot be overstated. His work has benefited countless beings in this galaxy, and I now count myself among them. We, as his colleagues -- and some of you, his friends -- must act, and act now. Senator Organa has promised the Mandalorians eight additional sets of captures beskar'gam for his release. I move that this body immediately authorize and direct the release of these beskar'gam, and direct the appropriate Defense Force personnel to escort the beskar'gam to the Enclave, and to escort Senator Organa home."

Natasi gripped the edges of her podium and inclined her head toward the Chancellor's pod. "We must not allow Senator Organa -- as good a man as any I know -- to languish in the care of these Mandalorians. As I can attest -- as can my distinguished colleague the Member for Anaxes -- " She bowed deferentially toward Raphael Calgar 's pod. " -- it is no place for a civilized person, certainly not one of our colleagues. Madame Chancellor, I move to debate the matter at once and to proceed to a vote as soon as is practicable."

The Renascent Republic's Supreme Leader leaned closer to her microphone, her voice gravely intoning: "We must bring Senator Organa home, and the Mandalorian Enclave must be destroyed." The Senator let this hang in the air before she straightened and said: "Madame Chancellor, I yield and will reserve the balance of my time."

​

 

[Sonya Provost]

Natasi Fortan​

---

Let it not be said that the Senate lacked in excitement of its own. Sonya herself could hardly keep up with it these days. She might have had presumptions aplenty about Natasi Fortan, but she'd never wish imprisonment by Mandalorians upon the woman. All things considered, Sonya would have expected Fortan to come out looking much worse, but it seemed even the Enclave understood the value of treating their political prisoners tolerably.

Paradoxically, they didn't seem to understand the value of the political prisoners themselves. Sonya could hardly believe what Natasi was reporting. The Mandalorians had let her go, trading Alicio Organa as collateral until they received… sixteen total sets of recovered armor? Their most valuable bargaining chip for a few hand-me-down plates and helmets? Beskar or not, what discussion was there to be had?

"I concur wholeheartedly," Sonya said when it came her chance to speak, "Senator Organa's contributions to not only the Alliance, but the galaxy as a whole, are invaluable. But if the Enclave wants to quantify it so cheaply," A smirk tugged at her lip, like they were getting away with something tricky, "Who are we to deny? We won't possibly get an easier deal than this." The Mandalorians weren't exactly known for their shrewd negotiations. In this case, it would serve as quite the boon to the Alliance.

 

[Kha'la Daaray]

Senate chambers​

"There is no other way to retrieve the senator from those savages?" Kha'la asked only after the senator of Montitia had finished speaking. "Not that I'm opposed to the exchange of an invaluable man to only eight sets of their armor, but they are hardly in a position to make demands." The Mandalorian expansion has slowed down immensely since their surprise attack, and the Alliance had mobilized its fleets and armies to prevent another catastrophe.

The Hapans were more than ready to meet the Mandalorians in battle as well.

"Negotiating with beast-like terrorists might only encourage them to target key figures in the Alliance for more demands in the future. But they can't win an all-out war of attrition against us, and quite frankly, I'm of the opinion they don't stand a chance at all, so why do we play their games?" Once more, she looked around at the other senators and raised a hand up through long, red locks to neatly tuck them aside.

"If we can launch an operation to free our senator without offering those animals the one thing that gives them hope, we'll crush what little drive they have left."

Natasi Fortan Sonya Provost

​

 

[Damian Du Couteau]

Damian Du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Coruscant, Senate Chambers
Outfit

​

Damian kept himself quite entrenched in his Senatorial Pod, his arms hidden beneath the large sleeves of his outfit and eyes cast downwards towards the floor. It was quite unusual for him to feel this dejected for the third time in his life, Damian had shared an experience with Senator Organa with the Maw. Their kidnapping and torture would serve to haunt Damian’s dreams for years to come and now to hear Senator Organa had placed himself once more into similar predicament was quite horrifying to hear. ​

​

The insanity of war. ​

​

Carefully Damian raised his head and listened to the rest of the speech, listing out the details of the possible trade for Senator Organa. It appeared rather too straight forward and far too cheap of a price in his mind. Even the value that Mandalorian Armour held would mean nothing compared to the value of the Senator of Alderaan, something wasn’t adding up correctly. Damian remained silent on the matter, as Senator Provost agreed to the trade and likely Damian guessed that the rest of the Senators would agree as well. He was also sure that the SIA and the Alliance Military were planning their own rescue operation, from his own personal experience with these situations. ​

​

I guess the Maw weren’t asking for any ransoms, so a bit different. Damian tensed slightly, wondering how terribly this exchange with the Mandalorians could go, there was a reason why few Governments ever want to make deals with terrorists. Maybe they had fought the Maw for far too long, but something that Damian couldn’t really grasp was the need to make a deal with the Mandalorians while also declaring their destruction. We should probably begin the voting soon. Damian knew that time was of the essence, and silently hoped that should any arguments be made that they be handled quickly and tactfully. ​

​

Almost as if the galaxy had timed his thoughts, the Hapan Queen spoke up about those exact worries that were plaguing Damian just moments ago. He began to worry about something differently though, the verbage being used to describe the Mandalorians were quite disconcerting. While I don’t think the Enclave have presented themselves as anything other than warmongers, they are a far cry from truly evil monsters. ​

​

Damian stood up and spoke for the first time in this room, “-If the Senate may recognize the Senator of Empress Teta.” ​

​

“I worry that we are forgetting our true purpose here in these Senate Chambers. We here have seen true depravity and barbarity from the hands of the Maw and Sith alike. But these Mandalorians from the Enclave are seemingly a far cry from the Maw.” Damian spoke, his voice growing in strength with every word but his eyes widened in worry. ​

​

“While I demand that we defend ourselves, we must also encourage diplomacy. Remember when the Imperial Order were our neighbors to the galactic east, it was through our diplomacy that kept the peace. If they had assumed diplomacy was fruitless we would have suffered greatly with an all-out war against them.” And now the Alliance stands ever stronger. ​

​

“So I say we push ahead with this exchange and encourage further acts of diplomacy with the Enclave, show them not that we have the strength to crush them, but the strength to make peace.” ​

|| Natasi Fortan | Sonya Provost | Kha'la Daaray ||​

 

[Corrine de Montaigne]

Corrine wore her agitation quite openly as she began to speak, "Animals, savages, beast-like. I will give you credit where it is due Senator Daaray, you are quite good at dehumanizing the enemy in a war. Unfortunately it is people like you, that should have the least possible say in how a war is conducted. You speak as if battle, strategy, and warfare, are such simple tasks that all you have to do is merely flood the field with a wave of meat and suffocate the enemy in the corpses. Your language repulses me, and should repulse anyone with good sense."

The Senator from Corluag paused momentarily, letting her emotional state flow through her words, "Do you believe the Mandalorians to really be mindless brutes, or are you trying to convince yourself? Have you ever even been near a battlefield? Have you really sat down and considered the lives of those beneath you in the chain of command? I have, so, if you have not, then let those with experience in war, and those capable of good judgment and reason discuss the matter before you interject with your ambitious war hungry ways." she paused again, keeping her dialogue swift and her attention locked on the woman that had caused her outrage.

"If the Mandalorian Enclave is willing to discuss a peaceful exchange, then it is pertinent that we listen. They are a culture of warriors who yield very little, and willingness to speak shows that they are not led by savages. Beasts do not negotiate, but they are offering to do so. I will brook no disrespect to soldiers or veterans, even those who are considered our enemy. And I will equally not tolerate the radical dehumanization of our foe. This is the kind of language that allows true atrocities to be committed and I will not allow it. Never forget that we face people who are like us. They dream, they have aspirations, and their primary goal is to survive just as ours is. I will not have them treated as animals. You will respect our enemies as soldiers, and prisoners of war when we have them, or you will not participate."

"We as a governing body should honor the arrangement made, deliver the armor in exchange for Senator Organa, and then reconvene to discuss the future of this war we find ourselves in. It is in the best interest of the Alliance, and the well-being of both our people, and the people of the Enclave, to end this conflict swiftly. Death is no reward and being drawn into a war of attrition just bleeds us just as it does them. It is utterly pointless to prolong the conflict to try to prove some damned idealistic point that nobody asked for." she said, pacing in her pod while speaking. It was very clear that she hated with great force the notion that war was fought for some vainglorious grandstanding. Let alone the idea that the enemy must be treated like a vile creature instead of sentient life just as they were. The Alliance was perfectly capable of defending itself, but there was no need to continue to field bodies in a stagnant war. She felt firmly that the only thing a drawn-out war would do would be to bleed both sides and leave them vulnerable to attack from other parties looking to seize the opportunity. "We move forward with the exchange, and then search for a diplomatic route to ending this war."

Natasi Fortan Sonya Provost Kha'la Daaray Damian Du Couteau

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

NO ARMOR AGAINST FATE

Sonya Provost Kha'la Daaray Damian Du Couteau Corrine de Montaigne ​

The Trade Federation had become quite enriched during the course of the Alliance-Enclave War by selling armaments and producing valuable war material for the front lines, and as such any pause in the fighting would seriously affect the shareholders confidence and predicted estimates for this years financial quarter. If said pause in the fighting did occur it was likely to be at the end of the quarter where the Federation could fight of inflation and devaluation of the Alliance Credit in order to restore the pre-war economy to satisfactory levels, while also handling the expected rise in the migrant crisis threatening to overwhelm the already burdened medical system and federal relief programs.

The Private Retirement of Rulonom Laborr from the Senate was welcoming as his controversial stance seriously impaired the working relationship the Federation had with the Senators of the Alliance and thus someone new was made the Minister of the Trade Federation while Laborr focused on improving relations with the Post-Imperial Governments such as the Empire of the Lost.

Herwig listened from the private pod, as each senator made their case before its esteemed members. Casting solid glances from behind dark sunglasses towards each of them, analyzing their stances on the current issues that plagued the alliance as a whole. Senator Natasi Fortan capture by the Mandalorians had proven shocking to public morale and the pyric victory of the Mandalorians over the Defense Forces on Several Worlds was running on the front cover of every holo news network. Now that story would only grow bigger as Senator Organa was taken in a prisoner exchange for Fortan, leaving the Alderaan Seat open for the time being.

Senator Fortan had proclaimed that the Mandalorians would need to be vanquished and Senator Organa be released in exchange for captured beskar armor within their holding. Senator Sonya Provost seemed to agree with the former imperials stance by reasoning that the Enclave had given them a fair bargain quite cheaply if one added the total value a senator posse in terms of influence and clout within the Alliance Government Structure.

Senator Kha'la Daaray of the Hapan Cluster was more than ready to wage total war with the Mandalorians and dehumanize them into mere dogs of war which Grimminger could find no fault in. Senator Damian Du Couteau was willing to risk a more diplomatic route to the conflict; wanting to use diplomacy instead of violence to achieve the stated objective, with Senator Corrine de Montaigne agreeing to this proposed action in not so many words.

Reaching into his left pocket to draw a cigar filled with mecan herbs, while his pod moved forward.

"If the Chair of the Senate might recognize the Minister for the Trade Federation."

Herwig started; glancing from pod to pod once more to draw attention to himself.

"Let us consider the implications of such movements before we decide to act infamously. Senator Organa is a reputable member of this chamber and have served the people of Alderaan for many years, fighting for justice and proper accountability. However we can only do so much for our wayward colleague as any action taken here today will have consequences not just for the war against the Enclave but our Alliance moving forward."

Herwig wanted them to understand that the Senator for Alderaan was indeed a Hero of the Alliance but the Senate's Options were limited during a war, a war that this chamber naturally started by voting for a war declaration.

"How would it look in the public eye if we negotiated with the Mandalorian State while this chamber voted publicly and without remorse to issue a formal declaration of war against the Enclave in the first place. Such hypocrisy would only drive a wedge into our alliance, as seen with the question of Lohopan Independence. We left any chance of peace when we signed that war declaration and now our only option is to own up to our commitment to fight, by using every resources, every man, woman and children within our area of influence to challenge the Enclave for every bit of territory, every grain of sand, in the skies and space, until they are scattered to the four corners of the galaxy like the Brotherhood of the Maw."

Public Confidence in the War Effort would plummet into the dirt if the Alliance declared a state of War then wanted Peace soon afterwards.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi signaled her pod light and rose once more, activating her microphone.

"Madame Chancellor, perhaps it is best that I offer some additional exposition to my esteemed colleagues, so as to avoid the temptation to descend into... unparliamentary language," Natasi said diplomatically. As she spoke, her eyes went from one Senator to another, so as to make it clear that she meant to gainsay none of them, but merely to offer context.

"My honorable friend, the member for Anaxes, and I were on a diplomatic mission to Ukatis at the outbreak of hostilities, aboard a clearly marked diplomatic vessel. Despite this, and the longstanding prohibition on violence against diplomatic vessels, the Mandalorian Enclave attacked it. My honorable friend, the member for Anaxes, suffered grievous injuries during our defense of the ANS Corvo, though obviously our efforts were nothing compared to the might of a fully armed and armored Mandalorian warrior. He barely managed to escape, and for that we should all give thanks. I, myself, was badly injured during the attack -- not as collateral damage, but a direct and intentional assault by the warrior in question, even after she was informed that her actions were against all laws of war in the civilized galaxy."

She paused, willing herself not to drift back to those unpleasant memories, pushing against the flashes of searing pain and light, the crunch of bone in her face, the taste of blood and the sensation of her own teeth on her tongue. A sharp inhalation, a deep breath she meant to be calming failed to calm her. Natasi only felt incensed by the recollections. She forced them down, and with the effort, her fist came down on the podium in an unintended, unbidden gesture of effort, so hard it hurt.

"Nor was this my first encounter with Mandalorians violating all rules of war. If we are to have remonstrations about the ease of resorting to war crimes, I will have the responsibility for the first stone cast laid at the feet of the Enclave, where it belongs. But -- I allow myself to become distracted. I wished, indeed, to provide additional context. Senator Organa offered himself as a -- he wouldn't have used these words, as he was, like some of my colleagues today, a true diplomat -- a hostage in exchange for these sets of armor. He offered himself in my stead, knowing what the Mandalorians were capable of."

She inclined her head and set her jaw. "These are the terms of the agreement Senator Organa negotiated -- offers and counter-offers he made, not demands levied by the Mandalorians. Whether he did so with the authority of this body or not, whether he ought to have done it or not, whether we ought to prosecute this war to the fullest extent possible or not -- these are the terms. I ask this body's concurrence that we do what is required to bring Senator Organa back home where he belongs. The man, in addition to being an integral member of this body, is a husband and father, and a citizen of the Galactic Alliance. His place is here. Not in the clutches of an enemy that has already proven herself all too willing, all to eager, to commit acts of savagery -- I am sorry, Senator de Montaigne, but there is no other word but savagery for what this particular warrior inflicted upon myself and Senator Calgar -- against members of this body."

"And," she went on after a moment, "When Senator Organa is back home, sitting right there in his Senate pod -- by all means, let us contend with the weighty deliberations about whether to call the Mandalorians animals or savages or noble warriors or illiterate extremists with expensive taste in armor. Madame Chancellor, the Mandalorian Enclave must be destroyed. I yield the floor and reserve the remainder of my time."

​

 

[Jace colis]

Tag: Natasi Fortan @Corrine de Montaignet Damian Du Couteau Kha'la Daaray Sonya Provost

Senator colis sat there listening to the senators argue and give speeches it made his eye hurt slightly as he rubbed it slightly listening to what the senators had to say about the mandalorians and senator organa. It aggravated him to no end that they where using this to push full on war although he understood completely where they where coming from but most of this was a moot point either they got senator organa back through the deal he set up or through war. Either way if they gave the armor back that means eight more warriors suited in beskar'gam armor if through war then they ran the chance of senator organa dying plus the loss of troops and resources for nothing more than to line the pockets of war mongers.


As jace arose in his pod he looked around to the other senators his black darkenend eye staring at each of them if we vote not to honor the deal presented and continue this war then theres a very real chance no one will see senator organa alive or atleast unharmed his children will be forced to be without a father if the worst comes. Either way i doubt diplomacy is gonna be on the table if one is to look to history the mandalorians have almost always been warriors seeking battle so what senator fortan described happened to her should not paint all other mandalorians in the same light. he spoke out giving everyone a chance to think about it and come to their own conclusions for what his speech meant.
even if we are at war with an enemy we should respect what our enemies are capable of but still fight to win to preserve our way of life and the alliance as a whole he stated.

As he stood there in his senatorial pod the senator of had abbadon was going to propose something he knew was a bad idea if this senate decides to bring senator organa back I will over see the exchange personally he offered standing there.

 

[Sonya Provost]

Words were bandied about quickly. Condemnations of the Mandalorians, condemnations of war, and eventually shed details on the treatment of the Enclave by Natasi herself. The accusations were even worse than Sonya realized, if the Mandos were shamelessly assaulting diplomatic vessels. She furrowed her brow, and found herself agreeing with part of what Herwig had said, "It seems some of this body need to be reminded that, like it or not, we started this war. It was all in response to Mandalorian conquest of course, but if we were invested solely in non-conflict, we would have stood by until they came to our very borders." She didn't want war, she doubted most here did. But the Alliance acted on it with the intent of intervention, and escalation was always a possibility. With Mandalorians, a likelihood, in fact.

"Talking peace now might as well be a surrender. The Enclave will be emboldened to continue their ways with no resistance from us. From everything I've seen and heard, I can't help but agree with Senator Fortan. The Mandalorian Enclave is a hostile force that must be dismantled for the safety of the galaxy. Not left to fester." She sighed, pausing for a moment in her speech, "That said, a hostage exchange is not the same thing as capitulation. We can retrieve Senator Organa peacefully, without talking about the end of the entire war. As nice as that would be, it needs to come from the Mandalorians, not us." Alicio was a friend, and she believed the safest way to get him back was to play along. If the Mandalorians could see reason from across the aisle, then perhaps there was hope for a change of heart yet. That's what they had to hope for. The Alliance didn't wage war to conquer, but to maintain peace.

Natasi Fortan - Lodd Grimmin - Kha'la Daaray - Corrine de Montaigne - Jace colis - Damian Du Couteau​

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

Sixteen sets of armor for a political hostage? Sycorax was a bit bemused at that, but she supposed one couldn't account for the eccentricities of Mandalorian culture. Was Natasi Fortan even worth sixteen sets of armor?

Still, now they had Alicio, who most definitely was worth more than eight sets of armor. Perhaps the Mandalorians were more clever than they seemed... or perhaps Alicio was even more of a political god than Sycorax's already considerably high opinion of the man could comprehend. How had he managed to pull this off? Batting his lashes and saying please, probably.

But on to the matter of how they were going to get the magnificent bastard back. "I understand the desire for diplomacy. We all want to ensure Senator Organa's safe return," she began. "But as Mr. Grimminger pointed out, the Alliance declared war on the Enclave, not the other way around. We had our reasons for doing so, but trying to play nice or sue for peace at this point would be rather... insincere. Or at least, it would certainly appear that way to the Mandalorians.

"We may attempt a diplomatic exchange, but be prepared to use force as necessary."

Natasi Fortan Corrine de Montaigne Damian Du Couteau Jace colis Kha'la Daaray Sonya Provost Lodd Grimmin​

 

[Kha'la Daaray]

Senate chambers​

A diplomatic solution for peace?

Kha'la raised a hand and pinched her temples between thumb and index finger at the mere thought, before speaking up again when she was given the chance, "I agree with senators Provost and Laveaux regarding the war. It wasn't long ago that some of you came to my world, looking for additional strength to face down these Mandalorians. We started this conflict, for good reason, and these Mandalorians clearly only understand one language." Especially if these savages went as far as attacking diplomatic vessels now. It only further solidified the view Kha'la had of them, and their barbarity meant only one thing for the end of this war.

They weren't going to surrender or accept peace until Alliance fleets hovered over Kestri, and armies marched down their streets, whether these senators liked it or not.

With that said, Kha'la did agree that it was a discussion separate from what they came here for today. Securing senator Organa was a separate issue to be handled diligently. "If we are to honor this exchange, I only advise proper protection for our diplomatic team. They've already shown willing to attack one diplomatic vessel," Kha'la said, her eyes shifting to Natasi Fortan for a moment.

Natasi Fortan Sonya Provost Sycorax Laveaux Jace colis Lodd Grimmin Corrine de Montaigne Damian Du Couteau

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[Corrine de Montaigne]

The more she listened the more she heard the senators of the Alliance stray uncomfortably close to pushing for an active genocide. Corrine had witnessed first-hand the effects of personal grudges in warfare, and she personally believed that it had no place on battlefields. "With all due respect, you mistake my goal of pursuing peace as ceding to the demands of an aggressor. We should push to force the capitulation of the Mandalorian Enclave, make no mistake, but I caution you about the language and path you want to pursue. You draw far too closely to proposing genocide and I cannot abide by it. Let it be known that my support for the war does not waver, but I will not support the suppression and destruction of an entire culture. We had no choice with the Brotherood of the Maw, but with the Enclave, we do. I trust that the principles of the Alliance will be placed more highly than personal vendettas. Our priority remains the safe return of Senator Organa, and finding strategic routes toward pushing the Enclave toward surrender."

Corrine halted her thought for a moment, and more directly addressed Natasi Fortan "Not to diminish your imprisonment or the profound affect it may have had on you. I would like to speak to you more personally when we adjourn for the day."

Damian Du Couteau Jace colis Kha'la Daaray Sonya Provost Lodd Grimmin

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

NO ARMOR AGAINST FATE

Sonya Provost Kha'la Daaray Damian Du Couteau Corrine de Montaigne Sycorax Laveaux Jace colis Natasi Fortan ​

It was never a good idea in politics to play the victim but that seemed to matter little to the Imperial Dictator turned Senator Natasi Fortan who saw fit to guilt trip the Senate with a rather long tedious rant about the horrors of her capture by the Mandalorians and the demeaning treatment that had fallen her delicate features. In such a war like the Alliance-Enclave conflict one must be prepared to have adequate protection while journeying through territory, and it seemed that the diplomatic mission to Ukatis lacked such protection which can only be blamed on the Alliance High Command. It was of no fault to the Mandalorian Enclave if they wished to obtain political prisoners as the Alliance would do the same given the chance to capture one of the Triumvirate Leaders, despite the immense risk. Because that would bring the war closer to an end in each of their favor.

While Grimminger was supportive of her plight and her desire to see the Mandalorian Enclave destroyed much as he had said earlier, in reality the Trade Federation of Planets had made a fortune on exporting weaponry and other equipment across the border towards Enclave Space. So he was much less war-mongering in his stance as wanting to keep the conflict going at least until the Imperial State of the Lost had become a true galactic power, per the goals of the Director-General Laborr. Although the prisoner exchange did provide an opportunity for the Federation to improve relations with the Alliance while also obtaining political points.

He said nothing for a while; glancing from pod to pod as each senator made their counter arguments and desires for political support. Each one of them was looking after their own interest in this circus of galactic politics and who could blame them.

Senator Jace colis was more than supportive of the measures to bring Senator Organa home to them, even offering to go the journey himself personally. Senator Sonya Provost had for once had actually agreed with the Minister for the Federation regarding the stance that the Alliance had started the conflict in the first place, akin to surrendering if they actually talked about peace. Although pointing out that an exchange for Senator Organa was not the same thing as a surrender to which the Minister could agree with for the moment.

Senator Sycorax Laveaux was supportive as well of the Minister's stance, also pointing out that the conflict was alliance made but wanting to get Senator Organa back from the Enclave was a top commitment and that they should be prepared for force if need be. Senator Kha'la Daaray of the Hapan Cluster, a natural firebrand was more than willing to offer advice to protect the diplomatic vessels sent since the Mandalorians had been so inclined to attack a first one. Senator Corrine de Montaigne walked back from her earlier stance, a bold choice but sound given the mood within the chamber currently, voicing that she wanted them to find strategic routes towards the enclave to force them to surrender but that obtaining Organa was a top priority.

"While we all want Senator Organna to be returned to us..let us rethink how we shall accomplish such. As many members had pointed out during the debate the Mandalorians are willing and able to capture diplomatic vessels, even if we send additional reinforcements to support them during the exchange. Sending armed military vessels close to their territory would only escalate the war and drive them to launch further raids into Alliance Territory. Additionally if we have more senators accompanying them to oversee the exchange personally, we would only drive them to capture them as well giving them more leeway in potential discussions."

Minister Grimminger was more than happy to point out that the Enclave was willing to capture diplomatic vessels even if the Alliance sent a proper protection force, a force that could only be seen as an invasion force to the Enclave's Leadership. Resulting in even further hostility and aggression on their part.

"So instead of sending, Alliance Vessels to oversee the Exchange. The Trade Federation would be able to send vessels into their space without diplomatic incident, allowing Senator Organa to be released from their custody in exchange for their demands. I can say for certain that the Enclave would never dare attack our vessels so openly and publicly. If they did then they are well aware that most our vessels come equipped with large amounts of armed forces, enough to challenge them directly if they decide to negate on their promises."

It was a dangerous gamble, but it would prove beneficial to securing Senator Organa's release from their custody.

 

[Casteban Mecetti]

"Obulette Speaks," Casteban said, rising from his chair.

Casteban looked out across the vast chamber, waiting to be recognized.

Then he proceeded on, "There is no question that Senator Organa must be retrieved. Just as there is no question that we must stop playing these sorts of games with the Enclave."

He shook his head, "They have seized one Senator, gaining unknowable benefits from doing such." The suggestion was as vague as it was disturbing. On Obulette, the Ministry of Inquiry would certainly have made very good use of a high-ranking prisoner.

"Then, they traded for another Senator, and have now had two different Senators in their possession. Who knows what treatment they will subject Organa to, or what further benefit they may obtain from this second Senatorial prisoner."

By now, the suggestion could not be mistaken. He was talking about Senators being interrogated and tortured to reveal secret information. An uncomfortable suggestion for Fortan about her own actions during her time in custody.

"Now, they have offered to exchange a second valuable prisoner for what I consider to be a very paltry sum. This suggests to me that they wish to make their next move in this game. They wish to seize the armor and also another representative of this august body."

He shook his head, "It does not matter to me who leads the exchange. What does matter to me is that the Mandalorians have no capacity to gain further advantage beyond what is negotiated.

The exchange of armor for Senator Organa must be done in force. Not a quiet meeting of a diplomatic vessel with their representatives. Or even a mighty Trade Federation vessel. Or any one vessel or any small group of ships meeting with Mandalorian Forces.

If this exchange of armor for the Senator will be made, it must be made with two fleets staring each other in the eye. The Mandalorian fleet and our own, with a trade made in the space between them. They must know that any further attempt to gain advantage in this game will come with terrible cost.

Otherwise, we can not trust the outcome. The Mandalorians will find a way to steal even further advantage from us."

​

Sonya Provost
Kha'la Daaray
Damian Du Couteau
Corrine de Montaigne
Sycorax Laveaux
Jace colis
Natasi Fortan Lodd Grimmin

 

[Auteme]

Natasi Fortan Sonya Provost Kha'la Daaray Damian Du Couteau Corrine de Montaigne Lodd Grimmin Jace colis Sycorax Laveaux Casteban Mecetti ​

Auteme listened, as best she could. Senator Fortan seemed determined to get the Chancellor into the discussion -- at this point, she was realizing she should've jumped in from the very beginning. She cleared her throat to speak.

"Senator Fortan, other than the sets of armour, were there any other terms to Senator Organa's return?"

 

[Dassid Hydia]

"They're mocking us."

Blood red eyes flashed with calculating insight. Trade Prince Hydia rarely deigned to speak more than an echo of Corellian talking points. Students of Aerarii Tithe however were driven by larger concerns. Market concerns. Too much uncertainty destabilized the clockwork perfection of supply and demand. Damage to the shipyards on Yag'Dhul alone didn't bear thinking about, never mind all those delayed bacta shipments from Thyferra.

"Senator Organa is a trophy," the young duros gestured towards Alderaan's empty pod, "Their offer seems primitive, but I suspect it is meant as an insult. To them he is worth no more than a handful of mandalorian warriors."

Illumination revealed that Das covered himself in extravagant silks which put even Chancellor Auteme on fashion notice. Rings encrusted with precious jewels glittered all over each thin blue finger. Lineage guided the fate of this galaxy just as it always had. Organa was a name that meant something. Its loss would be a blow to the Senate's traditional authority.

"These are bold words, Senator Fortan. Despite the risks, rescuing dear Alicio by force might be our best strategy to save his life."

 

[Raphael Calgar]

TAGS:
Natasi Fortan | Sonya Provost | Kha'la Daaray | Damian Du Couteau | Corrine de Montaigne Lodd Grimmin | Jace colis | Sycorax Laveaux | Casteban Mecetti | Auteme | Dassid Hydia

Raphael bit the inside of his lip as he listened in silence. Each representative in turn spoke their piece, provided input and perspective, and offered opinion.. but none of them had been there. War was a young man's game and yet here, in this very place, the Alliance had voted and begun the war. That was a fact. It was immutable. Raphael himself had voted against, in favor of a diplomatic solution, unconvinced enough effort had been made in that regard. Now, here they sat again, debating as if they were still in deliberations over whether or not to kick the hornet's nest or simply walk wider of the tree in which it hung.

No, no, no. It was far too late for that.

Gathering his thoughts, the Senator from Anaxes folded his hands in his lap and then stood. He waited patiently for an opening and then indicated his desire to speak. Moments later, his request was acknowledged and received. Softly clearing his throat, his eyes scanned the outermost edges of the room before landing squarely on the honorable Senator of Corulag.

"If it is genocide, it is genocide at their behest. Not all Mandalorians belong to the Enclave, but all who belong to the Enclave are Mandalorians." Raphael's voice bit with an edge. "Perhaps it would be easier to simply draw a circle around the space that these savages call home and turn everything within to glass?" Raphael shook his head, the corners of his lips twitching. "No. These savages are the ones that drove us to declare this war in the first place and while the Honorable Senator of Corulag might equivocate our words to imply genocide, the time for quibbling is past."

"These Mandalorians of the Enclave ask for sets of armor, for what? Is it symbolic? Certainly not a strategic asset. I would be the first to attest to a fully kitted warrior's ability but what does this gain them big picture? They hold the cards. It is precisely Alicio Organa's position in our body and the body of the Alliance that gives them the power to dictate the speed and severity of this war, or so they believe." Raphael could feel his voice growing stronger, the edge softening but building up energy behind it. "I was one of the first to vote towards a diplomatic solution, unconvinced such efforts didn't see enough time or energy poured into them before the drums of war were being beaten.." The man paused, looking around the chambers before he spoke again.

"No longer."

"The Mandalorians of the Enclave understand one thing and one thing only. Force. The force of will, the force of fist, in a word - Strength. As the adage goes, Violence. The supreme authority from which all other authorities are derived. I think it is time that we remind them that we declared this war with full intent to finish it." Raphael's fist found itself raised in front of his chest, fingers clenched and jaw set.

"To that end, I propose that we the Senate advise the Admirals and Generals of our intent to sponsor a strike large enough and loud enough to draw the Enclave's attention, at which point we simultaneously perform a surgical strike to liberate our esteemed colleague from their clutches. Coordinated properly, this ensures our declaration stands and that it is we who dictate the tempo of this war, not the barbarians beyond our gates."

"I may stand before you, a soldier no longer, but it is from that well of knowledge that I beseech this body to take decisive action without delay."

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"I'm pleased to meet with any and all of my Senate colleagues, to discuss whatever subjects may be of interest," Natasi said to Corrine de Montaigne with a polite, almost deferential bow. "But the point of my remarks was not to inform my esteemed colleagues of the effects -- profound or otherwise -- my time with the Mandalorians had on me." She clutched the sides of her podium. "Rather, it was to underline a sense of urgency that this body should not -- and I hope does not -- wish to gamble with the life and health of Senator Organa, a man whose contributions to the Galactic Alliance, and whose value to this body, do and will far outweigh my own. It was to point out that if the Mandalorians have no compunctions about what they did to myself and to Senator Calgar, they will have no such compunctions for Senator Organa. It is for his well-being and safety that I am concerned." Natasi knew politics well enough to know that, even if she sought sympathy, she knew better than to seek it here, in this den where true public servants mingled with vipers.

Speaking of... "And," the Senator from Aegis went on after a moment, "Though I am pleased to hear that the Trade Federation has discovered it is in its interests to see Senator Organa's safe return, this is a task for Galactic Alliance personnel -- men and women who serve and sacrifice for the greater good, not shareholder interest. And -- as Senator Organa placed himself in danger and captivity on my behalf, I will see him returned safely to his home. I will accompany whatever forces the Chancellor sees fit to authorize to facilitate the exchange." This was, rather pointedly, not a question or, it seemed, a matter she considered for debate.

She inclined her head toward the Chancellor's podium and raised her chin. "No, Your Excellency," she said. "The essential terms were thus: Senator Organa delivered eight sets of captured beskar'gam to the Mandalorians as a gesture of good will and pledged eight additional sets. The Mandalorians agreed to his safe release, contingent upon the receipt of the eight additional sets." Natasi paused a moment, reflecting on Alicio Organa 's ministrations. He was perhaps more insightful and skilled as a diplomat than she had yet realized; after all, though Organa himself was worth twice that number of beskar'gam, she rather doubted the Alliance would feel the same about her; most would consider it too dear at even half that price.

For what it was worth, Natasi Fortan agreed with them on that score.

At last her attention turned to Dassid Hydia and she offered him a solemn nod. "I quite agree with my colleague, the honorable member for Duro. An attack may indeed be the best option to rescue Senator Organa. But this is a dangerous galaxy. Any such attack might harm Senator Organa himself. And -- forgive me for belaboring the point, I'm aware it must be getting soporific by now -- I will remind my colleagues that this deal the Senator worked out himself. He seemed to feel that there was reason to trust the Alor he was dealing with. Though he and I do not share that optimism, I recognize that I may well be biased. I also recognize that Alicio Organa is twice the diplomat I am -- at least -- and I trust his judgment, even if I do not trust Alor Kryze."

"I yield the floor and reserve the remainder of my time, Your Excellency," she said, offering a deferential nod to the Chancellor. "The Mandalorian Enclave must be destroyed."

Sonya Provost | Kha'la Daaray | Damian Du Couteau | Lodd Grimmin |
Raphael Calgar | Jace colis | Sycorax Laveaux | Casteban Mecetti | Auteme | Dassid Hydia​

 

[Damian Du Couteau]

Damian Du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Coruscant, Senate Chambers
Outfit

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Damian found himself quickly returning to his designated spot with the rest of the Senatorial pods. It was not a good reason to speak out, evidently he didn't need to when he listened to the other Senators. Their words were quite outspoken, and Damian wondered what would be the true price the Alliance would need to pay when all of these was said and done. It was true that the Mandalorians were not the Maw, and even less so the Sith, their ideology and culture were what drove them this far to challenge the Alliance. ​

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Regardless of whatever future that lies ahead of them all, Damian felt at least slightly relaxed that Senator Organa would not be forgotten. He intended to approve this trade deal and hoped to see a fellow Senator return back to safety. The Alliance were many things, and their Defense Force was certainly ready to face any challenge, and Damian trusted them to bring back everyone safe. ​

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And maybe soon after we can put a stop to this senseless war. Damian sighed as his eyes rested on his data-slate once again. He couldn’t leave the darn thing alone for more than a few moments, already he noted several messages and notifications filled with reminders and extra work. Bureaucracy and data-slate work should be the only threat the innocents of the galaxy ever face. ​

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But if we continue to the beat the drums of war, just how long can we continue to play such a beat? ​

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|| Natasi Fortan | Sonya Provost | Kha'la Daaray | Corrine de Montaigne | Lodd Grimmin | Casteban Mecetti | Auteme | Dassid Hydia | Raphael Calgar ||​

 

[Sonya Provost]

Sonya hadn't expected the calls for aggressive action to escalate the way they had. Suddenly, it was becoming the dominant viewpoint among those expressing their opinions, and she felt the need to join in once more, "If we decide to act here with violence, we throw any and all chance at diplomatic ventures out the window. The Mandalorians will never trust us to talk ever again, and should we find ourselves with a similar dilemma, we may be condemning our next missing VIP to a worse fate. We may be condemning this one— If Senator Organa expects a peaceful exchange, we'd be pulling the rug out from under him, and making things more all the more dangerous."

"Send a military escort. Send a Jedi, even. It would be foolish not to offer some kind of cautionary defense, but instigation only risks making things more difficult for us. Now and in the future. There is a time for aggressive action. But this is not it."

Natasi Fortan - Kha'la Daaray - Corrine de Montaigne - Lodd Grimmin - Casteban Mecetti - Dassid Hydia - Raphael Calgar - Damian Du Couteau - Jace colis - Sycorax Laveaux - Auteme​