Restoration Act

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"We could still burn it fairly cheaply," Gen interrupted, remarking to no one in particular as a smirk inched upwards. Whether she was being serious or not was for whoever was listening to determine. It was not like Lasedri routinely cracked jokes.

There were those who believed an armistice of sorts signified an absence of war, and the senator from Taanab had a right to take that stance if that was what she believed. But cold war was still war in the eyes of the majority.

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith as usual sat quietly listening, "I think at this time as suggested earlier that Alderaan be left to the Queen and the High Council. It is after all our home, anyone wishing to spend their private credits in helping us I'm sure would be greeted with eternal gratitude."

Faith drew a breath as she often did when thinking on her words, "Alderaan's position is ripe for the taking again, the Sith are at the border, who knows what the future holds. My family will hold no ill will towards the Republic on this particular matter"

Now in regards to how Alderaan got in it's current predicament, that her family might have something to say about.


@all Senators I apologize for my writer being lazy and not looking them all up.

 

[Malok]

As per the usual, the Senator of Ruusan sat quietly in his pod. He listened and carefully pondered to the words uttered by his fellows; and found himself shaking his head. Sentimentality was rampant in this Bill, but also...a touch of bias. Sure, Alderaan had it quite bad, yet what of the other worlds the One Sith Empire had seen maimed? What of the grievous damages caused by the totality of the war?

For Kark's sake, what of Manaan?

Rising, the Senator cleared his throat before addressing his fellow politicians.

"My esteemed colleagues, I concur with the earlier statements regarding the terms and structure of the Bill. Changes must be made for it to be even feasible in the present reality we live in. However, I must ask, what of the other worlds marred by the One Sith Empire? Will they, too, see Senate-mandated repairs? Will the people of Manaan see reparations for its sunken city? Will we focus our attention on one world when many others have also been scarred by this terrible conflict?" he began, pausing for a moment.

"It is my humble opinion that something should be done for all worlds adversely affected by the war. A fund of benevolence. I believe that we could reach out to the private sector, to our Republic-affiliated corporations, and work together with them in funding this venture. In exchange for lower tariff rates or tax cuts, they could agree to contribute varying sums to the Benevolence Fund. From there, we can disperse these funds to the affected worlds."

"Now, I do not think that this venture will generate enough credits to fix Alderaan overnight or even over the course of a couple years; but I do believe that this could be a solid start. One that we, as a nation, can afford. One that shows that all our worlds scarred by war can be assured relief by Republic hands."

With that said, the Senator returned to his seat.

@All; Mobile Posting for the win!

 

[The End Narrator]

Alyesa remained quiet for the most part - until her sister spoke and then the Senator from Ruusan. Her return to the Republic would be met with mixed reactions but none the less, she came back to an arena of well - politics as they were. She'd rise up and step to the podium and brush away a few dust particles before addressing the Senate as a whole, regardless of reaction.

And she knew there would be some.

"Incom Corporation has donated two and a half billion credits to the relief efforts on Alderaan and around two-hundred and fifty million credits to the efforts on Manaan." She'd bring up a presentation showing the allocation of funds to various outlets across the market to companies across both worlds who were working in various hotspots. "The reasons are for my own - as I represented both worlds during my years within this very Senate." She pointed to her podium sternly. "But a single Corporation cannot do it alone, nor can it be expected to be taxed to such a point where it is expected to remain beside that government which is squeezing the very life blood from it as it gives thoughtlessly."

She pointed directly to the Prime Minister - more specifically. "A company, in essence - would not influence the local market by charitable donations otherwise, Incom would have seen an influx in the Marketplace after these actions." She then gestured towards [member="Macharius Solaire"]. "To say that Alderaan isn't a strategic focal point, is foolhardy - the One Sith sent a message last time, did they not? Some of you within these chambers...well weren't in these chambers when those events occurred so you wouldn't know the exact message being sent to the core of the Republic was, now would you?" She motioned back to the Prime Minister. "It is the duty of the members within this Senate - to protect all facets of the Republic, need I remind you and restore the balance and structure..."

"We look to the past and see how the Vong fixed their mistakes - have these solutions been explored or am I hearing that we just abandon Alderaan as it stands? A planet that has stood by the Republic for thousands of years." She waved a hand. "Your jokes about burning an entire world just to spare a few credit chits are hardly amusing, considering what is at stake - I ask you take your job a bit more seriously - Prime Minister." She said finally before motioning to the floor. "I now yield to my fellow Senators..." She said before finally taking a seat, crossing her legs at her knees and huffing heavily.

Politics - it had it's moments.

[member="Ned Rostu"] | [member="Faith Balor"] | [member="Geneviève Lasedri"] | [member="Lanax Grayson"] | [member="Ater Notechis"] | [member="Persephone Callas"] | [member="Arcana Adasca"] | [member="Valen Cerezo"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Oh, this was good.

"Senator Organa of..." Give a moment as we read the details here: Princess of Alderaan, former Senator of Carida; Manaan; now... "Loronar. Pleasure to see you back in our assembly again."

Geneviève Lasedri was not one known to laugh, as may have been previously noted. But she was having a difficult time deciding whether she should laugh or spout condescension at the corporate democratic monarch. So she laughed. "You have no market here. As I recall, you withdrew all Incom assets from the Republic and pettily claimed anything useful that you could. And I'm unaware of these 'generous donations' of yours. I'd be very much interested in how this invisible money came to be. What was your tax refund?" The Prime Minister glanced about the Senate, a sly beam in her eyes. Laughter and condescension were working well, actually. "Oh, right. Do you even pay taxes, what with all your corporate property removed from our borders?

"I'm sorry, Senator." Not really. "But I can only take my job as seriously as the people working under me. How you are even standing here at this moment is both amusing and rather appalling. And, in direct quote of yourself not two minutes ago: 'It is the duty of the members within this Senate - to protect all facets of the Republic.'

"And so, Senator Organa," Gen concluded, eyes narrowing as she triggered a silent alarm that would see security officers filing into place around the Loronar representatives' booth, "You are hereby charged with treason to the Galactic Republic. Thank you for your attendance today."

Politics indeed had its moments.

[member="Alyesa Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

"What!" Faith was on her feet how did they go from tax evasion to treason. Faith looked over to [member="Geneviève Lasedri"] "how can you charge her with treason?"

Crap Faith thought. Faith started to move when she felt captain tellos at her arm shaking his head he leaned closer speaking with her. Faith nodded. Closed her eyes. They held no true position well nothing to back it. The advice given would be heeded.

She could only look at the guards surrounding her sister .

[member="Alyesa Organa"]

 

[The End Narrator]

[SIZE=9pt]Alyesa raised an eyebrow in return to the Prime Minister before she placed her hands on the podium before her. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]"Prime Minister - I ask you reconsider your position, considering a wide variety of circumstances that would look unfavorable in the eyes of the people of the Galactic Republic."[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]She smirked and glanced at [member="Geneviève Lasedri"]. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]"Especially regarding your own character." [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]She would nod to her own security personnel and representatives, making them move out of the way for the Senate Guards and Security personnel respectively before taking a step back from the podium.[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]"I invoke my rights as a diplomatic representative of Ranklinge and therefore, cannot be held within a Republic prison facility or by Republic personnel."[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]She looked to the Guards and Security personnel. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]"As the bylaws of the Republic decree, you can only place me under house arrest until my trial - and as such - I'm free to take my leave from the Senate to prepare my defense."[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]She slowly raised her hands to wave them and gesture towards the Prime Minister. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]"Actually, facilities on Ranklinge and the facilities on Commenor pay taxes on time - with interest Prime Minister...so please do not place false allegations against me again Lasedri."[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]She held up a single finger.[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]"Furthermore, Incom Corporation never declared nationality within the Republic - we declared neutrality and if I recall correctly."[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]She placed her hands before her.[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]"I was not acting Senator for Carida at the time that Incom Corporation revoked contracts from the Republic - therefore mixing the office of the Senate and my position as Chief Executive Officer would be crossing paths that would invalidate your claim of treason."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]She gestured towards the Prime Minister. "[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Now, if we want to take a look at the screen - these records are from the databanks of Incom Corporation - they show our good Prime Minister here purchasing the XA-5 design for a certain faction." [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]She gestured.[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]"When she signed the contract that was supplied by Incom Corporation - it had certain specifics and that we wouldn't sign over products to just any unknown entity - infact, we knew where they were going and to what entity they were going to."[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]She again motioned to the display.[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]"The Rebel Alliance!"[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]She ensured that this was broadcasting on every frequency throughout Republic space.[/SIZE] [SIZE=9pt]"We know in the early days of the Rebel Alliance, the atrocities they committed - infact Incom Corporation retained data from the vessels as they reported back statistical information of usage and diagnostics, where they were located at each and every precise moment." [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]She took one final look towards [member="Geneviève Lasedri"] before taking a glance around the Senate Chambers. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]"So, would you care to deny these allegations of being the leader of a terrorist, murderous faction and that your signature isn't on that block - on that contract to purchase those products from Incom Corporation for the intent to maim and destroy before you so conveniently found your way to the highest seat of power within the one of the largest military powers in the known galaxy? Maybe, perhaps to make it your own personal Rebel Alliance, hmm?"[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt][member="Geneviève Lasedri"] | [member="Faith Balor"] | [member="Volko Hydori"] | [member="Lanax Grayson"] |[/SIZE] [member="Ned Rostu"] | [member="Ater Notechis"] | [member="Persephone Callas"] | [member="Arcana Adasca"] | [member="Valen Cerezo"] | [member="Mark Crassis"]

 

[Malok]

It took a lot to surprise the Senator of Ruusan these days...and yet, here he was, staring rather dumbfounded at the documents that had been shared with the Senate body. Any man or woman with a set of ears had heard of the atrocities committed by the terrorist cell that dared to bare a name so noble. They incited riots in lands characterized by peace, slew innocents in order to propel their worldview...If they wielded the Force, they could be regarded as close cousins to the brutal Sith biting at the Republic's heels.

And now, to learn that the Prime Minister had purchased vessels on their behalf? To learn that she could potentially be the mastermind behind the bloodshed? This was unacceptable.

"If these allegations are true...then we have a terrorist at the helm of our Senate. If these allegations are true, then the mantle of Prime Minister has been tainted with innocent blood! We as stewards of the Republic will have no choice but to call a vote of no confidence and to have the Prime Minister stand trial for her actions. If we fail in this duty, then we are no better than the very Sith that claw at our borders."

 

[Thalia Rist]

Thalia was going to stop this right now. They were here about an Act to save her father's planet from a fate of... disgrace.

"If you don't mind my interjection. I would like to point out the reason we are all here. It is to vote on an Act that could aid my father's home and the home of your own Lady Organa. Keep that in mind before you start pushing out accusations of the person we elected to her seat being the head of an organization that last i checked had not commited any atrocities that i know of. And Prime Minister, if you wish to name someone a Traitor please do so not during the voting of an act that is put in place for a completely different reason. The both of you are acting like children, pointing fingers at who did worse... and this is coming from the Child standing in the room among you. And Senator Rostu, you are helping in no way by continuing the Conversation. Now are you?"

Short, Clear, Direct. That was all she had to say as she glared daggers at all those here. "I move this session be closed for now until such feelings can be covered in a meeting they belong in. Otherwise i think that all those here partaking in this... ill timed conversation leave now. I think its long overdue for a recess."

[member="Ned Rostu"] [member="Alyesa Organa"] [member="Faith Balor"] [member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Malok]

"I fail to see how reacting to evidence of our elected leader's heading of a terrorist cell as frivolity. If these allegations are true, then the fate of the entire Republic depends upon what we do now. This act, while vastly important, cannot overshadow the severity of this evidence. Would you rather we cast a blind eye to the document set before us? Do you not value innocent lives, Republican or otherwise?"

So young. So blind to what was truly important. Having such a woman with bloodied hands lead the Republic would end only in more innocent bloodshed. This was not something that any respectable Senator would stand for; especially when hard evidence is placed right in front of them.

[member="Thalia Rist"]

 

[Thalia Rist]

[member="Ned Rostu"]

"I agree that it is important. But this is not the time for such..." She looked at the man, no less venom in her eyes than in her speech about how they had chosen the least opportune moment to bring up their charges against eachother. This was a formal body designed for law making, not the 'who's the bigger traitor' match. It was annoying to tell the least that someone who was so... much her elder too was going along like this. And they called her the child.

 

[Malok]

"Young lady, allow me to point out the facts."

"We are in a war. A war that is costing lives. A war that is causing the subjugation of innocent worlds. All that stands in the way of the One Sith war machine is the Galactic Republic. We look to our Prime Minister for leadership against this terrible foe; but if her hands are sullied with innocent blood then we must act now. There is no other time than the present, for we cannot allow one who has acted in a manner that would bring pride to the most brutal of Sith lead the Republic!"

"That is why this Act must be paused. That is why these allegations must be investigated immediately and action taken. I understand that you only see the present: you see an Act that can bring splendor back to Alderaan and desire to see it come into reality. However, as a representative of millions, you must see not only the present, but the future as well. You must see that we cannot sit on our hands in this manner, but rather act. Now."

[member="Thalia Rist"]

 

[Thalia Rist]

[member="Ned Rostu"]

"EXACTLY. We are at war with the One Sith. Not a legitimate organization operating and fighting an Ally of the One Sith. Last i checked, there has also been no acts caused by them that gives them the recognition of the word Terrorist. And the Word terrorist is based on the viewpoint of one person in the first place. Furthermore, even if the Prime Minister was the leader of a military group. We are in a war as you said, should we not have a leader with military experience at such times. This is why we have Elections... Im confused Rostu, give me one example of this so called Terrorism, and then i will entertain your foolish notions."

 

[Malok]

"They are directly responsible for the murder of the monarch of Geonosis and the total upheaval of its indigenous culture. Geonosis, up until that point, had been a peaceful industrial world that had committed no act of foul play warranting such a heinous punishment. I don't think that any of us would much like it if the worlds we represented were plunged into chaos, our respective cultures ransacked, and a new 'better' system implemented by those with the bigger guns."

[member="Thalia Rist"]

@ T

 

[Thalia Rist]

[member="Ned Rostu"]

"From my understanding Mister Rostu... The actions on Geonosis while i agree are Regicide are not something foreign to the Republic itself, nor to its Allies in the Mandalorians and the Omega Protectorate. And are by far a hundred times lesser than the Techno Union or what ever they call themselves, The One Sith, and the Primeevil. The Rebel Alliance are our allies, they will remain so until they do something worthy of our intervention. And i can assure you that the actions that the Rebel Alliance are taking, while not the most commendable, are by far better than that of our enemies. But as i said you gave an example and that is what i asked."

 

[Malok]

"Are you...excusing...Regicide and the decimation of a native culture on the basis that other nations have done worse?! We are the Republic! The final bastion of good in the Galaxy! How can we claim to be morally superior to the One Sith whilst casting a blind eye to such atrocious actions? Is our justification now simply 'we have murdered less innocents, so we are what is good in just in the Galaxy'?"

"What you have just stated is preposterous. If we abandon morality...If we turn a blind eye to such actions, minor in comparison to the Sith or otherwise...then can we truly call ourselves worthy of being the hope of the Galaxy?!"

[member="Thalia Rist"]

 

[Thalia Rist]

[member="Ned Rostu"]

"I have a question, you do recognize what i am outside of my position as this planet's Senator right? I do not excuse Regicide, but i do not condemn the action either. Have you asked the Rebel alliance for their reason to commit such. Have you asked the people of Geonosis how their lives have changed with their caste system gone? I have those two simple questions before i continue. Our entire government, was created through the acts of Regicide, time and time again in the past 800 years. Or are we conveniently forgetting that... ask their opinions before you make yourself out to be better than them Rostu."

 

[Ater Notechis]

Well...this was getting interesting. She'd expected plenty of boring sessions and perhaps could have stayed away but she was a creature of service and duty.

But the recent conversations had her checking alliance documentation, previous bills and made a point to see when was the last time any of the Senators had the mandatory blood test to check their midi-chlorian count.

And as much as she wanted to keep her leverage on certain Senators, she felt it was only a matter of time before she shared her dossier on their backgrounds and business dealings. Would heads roll? Most certainly. Would this reach beyond the Senate? You bet. As far as Ossus in fact.

 

[Danny Colen]

As far as first sessions in the Senate went, this one was definitely quite exciting. At the moment he had not spoken a word, merely listened and made mental notes on the views and methods each senator took in expressing themselves. Now that things were getting interesting, he thought of saying something. The young girl and the man were at odds it seemed; maybe someone should try even them?

Standing up for the first time, Danny spoke.
"Excuse my interjection into your arguing Senator Rist, but I'd like to point out that if we're talking about the history of the Republic, then the word 'Terrorist' has clear precedent to be used officially. You also mention the crimes the Republic has committed in the last hundreds of years, however it is important you remember the ideals of the Republic. Not only do we strive to maintain peace and security, but improve. Mistakes in the last hundreds of years can not excuse the acts of others today. As the longer-standing, more knowledgeable people, it is our job to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their crimes."

"In the same time period you accuse the Republic of being built on said crimes, Terrorism has been recognized as the word to be used for someone who uses violence to achieve mainly political means. No doubt this applies to the Rebels if they forced the Geonosians out of their caste system; and I can't imagine they were willing to get rid of it. And so, if it is true that the Prime Minister has aided such a group then I agree that it takes priority over the matter we originally came here to discuss. I know it must be hard for you, if Alderaan means alot to you, but the sanctity of the senate, and therefore the Republic as a whole, must take priority over one of it's planets for the time being. Bills can be postponed, but terrorism can not be ignored."

A small pause, for Danny to take a sip of water, before finishing what he had to say.
"Of course, we must listen to both the Prime Minister's side and Senator Organa's side before coming to a decision. Such things can not be rushed."
When he was coming to his first senate meeting, he hadn't imagined he'd say this much, but it seems the events had called for it. Something had to be done if the accusations were true, and as much as it pained him to 'ignore' a planet in need, this had to take priority.

[member="Thalia Rist"]
[member="Ned Rostu"]

 

[Lief]

"With all due respect, My Lady" came the cool, metallic voice of the Trandoshan, who had just risen in place after listening to all that had been said thus far, and directing his respirated words towards [member='Thalia Rist'],

"I implore that you look at the larger picture than simply the restoration of your homeworld. If these accusations hold true, then there is more at stake here than just your people. I understand your plight, as do all gathered here in some way or another, but to dismiss what has just been brought forward is folly. I mean no ill by these words; however, what use would there be in restoring your gracious world if the Higher Government sworn to protect it, and see to the laws and justice of the Republic it belongs to, will potentially harm it and others again in the near future? Please, for the sake of all gathered here, set aside your personal plight for the good of the many. I assure you that the fate of Alderaan will be tended to."

Turning his attention from the scorned to first the accused Prime Minister and then her accuser, Kralossk let out a heavily burdened sigh and shook his head ever so slightly. He knew he would have wanted the focus to remain on Trandosha had he been in Rists position, yet likewise good reason would have reminded him that the Senate was there for the sake of all planets under the Republic, not just his own.

"I ask for further evidence for and against these accusations against not only our elected leader but also Senator Organa. Do you forget that we are a Republic, not a Dictatorship? You cannot simply wave your hand and have someone condemned without a fair trial, and your word alone with such a small amount of evidence to back it does not a fair trial make. The word treason should never be used so lightly, Prime Minister, and with all due respect there are Acts in place which make the ruling of such a Senate matter. You do not have the authority to cast such judgement alone. Likewise, you cannot cast a Senator from the Senate - you do not choose the representatives of the worlds in the Republic, that task lies with its people."

It was concerning to the Trandoshan that things in the Republic had slipped so far; this was not a Dictatorship, nor was the Senate expected to be a bunch of yes men who jumped to the request of the individual they had elected as their Chancellor -- or whatever the damned leadership title was these days.

[member="Alyesa Organa"] [member="Geneviève Lasedri"] [member="Thalia Rist"] / Everyone else