Faction The Big Board | Alliance War Room

[Auteme]

Monaray Dod Lucas Gracin Lupa Visz Kel Se'Taav | SENATE GANG
​

They were opening a new front every day.

The Dark Empire, stalled at Coruscant, each report a fifty-fifty on whether they were making a resurgence or withering away. The Sith Order, the shambling corpse of their old empire, lurched towards the Core, gobbling up Sullust with eyes for Naalol and Eiattu. The Chancellor met her duties as she had to; but now, after weeks of situation room briefings and live updates, she was exhausted.

Most things did not need her full attention; she was starting not to give it so easily. Sitting at the head of the war room's table, she listened to the reports filing in. Every one brought something new and terrible. Nothing so drastic as what she had felt at Coruscant, but it was a death by a thousand cuts, like their life force was being siphoned for sinister purposes.

The Trade League, now impotent; the Mandalorian Protectors, equally so. Not another nation they could count on for even a second. And now, this -- Mandalorians descending on a neutral world a short jump from the border. Contruum was among the few non-member worlds that the Alliance relied on, at least to an extent -- early diplomatic dealings allowed Contruum to maintain a steady flow of trade down the Vaathkree and into the Core, one of few secure routes to neutral worlds in the Slice.

No grand execution; not some vital organ. A painful prod, but not one that ceased their functioning.

A thousand times? This was neither first, nor last.

By her own admission or by their string-pulling, an assortment of Senators and officials had joined her in the situation room, receiving updates on the unfolding raid. She did not know the Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders; if they took after their namesake (a pedantic part of her wanted to correct them; they were Neo-Neo-Crusaders) they could certainly pose a threat to the Alliance. But even if they didn't, there were others like them.

"By my understanding," she said, a glance to the general for confirmation, "Our response team could be there within the next several, perhaps able to catch the Mandalorians at the end of their raid and assist Contruum.

"We, of course, must make the decision of whether to send them -- to a neutral world who has not asked for our protection." And, of course, whether to send assistance to other worlds in situations like it, whether Mandalorians or rogue Sith or Imperials or some threat they had not known of. The Alliance, this tall citadel of stability, was being encroached on; made to be alone.

A new report came in -- the arrival of a fleet from the Mandalorian Protectors. Then, their rapid fall.

She weaned the tension out. "Your counsel would be most invaluable."

 

[Lucas Gracin]

First Mandalorians come about and raid neutral worlds in some misguided attempt to spread their ‘protection’, then sith empires raise their ugly heads in the galaxy, taking a shot at Coruscant, the jewel of the galactic crown, then more Mandalorians appear, this time disposing of any pretense and deciding it was time for a new mandalorian crusade. It was like living in a historical sandwich. “The hell is this? Four-Thousand BBY?” Lucas murmured to himself as he leaned back in his seat. It was at times like this he understood why the Valde had such a robust liquor budget for his office. He could also see that the Supreme Chancellor was joining in on that revelation.

“Chancellor, the Mandalorians are testing us. They’re seeing if we’ll roll over. Make no mistake, Contruum is a staging area. It will become a military outpost, and it will be used against us if we do nothing. At this rate, I believe the planet is lost. But if we can arrive in a show of force, cripple their infrastructure and remind them who we are, then perhaps we can spare ourselves the extra front in the wars to come.” More and more, it seemed that every time he spoke out in the halls of the senate, his voice was among those advocating violence. He hated it. War was messy, people died, and brotherhoods broke. Yet it was a necessary evil. it was the duality of Zorrens. To hate the nature war, yet be bred for it. “They might take Contruum, but we can show them the folly of reaching beyond the outskirts and into our borders.”

“Furthermore, I advise we reach out to the Protectorate. They offered an alliance once, and the delegation was poorly handled. We should find out where they stand, ensure that they stand against this crusade, and assist them in putting down this threat. In return, we can gain their assistance with the empires that threaten us already.” It was a plan he had advocated before. Seeing that plan crumble before his very eyes had been maddening, and it took every ounce of will to call that meeting “poorly handled” rather than idiotic, stupid, a fiasco, or any other number of derogatory adjectives that might have been more fitting.

Auteme

 

[Lupa Visz]

Monaray Dod Lucas Gracin Kel Se'Taav Auteme​

"The Protectorate is in disarray at the moment. They don't have leadership to meet with." Lupa said frankly as she walked in. "As for the self proclaimed Neo-Crusaders, by the reports I've been getting, they aren't as much of a threat as they posture about being. I don't doubt they plan on using Contruum as a staging ground, but we have bigger fish to fry."

The woman walked over to a holo-projector and brought up the current borders of the GA. "Right now, our biggest worry is the Sith. A two front war isn't one I'd prefer to stay in for long. Not that I think we can't, but it's going to cost us in the long run. My suggestion would be to kick the Imperials out of the core and secure out borders. Perhaps reaching out to the neutral worlds around the Dark Empire's borders would be preferable, as well as Protectorate worlds. How knows how long before the Protectorate falls, and god knows what the Neo Crusaders would do if they secure Mandalore as their homestead. We can't deal with another major force of opposition on our borders." Lupa paused, a finger grabbing the hologram and dragging the map southeast.

"What about the Tingle Arm Coalition? Have the Senate reached out to them? They're out of the way, but having an ally out there could allow us a way to secure the Mara Corridor and potentially cripple this crusade before they get their legs on the ground. I've got some word from Veradune on some military operations the TAC have planned, and if they can secure their western borders around the Empire, we could work towards pushing our cloud in that direction."

 

[Monaray Dod]

Auteme Kel Se'Taav Lupa Visz Lucas Gracin

Senator Dod was taken aback by the unexpected invitation from the Office of the Chancellor to attend a meeting of the War Council. However, the rationale behind the invitation became clear when considering his role as a voting member of the Trade Lobby in the Senate. Such a political faction consisted of influential corporations like the Trade Federation and the InterGalactic Banking Clan, whose significant presence in the Alliance Economy allowed them to wield considerable influence.

He had entered into the situation room a short while ago, bringing along two Trade Federation Envoys to advise him from a legal and economic perspective during the conference. The holographic map of the War Council was likely on the fritz, as a multitude of reports streaming in from various sectors of the Alliance Frontiers, encompassing communications from planetary administrations as well as senior officials within the Alliance Defense Forces.

"It was the dismissal of the Neo-Crusaders in ancient history that allowed them to flourish against the Galactic Republic, General Visz. Their growing strength poses a significant threat to our Alliance, as each recruit they gain becomes a highly skilled commando, rivaling many of our own marines. We cannot have such a highly organized special force pose a threat to planets like Contruum, even if they are outside our natural borders." Dod said with a firm expression, emphasizing the necessity for the Alliance Defense Force to refrain from hastily dismissing a potential threat.

The Neo-Crusaders exhibit a level of organization that surpasses that of the Enclave's Crusade Attempt, posing a significantly greater risk to the Alliance if they are allowed to thrive while the Alliance concentrates solely on immediate dangers, such as the Sith Order.

"The Sith Order does have a critical weakness that the Alliance can exploit before we even engage in a lengthy and costly war, their offensive is being carried by the Mors Mon Star Dreadnought - a powerful asset and a powerful liability as its destruction would permanently weaken the Sith Order. I advise that we mobilize all of our reserve Super Star Destroyers into one task force under the command of Supreme Commander Von Sorenn, and assign them the task of hunting down and eliminating the dreadnought."

The Neimoidian additionally remarked, understanding that the demise of the Mors Mon would significantly undermine the Sith Order, possibly to the extent of completely shutting down that war front if they were fortunate. By harnessing the combined might of all the Super Star Destroyers in the Alliance, they might be able to defeat the colossal enemy.

 

[Auteme]

Lucas Gracin Lupa Visz Monaray Dod
​

Rarely was the Chancellor caught unawares, but she had a moment of confusion scattered among the other thoughts she had as she listened. She looked to the general, "Excuse me... cloud?"

She wasn't fully sure if she'd caught the meaning of the phrase; perhaps it was Velusian slang, she didn't know. Still, it was strange to speak so casually of moving the Alliance in such a way -- and yet it was built into the general's worldview, surely. She would be far more aware of the threat of force that a border carried.

"I did not know you were a historian," she said to the Neimoidian. An almost casual understanding of the political situation leading to a long-forgotten conflict -- Dod was full of surprises. She let his point hang still; the strange juxtaposition of marshalling their greatest forces against one enemy, but also treating the smallest ones as legitimate threats in their own right. In one sense correct; on the other, surprisingly un-pragmatic for the Senator of Cato Neimoidia.

 

[Lehvi Vass]

Auteme | Monaray Dod | Lucas Gracin | ] Lupa Visz | Kel Se'Taav

Lehvi Vass glanced around the room, taking in the temperature. With the ascendence of the Dark Empire, and their attempt at conquering Coruscant, the Representative of the Al'Har Federation had been splitting his time between ensuring the Korunnai diaspora in Coruscant was evacuated to Fondor, and ensuring Haruun Kal- precariously straddling the Alliance and the Sith Order- was postured for all possibilities as the Sith drew ever closer, be it siege or insurgency.

The revival of the Neo-Crusaders, thus, had caught Lehvi off-guard. He was grateful that the Chancellor had created this forum.

"We find ourselves in the unenviable position of a multi-front war", Lehvi finally said. "While the Neo-Crusaders have not yet developed the same capabilities as our current adversaries, history- as Senator Dod so eloquently stated- has shown this Mandalorian sect has the drive and wherewithal to obtain said capability, and become as big of a threat, in time."

"We cannot let the grass grow under our feet. I concur with Senator Gracin. A show of force- both overt and clandestine- paired with a diplomatic response stressing the need to respect the sovereignty of all could be a viable response at this juncture. The purpose would be to deter the Neo-Crusaders from cutting a swath through the galaxy while the Alliance must contend with the Sith and the Dark Imperials. Rap their hands, if you will, with the threat of something more severe if they continue down this path."

 

[Dracken Pryce]

Lehvi Vass | Lucas Gracin | Kel Se'Taav | Monaray Dod | Auteme
​

"The Mandalorians are just like their vornskr, all bark and no barb." Pryce leaned forward in his chair. "In a way, our failures during the Sith-Imperial Civil War have saved us from a unified Mandalorian people. Until the people of Contruum ask for our aid in earnest, I agree with the General. We need to be focused on the offensive when it comes to the Dark Empire. Secure our own borders and take back Tython before we even think about Darth Vornskr and his cronies."

"Because while I agree with the General's cource of action, I don't agree that the Alliance can sustain offensive and defensive actions against so many foes at once. We need to be swift, before these wars snowball into something we cannot win. We will be facing another Operation: Endgame"

 

[Lucas Gracin]

Gracin's brow raised at the knowledge displayed by the Neimodian senator. It was unexpected, though that certainly wasn't to say that it was wrong. "Admiral Pryce, General Visz, while I understand the desire to avoid overextending ourselves, the fact remains that if we don't act sooner, we'll have to act later. We do a small operation now to show the Mandalorians that we have enough attention to show them, even if we'd rather not devote that kind of attention, and they might decide to leave us alone while we fight off the sith. Besides, such a preemptive strike would give us the initiative over our opponents."

The General's words regarding Veradune's extracurricular activities didn't fail to gain his attention and Lucas quickly started to tap a message away to the Valde. While Veradune was far from clandestine in its support of rebellions and causes such as the TAC, the excellsus preferred to know who was sending out such information regarding their activities. "But you are well informed, General. The Valde has taken a personal interest in the Tingel Arm Coalition and has sent the Valkit, Vallen Torrevaso to take charge of a precinct in the area." Reaching into his pocket, Lucas produced a small holo-projector, and with a bit of fiddling, presented an image of the man in question. "If you desire, we can certainly set up a meeting as an intermediary. Veradune would be happy to offer our precinct as a neutral ground where you might foster a friendly alliance."

Auteme Lupa Visz Dracken Pryce Lehvi Vass Monaray Dod

 

[Monaray Dod]

Auteme Kel Se'Taav Lupa Visz Lucas Gracin Dracken Pryce Lehvi Vass

The Neimoidian observed quietly while Chancellor Auteme interjected, seeking further explanation regarding certain viewpoints raised by the General of the Galactic Defense Forces. Auteme seemed surprised to learn that the Senator possessed knowledge in historical research, particularly in relation to the Neo-Crusaders posing a threat to the Alliance in the present day. "One must always be aware of history, Your Excellency." Dod shifted his focus, returning his complete attention to the ongoing war council meeting, as an increasing number of delegates arrived to assert their own perspectives and arguments.

There was a general consensus among several senators and delegates present that suggested that neglecting this new sect of Mandalorians could potentially lead to the emergence of another war front, a front that the Alliance could ill-afford to maintain with the war with the Dark Empire and the Sith Order happening at the same time. Lehvi Vass of the Al'Har Federation made an interesting point, that they could potentially solve the matter with these New Mandalorians by using diplomacy and force of arms to make them back down.

Diktat Dracken Pryce of the Corellian Confederation made further arguments, agreeing for more offensive maneuvers against their present foes than focusing on these new renegades. Although the representative of Veradune, Lucas Gracin cautioned that they should not overextend themselves and made mention of contacts with the emergent Tingel Arm Coalition.

"Athough I support peaceful diplomacy with the Tingel Arm Government, they have not demonstrated their ability to effectively aid the Galactic Alliance in times of war. Should they succeed in defeating the Empire of the Lost in a direct confrontation, the Trade Lobby would offer their support." Dod explained with a resolute demeanor, seeking to ascertain whether the newly established government possessed the capability to confront a moderately sized adversary in combat prior to initiating any diplomatic efforts. He exchanged a brief look with the Federal Chancellor, maintaining eye contact until he successfully captured her complete attention.

"Chancellor, if I may express my thoughts candidly, it appears that we should consider revisiting previous strategies to counter emerging adversaries. An enhancement and extension of the Byss Sanctions Legislation, originally established under Chancellor Tithe, could effectively incapacitate the economies of both the Dark Empire and the Sith Order as they do not function like the Mawite Warcamps. This approach would restrict their access to vital resources and lucrative markets, thereby undermining their operational capabilities." Monaray explained that the economic condition of the Dark Empire and Sith Order was significantly deteriorated, making them ill-prepared to deal with the abrupt closure of markets and withdrawal of investments. By expanding the former Sanctions of the Eternal Empire to encompass both the Dark Empire and the Sith Order, the Alliance could potentially bring about the closure of those fronts entirely.

 

[Lupa Visz]

Auteme Kel Se'Taav Lucas Gracin Dracken Pryce Monaray Dod Lehvi Vass​

"Excuse me... cloud?"

"Apologies Chancellor, Military slang. The borders of the Galactic Alliance stretch far enough that if we were coordinate with the TAC, we could reach a point of linking up with their forces." Lupa explained, before looking to Dracken. An old face among the Alliance, and a welcome one.

"Because while I agree with the General's cource of action, I don't agree that the Alliance can sustain offensive and defensive actions against so many foes at once. We need to be swift, before these wars snowball into something we cannot win. We will be facing another Operation: Endgame"

"I don't believe we can, but I do believe we can focus on one at a time. Right now, the Imperials are the most effective threat against us. They had territory within our borders, and hold both cultural, tactical, and strategic assets within that territory. Going on the offensive against that pocket is the only logical choice." She said with certainty, before pausing, and looking to the Namoidian with annoyance. "As for you..."

"It was the dismissal of the Neo-Crusaders in ancient history that allowed them to flourish against the Galactic Republic, General Visz. Their growing strength poses a significant threat to our Alliance, as each recruit they gain becomes a highly skilled commando, rivaling many of our own marines. We cannot have such a highly organized special force pose a threat to planets like Contruum, even if they are outside our natural borders."

"Athough I support peaceful diplomacy with the Tingel Arm Government, they have not demonstrated their ability to effectively aid the Galactic Alliance in times of war. Should they succeed in defeating the Empire of the Lost in a direct confrontation, the Trade Lobby would offer their support."

"- I question why you are even still allowed in these chambers. After all the Trade Federation has done, why we still allow your kind within the senate is beyond me. I have reports on my desk right now of your troops aiding the sith on Eiatuu. As for your position, the Mandalorians don't know what they want to do. Right now, their forces are minimal, and knowing their cultural values, a show of force would only provoke them. They don't want to fight the Alliance, they want to fight the Jedi. Let them be ignored, like the toddlers they are. The TAC however, have been a functional galactic government for less than 2 months, of course they haven't shown the ability to aid us. What they have shown is the ability to organize, and put the Empire on notice. My suggestion would be send a military liaison to watch and train them, as well as send diplomats to greet them and win support. They're still a young government, and sending an olive branch this early would give them the legitamacy that I'm so the Empire is eager to rip away from them. Acting as if they aren't will only strengthen the Empire's claims, and weaken a potential ally's position within the galactic stage."

 

[Dracken Pryce]

Auteme | Lupa Visz | Kel Se'Taav | Monaray Dod | Lehvi Vass | Lucas Gracin

​

"The Tingle Arm Coalition..." Dracken muttered. Their blood burned like rocket fuel in their hearts. It wouldn't be the first time the Alliance backed a rebel movement, but it would be the first they backed one with such a strong economic and political foothold in the region.

"Send a Jedi too," he paused. He had to remember that the Jedi and the Alliance were not one and the same as they had been in his more youthful years. "That, is," he added, "If they have the bandwith for it. Maybe Master San Tekka or one of the other older Jedi who have experience with war? Osarla Ridor and Ekkeke Shale also come to mind..." He grumbled something unintelligible before glancing in the direction of the Trade Federation.

They were becoming an ever-growing thorn in the side of the Alliance, pushing their claim of neutrality closer and closer to the edge of what most politicians saw as acceptable. He wondered why they thought it so. Neutrality meant aiding neither side, not profiting from both. The botched assassination attempt on one of their officials probably only helped them choose a side in this war as well, even if they were hiding behind market shares and bureaucracy.

​

 

[Kel Se'Taav]

​

Tags: Auteme | Dracken Pryce | Lehvi Vass | Lucas Gracin | Lupa Visz | Monaray Dod
Location: Undisclosed Alliance War Room

“It's my understanding," Kel said, speaking only from the bank of information he knew to be true and accurate, "that a force in the galactic southwest is on the rise, calling themselves the..." he trailed off, looking through a new pair of bifocal spectacles at the datapad in his hand, "...mmm, yes, the League of Autonomous Worlds. A rebel alliance of former Rimward systems, according to the reports I've received from my colleagues in the League Council." He removed his readers, folding them neatly while clearing his throat. Kel knew that the Alliance and Trade League had very touch-and-go relations, but he work side-by-side with many great people during his tenure as the interim councilor of Seswenna. Good people like Aerin Denno and Mya Jesel came to mind, the former of which happens to be the LAW's leader and the latter the former chairwoman of the Rimward Trade League Council.

"This Tingel Arm Coalition is not a group that I am familiar with, and while I welcome any friendly forces in this war to come, I must agree with Monaray Dod - it may serve us better to witness their efforts in direct combat with the Imperials. I must confess, I may be hypocritical to suggest we look to the new League considering they've yet to launch an offensive themselves, but I come from their stock," Kel said. He eyed his fellow senators and strategists carefully. "There's a summit planned soon on Kabal, one of the few worlds left unharmed by the Sith invasion that collapsed the Trade League. I can represent the Alliance, speak with Councilor Denno." The old Bothan's voice cracked a bit, perhaps revealing more of his worries for the League-folk than he'd admit explicitly. "We once relied on President Jesel and the Rimward Defense Force to shore up the southern end of the Sanrafsix. Perhaps, if this new League proves itself, we can rely on them to do the same."

 

[Monaray Dod]

Auteme Kel Se'Taav Lupa Visz Lucas Gracin Dracken Pryce Lehvi Vass

The Neimoidian redirected his focus from the Chancellor of the Alliance to the ongoing congressional proceedings, allowing her time to process his remarks regarding the reinstatement of the Byss Sanctions Decree, originally established under Chancellor Tithe. Such a proposal would aim to extend the existing sanctions to include both the Dark Empire and the Sith Order, thereby undermining their economic stability.

There was a noticeable shift in tension as General Lupa Visz leveled an unsubstantiated charge against the Trade Federation, suggesting that they had deliberately dispatched troops to the Planet of Eiatuu to aid the Sith Order in their campaign for dominance over the system. Monaray briefly turned, engaging in a silent dialogue with the nearby Trade Federation Envoys to formulate an appropriate response that would resolve the issue before it escalated to the high courts.

"Outrageous, the Trade Federation did not send any troops to the aforementioned planet of Eitatuu. It would not be within our best interest to violate our neutrality in the on-going conflict between the Alliance and the Sith Order. Any units the Defense Forces may have seen on the battlefield could have easily come from any number of abandoned droid foundries. " The Senator expressed his frustration to Lupa Visz , eager to refute the allegations swiftly and effectively before the Federal Assembly initiated an internal investigation into the Trade Federation, which could potentially reveal inconsistencies in the troop numbers stationed on the planets they claimed and in the shipping records.

Diktat Dracken Pryce indicated the intention to dispatch a Jedi to support any forthcoming diplomatic endeavors directed towards the Tingel Arm Coalition. The Old Corellian staunchly opposed the policies of the Trade Federation and held significant influence as a political leader within the Senate. His perspectives were particularly impactful on the Chancellor, given his previous role as her Vice Chancellor for a short duration.

"Your views are most welcome, Diktat Pryce." He spoke with disdain, yet his demeanor remained calm. the Neimoidian then directed his attention to the Bothan Senator, Kel Se'Taav , who had entered the room holding a datapad. "The Trade Lobby is in support of such a summit, and we would like to request that one of our delegates be invited to ensure that all economic functions are within proper conditions, and that they have a fighting chance against the Sith Order's ruthless industrial machine." Dod said with a soft expression after the Senator had gotten done speaking. This new government could potentially act as a formidable defense against any future incursions by the Sith Order into the Core Region.

 

[Auteme]

Monaray Dod Kel Se'Taav Dracken Pryce Lupa Visz Lucas Gracin Lehvi Vass
​

"Senator Dod," she said, eyes narrowed, "I appreciate your honesty regarding your loyalties. I assume, of course, that with these greater sanctions you propose -- we of course are engaged in no trade directly with our enemies -- that there would be severe consequences for even our esteemed friends in the Trade Federation if we were to adopt them, and the Federation was proven to be aiding our enemies.

"As for this... Tingle Arm Coalition -- the question remains the same. Are we willing to put our resources and military to use on new fronts at this time? The Empire is not yet our enemy, though doubtless they would be if they had the strength. This would effectively be a preemptive strike, while we are fighting elsewhere. I am not opposed to making them our allies; they are few and far between on the galactic stage. But the sort of aid we give must be determined. Equally -- are we even confident that they could defeat the Empire before our wars come to a close?"