Faction The Force Recognition Act(GA Senate)

[Lucas Gracin]

Lucas' tail flicked behind him as he stood before the senate, his back straight and golden suit gleaming. The last time they had met, much had been discussed. In the end, there had been no true resolution, though to say that their discussion had been unfruitful would be a complete travesty against the truth. That was what separated him from his peers, the Valde and the excelsi of Armis and Tenevi. None of them understood that change took time. They understood troops and agents and missions. Attack an objective and take the objective. Win or lose, the evidence was clear. Politics by its nature, was far more subtle than war. A careless word spoken in haste could hold grave consequences, and thus even the simplest legislation took time and work before becoming anything worthy of action. And where the force was concerned, nothing was simple. "Ladies and Gentlemen of this august body," he began, a clawed finger having activated his microphone, "some time ago, I promised to provide you with a legislation, something we could work on and read together. Something we could change as needed and tinker with until we were satisfied we had come upon a compromise and a solution to the problem that is the growing threat of force using enemies to our nation. I come now before you, having fulfilled that promise."

Again a rhythmic tapping as his claws flicked around the screen before him to send out a message to all that had assembled. "I hereby propose the Force Recognition Act. Its purpose is simple. Recognize that there are force users in this galaxy beyond the jedi and the sith. And take steps to recognize them as both a danger and a resource. Personally, I believe that the force, no matter its name, is a tool that may be used in many ways. A hammer may kill if swung at someone's head, and medicine may be only a half dose away from poison. So too can even the brightest of force users turn to a danger should they misuse their gifts. I ask that you all keep this in mind in our discussion. Furthermore, I propose this bill not for immediate rejection for approval, but for us to speak and edit it as needed until all are satisfied. It has changed already from my initial discussions with my Valde, the input of Alderaan's senator Sylvia Organa having contributed her own observations and ideas to help us create something better than two Veran minds could accomplish alone."

With his introduction finished, Lucas switched off his microphone and sat back, his hands folding neatly into his lap for the moment. The matter had not completely escaped his influence, but it was not beyond him alone to construct what he had hoped was a fair and just law for the people of the galaxy. It was now time to observe and react to the forces at work around him. He simply hoped that his efforts would not be corrupted within these halls into something that he loathed. He had faith that it would not.

Lady Sylvia Organa @Any and all GA senators or Force Users

FRA as it was sent to the podiums and devices of other senators.

Spoiler

Force Recognition Act

Purpose of the Bill: To Allow State level Recognition for Force users beyond the Jedi Order and its various branches, and to issue legislation to deal with dark side force users who pose a threat to the state. Stipulations Regulation and Licensing of force users within the Galactic Alliance sh...

docs.google.com

 

[Achan Jaikavi]

Context: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

The volume of the senate was at a fever pitch. But Achan stepped forward to speak, being recognised by the chair.

"Delegates of our great Alliance. With powers rising in various quarters, surely you must see that our Alliance faces threats both external and internal. This bill represents our attempt to cope with the increasing off-shoots, experimentations, terrorists and criminals that claim religious exemption. Nothing would change for those that have nothing to hide. But for those that wish to do our Republic harm, this bill stands as a first step at neutralising their influence and propagation throughout Alliance space."

The din of those in the room threatened to steal the rest of his time. From some, accusations were thrown at him.

"Some would dare to slander me. Some would dare to question my motives. But the people of Coruscant know where I was on the day that the Sith attacked. They know...I stand...for the ordinary citizen. Those who do not hold the power of the Force as protection against tyrants. For their sakes. For the trillions of ordinary...citizens...this bill must pass so that we can move to protect our people."

The volume only increased, shouts of support and opposition from every quarter. Achan's words were drowned out.

 

[Valette Puritis Yumia]

Senate
Tags: Lucas Gracin , Achan Jaikavi

"This is all well and good, but have we even begun to consider the logistics of enforcing such a bill?"

It seemed like governmental overreach on the highest level, one which frustrated Yumia to no end. She valued the safety of their democracy, just as any other planetary representative did, but ultimately they were planetary representatives. She represented Ord Providence, and finding every Force Sensitive citizen living on the planet would be a nightmare. One of their domed cities alone had billions of individuals living within them.

"We cannot perform an M count on our entire population," she stated bluntly. "Is that what this would entail? Force users spring up like daisies in spring. They could be anywhere, and chances are there are those in this room who could be Force Users which simply have not discovered such a thing as of yet."

Those who do not hold the power of the Force as protection against tyrants.

"And to individuals such as Senator Jaikavi, I will remind you that former Chancellor Aerarii Tithe is the one who compromised this institution," Yumia added. "The Sith alone did not lay siege to Coruscant. The remnants of the New Imperial Order are equally at fault, and it should be recognized that those without the Force have acted as tyrants. A secret police for Force Users will not defeat the greed of terrible people. If you are looking for a conspiracy for a secret Force dictatorship, Senator, you will not find it here. Certainly our individual planetary laws will not allow for such a thing, let alone the Senate. If we are to be taking suggestions, I recoil at the thought of taking them from a man who once held ties to a terrorist organization, one which targeted our people. Killed our people, right here on Coruscant."

New Way, or the Unblessed as they called themselves now. Barbarians. He denied these ties, but Yumia trusted the records. The Jedi had found something tangible.

And what would all of this fanfare prove? The people of the Galactic Alliance voted for Alicio Organa , a man very publically married to a Jedi. Most people simply did not have the time to care. There were no sides here, only those attacking and defending.

Still, if this bill was flexable...

"I propose that such a bill is kept strictly to groups," the Godoan suggested. "It is a necessity for every legitimate organization to be registered as such under our laws. There is a place for proper oversight that sees Sith plots snuffed and real genuine planetary culture promoted. Force users do have their value, but I lament the day we turn our high M count citizens into a farm for conscription, or worse second class citizens. Such a thing is not a box we're ready to open, lest we stupe to the lows of our Imperial neighbors. Let this bill be drafted tactfully so that we may avoid such pitfalls."

Yumia sighed, shaking her head below her hood. This was going to be a mess. She didn't have the energy for this anymore. Debate was becoming tiresome.

"There will be no further statement from Ord Providence."

 

[Rens Ahim]

Rens Ahim stood up on the platform. The Mon Calamari immigrant had been absent until now and it is fortune that he came on this occasion. Always with the force when it is involved it can be a live dentator to discussions. Folding his arms over the chest as he looked over to the delegates that spoke. While usually in favor of motions fighting an Sith threat he had a firm stance regarding civil liberties and as a former lawyer he saw many problems with this bill in that regard.

Senator Yumia spelled out those complications quite efficiently.

Turning on the platform microphone Bestine's senator declared.

"I second Senator Yumia's recommendation to modify this bill. Only groups and sects within Alliance space should register. To attempt to register all of our force sensitive citizens and outsiders who travel through our territories would spend resources that we can't spare considering the war effort, reconstruction and supporting the economy itself."

Looking around the assembly, Rens took a moment to pause before adding.

"What's more if we go with the bill in its original form it would be painting potential targets on force sensitives within our borders regardless of intentions here. Sith infiltrators could manipulate such a law to support their kidnapping operations or the recruitment of individuals to their cause. Furthermore they could very well use the original bill as ammunition for their propaganda against us. In addition we must beware of feeding anti-force sentiment with this or else those indulge it may be given a new weapon to utilize. Such basis has only worsen galactic conflict not prevented it.”

 

[Orion Pavond]

FONDOR - SENATE BUILDING - ASSEMBLY CHAMBER
Lucas Gracin | Achan Jaikavi | Valette Puritis Yumia | Rens Ahim | @Everyone

This is why Orion never became a consular or a senator, for that matter. Sure, negotiations—especially aggressive negotiations—were a parlor trick he picked up. But his particular arena of expertise lied in more personal interactions. Not this general assembly type of chicanery where everyone talked so haughtily and acted all high and might. The pretentious air everyone was throwing around with their large words or polite speeches did nothing to endear Orion to any of them or this meeting.

Instead, it only inspired him to cause even more mischief than he had already planned. All with an important and significant purpose, but he was going to have his fun with it, at the end of the day.

Orion gently flicked his finger across a datapad as his lazily read through the finer details of this Force Registration act, before raising a hand and gently stepping forward. His eyes peered at everyone in an amused yet lazy manner, slowly taking in the entire scene before him and each person.

He gently waved with his hand to further cast attention on himself before gently tapping a small microphone, causing a few dull thuds to ring out, "Ahem. Excuse me. Hello. Pavond. Orion Pavond. Representing, well, concerned citizens and anyone else, I guess. I'm not too picky."

Letting that small attempt at humor hang in the air, Orion set his datapad aside before clasping his hands together behind his back and cocking his head to the side, an amused grin growing after listening to certain parties give their rather impassioned speeches.

Orion followed a different kind of social etiquette.

"You sure you stand for the ordinary citizen? What if they prefer you sit?" Orion spoke as he glanced at Achan Jaikavi before Orion tapped the side of his own head a few times, "Seriously, try not putting yourself in such a good light for the popularity contests back home right out the gate. Using this bill to platform yourself is in bad taste. Trust me."

Tilting his head to the side in a measure of genuine and mock confusion, Orion returned his attention upon the larger assembly, "Religious exemption? Are the laws of the GA so easy to maneuver around? Has that measure of a defense ever worked before in a case where someone has harmed another life? Is that what it takes to get away with a crime because if so, whoo boy, you all are in trou-ble."

There was a small chuckle and a brief shaking of Orion's head, tilting his head as he did so before rolling his shoulders and straightening his posture. For his next point, Orion gently wagged his finger at both Lucas Gracin and Valette Puritis Yumia , almost playfully chastising them with that one motion.

"Comparing practitioners of the Force to tools or medicine? 'High M count citizens'? Very . . . clinical. Puts them in a neat little box, right? No one is going to voluntary label themselves as a force user, even if it is not mandated. Too much stigma, and it's even in the way you all talk. They're different in your eyes and the eyes of everyone else."

Examining faces and reactions, Orion shifted his gaze across the room, "When they're not. The Galactic Alliance has faced multiple threats scientific, supernatural, and obscure. Each equally deadly as the other and each equally capable of harming the Alliance. There are already systems and people in place by the Galactic Alliance, New Jedi Order, and trusted allies that are handling each and/or all those kinds of threats right now."

Arching and eyebrow, Orion leaned forward before smirking, placing his hands gently on the table in front of him and tapping his fingers.

"Honestly, I find the whole measure foolhardy and unnecessary. A diversion of energy and resources better spent elsewhere. But, if you're all so dead set on this, it's your taxpayer money! Here are a few constructive criticisms from a concerned citizen, so you do not end up hurting your reputations or public image," Orion declared before putting his fist in front of his mouth and clearing his throat a few times.

Picking up the datapad, Orion leaned back a little as he began listing off a few issues he saw with this legislation. The rather glaring issues.

"While I agree with Senator Antenna here and her proposal on the registration aspect," Orion briefly motioned with his hand towards Senator Yumia without skipping a beat and keeping his furrowed gaze on the assembly at large, "There lies another issue and one of the first I have with this particular bill. How do you plan to create a council that is impartial when there is no inclusion of representatives who do not possess the ability to practice the Force?"

Tilting his head and pressing his lips together, Orion shrugged with both palms up before he took a step back and away from the podium. He already caused enough of a disruption for now.

"You might want to think about that if you want to create what's essentially a Senate sub-committee dedicated towards the collective issues and problems of Force practitioners and non-Force citizens. It should contain similar measures and precedents as any other acting GA administration or government body."

Food for thought.

 

[Marya Werdegast]

Marya sat in her pod, fingers curled beneath her chin as her eyes scanned the bill. It was rare that any piece of proposed legislation was so clearly and concisely explained before it was brought to the debate floor. She applauded Lucas Gracin for his thoroughness, even though she could see at once the problems that the Force Recognition Act would create if passed. The bill might be workable with a few adjustments, but she would not be the one to suggest them.

She found the reactions of her peers... interesting. Achan Jaikavi had been arrested by the Jedi for alleged ties to a terrorist organization and only recently released, yet here he was arguing in favor of the bill. And instead of Kahlil Noble, there was now someone even less... professional representing the Jedi Order. She didn't know who the Mirialan was, but his blithe attitude and "Senator Antenna" remark were doing him no favors.

"You will not court controversy, I hope."

Her head turned at the sound of a familiar voice. Standing behind her in her pod was an old man dressed in gray robes, his silver hair shaved into a flat-top style, his flinty eyes cold and sharp.

"Mr. Crowley," she greeted her old friend with a smile. "You know I would never do a thing like that." It rarely served her goals to be a dissenting voice. That was the case with most Senators, she assumed. Their interests were better served by maintaining the status quo.

He returned her smile, then looked out at the other pods. "Hmm... I think my presence here may prove unnecessary after all."

Marya had summoned him to Fondor in expectation of a gathering in which he would need to represent her homeworld's Force traditions. It was for the best that such a meeting never took place, but it would also mean that he had come to this planet for nothing.

Well, not nothing.

"I enjoy your company," Marya said. "There are few people in the galaxy who really understand me. Few friends whom I could call true." She reached out and laid a hand upon his arm, meeting his gaze. "I know I can always count on you."

guess I'll save it for take two then Valette Puritis Yumia Orion Pavond Rens Ahim​

 

[Rens Ahim]

The representative of Bestine watching the new voice of the Jedi Order speak on the matter. While Rens was glad to have their perspective he was immediately disappointed with how he expressed it. Through insults and condescension. Rens believed and trusted the Order but now he is getting the impression that they don't feel the same at all about the senate or at least most of its assembly. He thought the Jedi would've learned by now to send someone more diplomatic, in fact he advised Grandmaster Noble about sometime ago.

I hope this was an honest mistake on their part and not a deliberate move to widen the gap between us.

While originally intending to let others speak, Rens felt compelled to respond to the Jedi representative.

"Knight Orion Pavond." He said in full sincerity to his ally's rank with an expression of concern. Whatever Orion thought of him and the rest of the senate, Rens truly respected the Jedi for his service to the people of the galaxy.

"Thank you for emphasizing on how this would affect lives. You are absolutely right our citizens are not resources to harvest nor targets to hunt just because of something they’re born with but people whose lives matter just as much as anyone else. In fact, I fully agree with you that any potential sub-committee should be made with the full inclusion of representatives who wield the force within the Alliance to better represent our fellow citizens that would be most affected by this. I now propose for that as an amendment. Saved for that measure and the registry of sects and organizations inside our borders I believe now most of this bill‘s contents is unnecessary and in fact unconstitutional."

He took a moment to collect himself before getting to the next part.

"At the same time I completely disapprove of how you insulted Senator Yumia by your condescending nickname for her. Whatever you think of her and the rest of us, please remember you're not only representing yourself as a concerned citizen but also you’re acting as a voice for the New Jedi Order here today."

He really hoped Orion would take that to heart, instead of just relying solely on comedic theatrics and witty comebacks. Unknown to most Rens recently learned that his adopted daughter Nai is force sensitive. This entire issue was personal for him and the whole family.

Tag: Achan Jaikavi Lucas Gracin Valette Puritis Yumia Marya Werdegast Orion Pavond

 

[Lucas Gracin]

Lucas heaved a sigh from his seat, his fingers idly plucking at the fur of his tail. Four centuries. Four centuries of statecraft and lawmaking. Four centuries to hone his craft. Sometimes he needed to remind himself that others did not have the luxury of that time. He did however, wish that people would use what time they had to take a second and read. "Fellow Senators," he said as he stood, clicking into the microphone, I understand your concern regarding the supposed creation of a surveillance state. Though, I believe your concern is as laudable as it is misplaced. "Senators Yumia and Ahim, I understand your concern with constitutionality and the worry that it would be impossible to enforce such a widespread registration of all force users, especially since some feel the force so weakly, even they may not be aware of it. That's why from the FRA's inception, it was never intended to do that. I would like to direct you to article 3.e.i."

His fingers tapped on the screen, bringing the mentioned article to the forefront. [An individual may receive a license to be considered a proficient force user.] "May," he started with a steady cadence, "That word was specifically used to denote that such licenses shall be done on a voluntary basis. Their intention is not to place people under surveillance, but to give a sort of certificate of proficiency, just as one would have for a trade like electrical work or metal working. If you so desire, we can add an additional stipulation clarifying that voluntary nature. Or if you truly wish, we can continue the discussion to make this act at an organization level only. But make no mistake, I am not proposing a sweeping surveillance registration as you've suggested."

His golden eyes turned towards Orion Pavond , narrowing at the snarky jedi. "Knight Pavond, i may have to disagree with you on several points. First off, I have faith that for the right reasons, force users will identify themselves. Observe." A fanged smile touched his lips as he began to purr out an introduction, "Senator Lucas Gracin, Master Wilder of the Vitae Sect of wilders. A pleasure to meet you. I'm capable of creating gale force winds that can blow away people that threaten democracy as I recently demonstrated at the battle of Coruscant." He cleared his throat for a moment before beginning on his next point. "However, I do believe your suggestions aren't without merit. There is currently a committee within our halls regarding force users. Perhaps we should fold them into this 'force council.' Have it allow members from Class A licensed organizations and others that are voted or appointed by the appropriate powers.

Rens Ahim Achan Jaikavi Valette Puritis Yumia Marya Werdegast

 

[Achan Jaikavi]

Achan sat shaking his head slowly, a smile across his face. The accusations of grandstanding and self-promotion were well founded if not for his attempt to defend his character when called into question.

"The fear-mongering and misrepresentation of facts by those oppose this bill is not a surprise to me," Achan said, upon reclaiming the floor to speak, "this bill does not seek to register Force-users. No...M-count...tests would ever need to be administered to the public. That is outrageous...no...an outright lie. Instead, it seeks to recognise the groups that hold so much power and sway within our Alliance. With proper recognition, funds could be allocated more quickly to deal with threats posed by those in the proposed category F. Those wishing to be recognised as solo agents of Force practice within this alliance can do so and be properly cared for by this new legislation. Those that wish to remain unregistered have that right as citizens. It is...a voluntary matter."

Pressing a few buttons on the console, Achan introduced two propositions into the mix.

"I propose two measures. One, an additional addendum to Class E: Those unregistered, and upon committing a crime, will be immediately classified as Class F. We would be open to discussion about rehabilitation and reclassification to Class E upon completion of said rehabilitation. My second proposal, a censure of Orion Pavond for his juvenile behaviour within this esteemed gathering."

Lucas Gracin Rens Ahim Marya Werdegast Valette Puritis Yumia

 

[Caulder Dune]

Somewhere among the nosebleeds of the Senate pods, old Caulder Dune chimed in. "The Commerce Guild seconds the motion to censure Orion Pavond. A formal retraction and apology for the frankly inappropriate moniker levied against Senator Yumia is in order."​

​

All this talk of licensing Force Users and registering religious denominations was nauseating, certainly... But like any decent Senator, he drew the line at being rude.​