@[member="Velok"] @[member="Daella Apparine"] @[member="Vulpesen"] @[member="Selena Halcyon"] @[member="Tahira Solo"] @[member="Diana Moridena"] @[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] @[member="Kreegan Vesh"]
In disputed space near the Mando-Republic border, Contruum could have been claimed to be Republic space. Republic officials asserted that it was so, despite knowing that the Mandalorians would have an interest in the world for border integrity.
The highly publicized auction quickly garnered the attention of Republic officials. Once the lots were disclosed in order to gain the eyes of potential buyers, the Republic immediately made plans to act. The Darkstaff and the danger it posed was enough for the Republic, yet action would have also benefited the Jedi Order and its quest to reclaim its lost holocrons.
Legal paperwork ensued as the Republic obtained a search warrant for the auction house. One of the goals of would have been detaining the employees of Bayse, Bayse, and V’nnuk’rk, Auctioneers, Ltd. for questioning. It would have allowed the Republic to quickly obtain bank information that would have been related to Velok, as the auction house would have likely needed such information beforehand in order to charge Velok for renting the facility in order to exclusively sell his goods as well as for the extensive marketing that this auction required. The staff would have also needed to know where to send the money and goods acquired by buyers. Further contact from Velok would have also assisted these investigations.
While reclaiming the stolen goods was the top priority, the Republic could not have been certain that all of the holocrons and the Darkstaff would have been kept on site. Yet, allowing the items to be sold off would have scattered them around the galaxy. In addition, buying back the items would have gone against the Republic’s policy of not compromising with terrorists.
Meanwhile, above Contruum.
A Rupublic command ship flanked came out of warp and maintained an orbit above the planet. A message was sent down to the building in place of a bid, because being generally kind of a hippy didn't mean that Aleidis Ijet didn't have a sense of dramatic irony.
"Attention: Bayes, Bayes, and V'nnuk'rk Auctioneers. This is the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, Aleidis Ijet. I am here to inform you that you are attempting to sell stolen Republic artifacts taken from our Jedi Archives by a man known as Velok - who is suspected of blowing up Rhoomasol and Osarian." She explained. "Any efforts you undertake to assist in our efforts to regain what is ours and bring that man to justice will be looked upon favorably by the Galactic Republic - and refusal to comply will have your company deemed accessories to this most vile criminal."
"This is my bid. Please consider it carefully." Aleidis finished. "Your expedient reply is appreciated."
(Daella helped me write this. #Credit)