Faction The Karazak Conundurum (RTL)

[Mya Jesel]

Ideals and rules were critical to a well-functioning government. However, the reality was not always so accommodating. Sometimes those values found themselves in conflict.

In this case, personal liberty conflicted with local governance. Such things were not uncommon, but the challenge was Karazak stood on the border, an unreliable neutral buffer system between them, the Pantorans, and then the Imperium.

Worse, they were one of the great slaving centers in the Outer Rim. So far, there had been uncomfortable neutrality between the two. The slaving collective had stayed away from the Five Veils Route and not raided League systems and the League had been withheld from acting by the laws of its own charter.

Mya knew it couldn't last. The two were simply too incompatible to co-exist. It would only be a matter of time before the League found themselves in a situation that no one wanted. Either League inhabitants would be taken, intentionally or unintentionally, or raids would begin in earnest, or the pressure would mount to eradicate the slaving collective through direct military action.

The challenge was exactly that- did the League have the authority to launch a pre-emptive war, even a war of liberation? The slaver's collective was in direct violation of the Charter, but they were the de facto government, and the League did not possess the authority to overthrow local governments.

They would need either a compromise or a special resolution, publically voted on, to authorize military action. That would take time.

"We are gathered here to discuss the problem of the Karazak Slaving Collective," Mya said, addressing the Council and the other representatives, as well as the meeting broadcast. "How do we resolve the matter of a slave-state existing on our borders and preying on neighboring neutral systems? In time, they will likely be forced to raid us, but they are not yet willing to attempt that. The floor is now open."






Gol Gadonk Tonzees Kaabrua Cessair Berav

 

[Tonzees Kaabrua]

The way the Togruta saw it, there were many options for a single decision, but only a handful of 'right' answers. Even then, right depended on who it was saying it was so.

Case in point, there was Kazarak. Today's meeting was crucial beyond compare, of course, as it dealt with that exact issue. One could call Kaabrua a hypocrite given his past, but the business of slavery was simply abhorrent. Buffer system or not, the Rimward Trade League would win nothing by allowing it to proliferate in Kazarak.

Appearing in his simply phantom-like fashion, Kaabrua took his place in the council chambers. This was a tense issue, to the point where his montrals could almost feel the palpable anxiety in the form of nervous jitters. When Mya gave her opening statements on the issue, the Togruta put a hand to his white-marked chin and stroked downward thoughtfully.

"We could go in, blasters blazing, and upheave a political system, only to impose our own..." he said methodically, "or we can find a way around such barbaric methods. Slavery is profitable to these people, is it not? Smuggling was profitable on Faldos. If we can make it less desirable financially to enslave people, there may be a breakthrough on the ground floor. After all, credits make the Galaxy go 'round."

Then he returned to silence. It was probably best to let someone critique the insane notion before he continued...

Gol Gadonk Cessair Berav Mya Jesel

 

[Mya Jesel]

Tonzees Kaabrua Cessair Berav Gol Gadonk @League Members

"That is the crux of the matter," Mya agreed, leaning back into the chair, thinking through the implications of his proposal. "And it would be far more justifiable to take this alternative approach than to launch a military takeover. That would be devastating to all parties involved and hamper our ability to protect the Outer Rim against more pressing concerns."

The Maw, for one example. The Final Dawn. They were forces stirring in the Outer Rim and while she would not say it, intelligence had been identifying an increase in Maw activity, suggesting a counter-attack was coming soon, perhaps even against the Rim. Their guess was against the Mandalorians, to try and check them before they had amassed the strength to launch an offensive of their own.

That, she suspected, would be interesting. To fight Jedi and professional soldiers was one thing. The Maw went after civilians and those who could not defend themselves, using that leverage against them. The Mandalorians, however?

There were no civilians amongst the Mandalorians. None who could not protect themselves and were more than capable of meeting their ruthlessness with their own.

It would be a costly war though. The madness of the Maw against the beskar of the Mandalorians. The Maw thought themselves gods, but they would face a culture whose only god was war. At least, if the old legends were true. But the Mandalorians were adaptable and changing beyond anything that could be guessed.

The League would have to shepherd its resources wisely. They could only do so much. "What would you suggest to pry them away from their economic reliance on slavery?"

 

[Miel Tevv]

"Systemic change will take time."

Ambassador Tevv coughed. He wore luxurious business robes and a traditional sullustan executive crown. Such a powerful Trade League made promising business partners. His people were merchants by ancient tradition.

"Forgive me, Madame President. I know I am a guest here, but what of those suffering under bondage?"

He bowed at the representatives Mya Jesel and Tonzees Kaabrua in respect.

"A military solution would be more decisive," Miel argued, "My people's Home Guard are willing to commit resources toward this end. Occupation may be undesirable, but liberation should be our priority."

 

[Mya Jesel]

Tonzees Kaabrua Cessair Berav Miel Tevv Gol Gadonk

"Temporarily decisive," Mya agreed, eyes half-closed, listening to Miel's response, before leaning forward with a deep sigh. "Let me be frank. Sith Warlords are establishing strongholds not far from the Terminus Republic. The Final Dawn has fortified its position at Kal'Shebbol and Seswenna while the Empire courts militants seeking to overthrow the democratic government on Pantora."

She let those sink into everyone in the room before taking a long breath. "Not only is occupation undesirable, but we also can't sustain it. The Home Guard's assistance would be of immense aid, but every life is one we will not have to take the brunt of the inevitable Sith onslaught."

Her face was grim as she looked around the room. "We can likely manage a limited military campaign, but I am not convinced we can take an entire planet, even with the strength of the Home Guard."