The Pen And The Sword (CSA Dominion of Denon)

[Kay-Larr]

Kay clenched her jaw as she listened to the Marduk. Did she not hear that the CSA would not strip them of citizenship and protection? [member="Macharius Solaire"] spoke up then, and his words reminded her of some of the shrewed businessmen that she had dealt with before. Some were more corrupted than others, but they were all ruled by the almighty credit and of power. It was disheartening to see Mach in this way, but he was also shot in the chest, so he had good reason to be grumpy.

Her attention soon turned to [member="Ravenfire"] as he asked for her orders. "Don't switch it off just yet." Kay looked to [member="Jairdain"] as she spoke, listening to her words that were more or less true. "The Commenori do stay home, yet our trade and business contracts cross all spectrums."

She looked to one of the monitors, not exactly sure if the Marduk can see her or not. "I give you my word that you will not lose your rights or citizenship. And if it's through logical means that you wish to remove a Prime Minister to save Democracy, then the most logical process to do that is through an election, is it not? Don't kill Democracy through assassination. You only brand yourself as a terrorist and an enemy to the people, despite the fact that you believe that you are saving them. So have an elwction and let the people and droid citizens of Denon decide. I can have CSA officials observe it to keep it fair. What do you say?"

 

[Macharius Solaire]

Tightening his hand around the chair arm Macharius pulled himself up to his feet. He was still in pain but thanks to Jairdain it wasn't so terrible as before. "Kay. Were it even possible to hold an election right now it would take months of organization and preparation to hold it." There were numerous problems to the idea. Beyond the fact of course Kay was negotiating with a droid who was already a terrorist, and on Denon's behalf without the assent of the elected party. However noble her intentions or the crisis they were in. She was going to find herself in the wrong. "We have one point two something trillion begins on Denon. The droids added 150 billion new eligible voters. We haven't even finished redrawing the voting districts from when they got that right in the first place. Perhaps the Commenori have no problem holding snap elections but it is a titanic task for Denon. Ignoring all the parliamentary procedure, rules and conventions. Stripping hundreds of billions of people of their choice in the last election. Because some droids are mad at me, tried to kill me! Who knows how many others, we don't even know the whole picture yet but you want to negotiate with terrorists! You're out of line your Majesty!!!" Macharius tossed down his gun. It landed with a heavy metal thud on the conference table. The room was silent afterwards. Not even the Marduk said a word. Probably having some smug satisfaction that Mach was unwinding. Both of his hands were set down, head forward, he could even look at her. Blood nearing a boil he didn't need this stress on to of all the other stress. His breath heavy. He took the time needed to compose himself but kept it short. "I don't negotiate with terrorists. That's my answer. End of discussion. Raven, end the transmission, please".

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Jairdain"] [member="Ravenfire"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay turned to [member="Macharius Solaire"] the moment that he stood up. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he wasn't a fan of her idea to hold an election.

She let him speak, however, unloading his thoughts, even going so far as to say that she was out of line. Perhaps in some way, he was correct. But not entirely.

The gun dropping onto the table seemed to have a finality to it. Mach wanted to just dismiss the whole thing and somehow think that it would de-escalate the situation. "I wasn't suggesting a snap election to be done next week or even next month. I understand that it takes time and that certain procedures need to be followed. So let that happen." Mach may not be able to look at her, but Kay looked to him. "I'm trying to save lives and prevent a war from destroying Denon. This isn't a negotiation. It's the search for a democratic compromise. Are you willing to work with that?"

Or will his stubborness rule it out? She understood the want to hold onto power. Yet if he was confident enough, then an election down the road shouldn't worry him.

[member="Ravenfire"] [member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

Her role and position was to advise Bradshaw and he was not here. That being said, she could still fulfill part of her position and point something out. It might be as an advisor to the prince but it was an observation she formed based off the truth of the conversation that happened when they walked into the room.

Marduk had pointed out Macharius had dealings with the Sith. Kay had as well and so did she. Virak Ip downstairs was just an example. He that was the not quite Lykos who was a sith before his death. That was still quite confusing to her and would have to be cleared up at a later time. It had been said between them already a future meeting would happen.

"Macharius, you say you don't negotiate with terrorists, yet you have made bargains with the Sith. If they aren't terrorists, then I don't know the definition of the word."

​It was spoken quietly, tiredly, but with a sense of conviction. She also thought it to be a true observation.

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Ravenfire"]

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Caedyn had managed to reach the entrance to the Government Hall, there alongside him were several of the people that had been present to watch and witness the ceremony taking place, all now in much better spirits though still shaken, soon being told by the young Je'daii Journeyer to escape while they had the chance. By this point someone had managed to call the authorities and outside within the open streets, public security and law enforcement agents had surrounded the front and most presumably the sides and rear of the facility.

"Hold your hands up so they see you're not carrying anything dangerous like a weapon..." Caedyn spoke clearly that the civilians soon to be saved could understand him; "One at a time, move slowly so the officers don't mistake you for one of the droids or bad guys. Go, now" he nodded firmly to the man in front of the small group and from there proceeded to watch the law enforcement agents recover some of the people that had been trapped between the rising conflict.

Turning away from the entrance to the building, Caedyn Arenais had no intention of leaving without knowing that his Mom was safe and that there weren't anymore innocents in harms way. With his Bo Staff disconnected into two smaller sticks, he had secured them horizontally to the back of his belt so that he wouldn't see them lost in the possible conflict to follow. He still held his Lightsaber within his right hand though the blade had been disengaged while needing to escort the innocent out and away. Moving once more however, Caedyn's steps were much swifter and near silent as he sought to make his way towards the main room, his left hand reaching for his commlink and looking to connect with [member="Lady Kay"]'s frequency.

"Mom! Are you still in here ?!".

​

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[member="Ravenfire"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Logen Brunner"] | [member="Macharius Solaire"] | [member="Kait Holden"]​

[member="Reggie"] | [member="Celty Ree"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Zyrias Pax"] | [member="Klesta"] | [member="Einon"] | [member="Virak Ip"]​

 

[Macharius Solaire]

"No. We are beyond that point and I have given my answer."

Standing upright he began to take full control of this situation. Passing around his chair and by Jairdain who berated him about his dealings. Not that she knew the details of them. The reasons and perhaps understanding of industry. She was young, and of course he didn't know much about her either. He could well be wrong. Not that it mattered in the grand scope.

"I sold weapons to a nations army Jairdain. I've fought against the Sith since you were a child. So I'm well aware what they're like. If you want to politic and morally rail me why an arms company would sell weapons to anyone, now certainly isn't the time. I'd love to tell you why though, some day not to far from now, when there is some to spare." With the door closed on the matter, and an offer to open it up latter. He hoped it would be the end of it for now. Certainly she could take things in to account and accept that.

Raven wouldn't cut the transmission. Like a good soldier he fell to his chain of command and asked Lady Kay for orders. As formerly one himself he had respect for him that he could do so. It was a good quality to have but he needed the Marduk to be unable to listen in anymore. His decision had been made. Saying more was just giving the droids information they could use against him. Macharius stared down Raven as he reached in and with the press of a button on the control panel, killed the feed. The Marduk who'd been now silently listening dissipated from the screens as they cut to black.

"Years ago Kay, you will remember that Denon chose to leave The Republic. Then I was a Senator then for this world. I remember giving the news before the Senate. The war with the One Sith was a lost cause. The politicians wanted out, and so it was done. Yet as things only grew worse, somehow, The Republic convinced many of those same politicians to come back and join. So we were back in the war and what did it get us. Sith and Vong attacked my world. You were here, helping the people during the crisis. But we fought them off. A bit bloodied, but it was a real victory." Turning around to stand to face the Queen he continued on. "But The Republic eventually collapsed, Denon held the left flank though and we didn't allow the Sith to come down the Hydrian Way. We were free. Free until HK came with his fleet. What did I do then, surrendered. Allowed the droids to push their laws and run their show up above this world. You know how many people felt... angry, betrayed. I had to weather that and keep the peace. Many people have a hatred for droids now Kay. And I... have to bear that mistake I made letting HK take Denon. Fighting them off would have been the right choice then. In hindsight it is easy to say such things. Now though it is the only choice. The people will demand the attackers be dealt with once they learn what's happening. If we don't want this conflict to escalate far past where it is now. The Marduk and his, her... its supporters must be captured or destroyed."

Mach laid a hand on the head of the tables seat. Pulling it out for himself. It was this chair he was in when HK's fleet came. It was going to be here he dealt with the repercussions of his past mistakes. "If The Commonor Systems Alliance and Denon are to be in an Alliance. I need you Kay to....... not at least be against this. I know you strive to find peaceful resolutions to conflict. It isn't going to happen here. Denon will handle this matter internally. As Prime Minister I formally request of you to respect Denon's decision to handle this by itself. I will do everything in my power to see you safely off Denon and back to Commonor, and your accompanying personnel." Mach took up his post. If Kay was going to say anything to him now this was the time. There was mush work to be done and swift action was needed by him.

[member="Jairdain"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Ravenfire"] [member="Caedyn Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched as [member="Macharius Solaire"] shut off the transmission. Although she was disappinted in that, she studied him as he recounted their old history. Yes, she was on Denon during the attack, helping all the citizens that she could to reach safety.

Mach continued on, recounting what had happened when HK had arrived. More importantly he revealled how and why both himself and some of his citizens came to view the droids. It troubled her. But as Mach had stated earlier, she was out of place in stressing demands on him.

It took a moment or two before she answered him, her voice quiet as she nodded. "Alright. If you wish for this to be handled internally, then you may. Yet if there is any danger of this spreading outside Denon, I will have to intervene. And if you happen to be on the losing side of things...just contact me and I'll send help your way. Good luck, Prime Minister. Please keep me updated." This wasn't quite what she had in mind, but she couldn't be a dictator either.

Her comms came to life as [member="Caedyn Arenais"] contacted her. She drew it from her pocket and answered back to him. "Yes, Cae. We're on the 34th floor and will be heading down to you shortly. Wait for us. We're heading home." Kay looked to [member="Jairdain"], [member="Einon"] and [member="Ravenfire"] , nodding to them. "Please come with me." She looked to Mach and bowed her head to him before heading to the door and opening it. There was bound to be some discussion on this for the journey home. Now it was time for her to gather her thoughts and search for ways to avoid these kinds of situations in the future.

But for now...Denon had taken the steps to joining the Commenor Systems Alliance. Hopefully they would all be happy with the decision.

 

[Ravenfire]

Raven didn't like the ultimate outcome but he would nod to [member="Lady Kay"]. "Very well my Lady." He would open the door again and walk out. "We are clear." He would then look at [member="Jairdain"] . "Would you like some assistance Adviser Jairdain?" If she said yes he would help her. If not he would simply walk to the elevators ready to meet with [member="Caedyn Arenais"] again and leave Denon for now.

 

[Jairdain]

Much like the meeting planned for the future with the not quite Lykos down stairs, Macharius expressed an interest in having a conversation with her at a better time.

"I would like that."

It was all she had time to say before he continued on and spoke to Kay. What he said about Denon, what had happened to it and how his people felt on matters. ​Listening to what he said brought a bit of insight to her and something she would remember in their next meeting. His words were both his own point of view and those of his people. It was clear he was empathic and that is what she was as well. She now reserved her judgement for that future encounter.

When he finished, Kay had her opportunity to speak and she feared for the fate of the regular free droids that stayed. Concerned they would be lumped in with the Marduk group and whisked away and not be heard from again. They might not be organic, but they were individuals just the same and deserved equal rights. What Kay answered indicated who's side she was on in the matter.

In responding to Caedyn, the meeting was over and they started to move out of the room. At the offer of assistance from Ravenfire, Jairdain accepted the help. She had mostly recovered by now, but the extra aid certainly was appreciated. Giving him a small smile, they walked out together.