Private The Room Where It Happens

[Annasari]

Auteme

​

"Let me assure you, Senator Vahl, the Ascendency has appreciated the Alliance's support in the matter. However, and forgive me for putting this bluntly, our agreement was never to fight your battles."

The blue-skinned general challenged with a stare. Chaos began to erupt from her colleagues around the table, their words ones of objection and snark. The senator did not look away, nor did she speak. A pale hand raised, calling order with nothing but a movement. One by one, esteemed democrats of the core fell silent, looking to their head of committee. The hybrid let that empty tension hang for a few moments before she finally spoke.

"No, but the Alliance agreed to fight yours, and we have kept faith at every turn." With a voice as chilly as her gaze, Annasari didn't flinch from the seasoned Chiss. "In fact, because of our operation to wrest Copero from the Maw's grip, these heathens were supplied with this opportunity. We have given you aid, supplies, weaponry- all of which will stop should our territory be molested."

Rising as she spoke, the glare continued across the table, fury bubbling just beneath the calm expression. Her hands rested on the table, allowing her to lean into the words.

"I would also tell you to fear the Maw, General Vinero, as your peoples have proved yourself incapable of defending yourselves alone... but the Alliance will rise above their enemies, one way or another. All of our enemies. Do not forget who it was who took Copero back."

A dramatic pause allowed the Senator to stand straight, smoothing her navy jumpsuit, though her eyes still didn't leave the chiss.

"You are with us or against us, General. Dire times do not allow for a middle ground."

 

[Auteme]

Annasari ​

Auteme was becoming more selective in her respect in the Senate, but it was easy with Senator Vahl. The representative of Jakku had a force of personality rare even in these hallowed halls -- the kind of force that could place her among contenders for Chancellor, even without a party or a highly-populated world at her back.

Vahl was a reminder to Auteme to keep herself in check at times. The verbal lashing that Vinero was getting served to keep Auteme from her own habits of dramatic outbursts. Admittedly her role on the Committee of Foreign Affairs was a minor one; she kept quiet, mostly staying to keep herself appraised of the Alliance's relations more closely, and leveraging her experience in dealing with nations such as the New Imperials and Concord to show up to important negotiations. The situation with the Ascendancy, however...

"Supplies are going to be allocated soon, General," she said softly, cutting in with a modicum of calm between the heated individuals at each end of the room. Auteme sat closest to Vinero, and slid over a datapad with a list of future shipments. "The Alliance is committed to supporting our allies. But, should the Maw become bolder, their campaign go further, it may be difficult for our support to reach you in full. A, ah, united front may better secure both our futures."

She gave a warm smile. Vinero snatched up the datapad, and gave a little huff as he skimmed the contents. It was obvious he knew they were right -- though the Alliance wanted the Ascendancy's support, the former held far more cards.

"If I may -- I would motion to adjourn, to allow our guest to review the material, and reach out to his fellows. I think we all might benefit from a short break." She looked to their Chair, giving a slight head-tilt in search of agreement.