2007-11-02 - War and Peace in the Senate

Coruscant: West Tower of the Palace - The Senate of the Republic
This building is a wide, low circle of silver durasteel, overlooking itself with four floors of balconies. On every balcony flags of the Republic hang red and sharp next to flags from all over the galaxy and soft subtle light from hidden alcoves gives the place a feeling of quiet that it rarely sees.
Further back the balconies are supported by great heavy columns, obscuring the towering walls in shadow. The space is enormous: capable, at a glance, of holding more than a hundred thousand sentients comfortably. The balconies themselves are unfurnished.
Down the middle of the bottom floor a dark red carpet runs from the main entrance of the building, across the long floor to the foot of a well-lit white dias. Upon the dias is a light silver chair, and on its high back is the sigil of the Republic. Behind it a vertical slash of glass rises up like a wild brush-stroke to break the continuity of all four floors of the balcony: the building's only window.
The bottom floor descends in four circular steps, making a sort of stage of the lowest platform. This cylindrical recession is well lit with white lamps set in the step above it, and the red carpet spreads here to fill the circle in the center of the room.
Despite the building's size, it is always crowded. Senators and bureaucrats come and go from here at all hours of the day and night. Informal debate and political scheming fill the hall when legitimate government does not.
Some of the murming dies down, and many eyes go to the depression in the center of the Senate Chamber as Bail smiles to Tarkin and Gog and stried quickly to take the floor. As he steps within it, the light inset in a circle about it illumines, and the intercom humms as the voice amplification system sets it.
"Honorable Delegates," Bail says, turning on his heel so that his back faces the throne as he steps into the center, "Dignitaries from the Member Worlds of the Republic. Fellow citizens."
He pauses, glancing around the room with those friendly eyes of his, "We stand at the turning point of the Republic. This Senator understands the recent troubles and crime that have been seen on the Outer Rim, and now is the time for the Republic to determine just how it will meet the growing corruption on the outskirts of the galaxy... "
He pauses, and turns slowly to the Corellian box. Finding it empty, he turns his eyes pointedly to the other key boxes in the Senate, "But we must not let our fear rule us! And we must not forget that what it means to be civilized varies greatly from world," he looks to Tarkins box, Gog's box, and empty box of the Shilin represenative, "To world," and he now looks again to the Corellian box, this time with an ironic grin. A few sentients throughout the Senate chamber chuckle or murmur.
Tarkin's expression gives away none of his thoughts on the speech so far.
Antilles enters and sits in the Corellian box. An ally immediately sits next to him and hands him a viewpad. Antilles scans it quickly and chuckles.
"Fellow Delagtes, we can make enemies with the Outer Rim, or we can take a bold stand: the Outer Rim must join the light! We can no longer think in terms of us and them! We must think in terms of one Republic of sentient life, moving towards the goals of peace and harmony! We must, after so many years, set forth a number of reasonable milestones by which _any_ world, whether colony or outside the Republic itself, can gain representation on this Senate, protection from crime, and inclusion in our Great Republic!" Bail says, holding up his hand in a gesture of appeal.
"I would point our attention to the world of Sullust, a paradigm of peace and justice, excluded from the Republic by an overgrown beauracracy! I would point our attention to Ord Mantell, a colony which desperately craves representation on this Senate, but which has gone unheard! We cannot leave the destiny of these planets to the tangled web of capricious and confusing bearacracy! We cannot leave Bespin to the tyranny of a Pirate Lord! We cannot allow Dantooine to be pillaged by pirates and gangsters! And even one day, Nar Shaddaa must be wrested from the tyranny of the Hutts! Safety should not be the privledge of the Core worlds of the Republic, no-- nor even the worlds of the Republic as a whole! Safety must be brought to every corner of the galaxy! The sentients of the galaxy must be given a reasonable set of milestones to meet in order to find inclusion!"
The elongated fingers of Gog's right hand twitch rapidly, as though he were tapping the air in some hitherto unknown form of communication. But save that minor display of excitement, he is generally impassive
The Corellian can hardly contain himself as he laughs during Bail's speech. Whether it is the speech itself or conversation passing around the Corellian box is anyone's guess.
"In this spirit of inclusion, let us resolve to fight the corruption of the galaxy not by exclusion, but by inclusion! Let us carry the torch forward," Bail says, "In that spirit, I post the following resolution, and will take any questions before opening the floor to debate!"
Bail Organa pushes a button on his datapad, and the proposed resolution, not yet put up for voting, scrolls across the holo-displays:
1. The Senator from Alderaan puts forward the forth a motion for the Senate to issue a resolution allowing the inclusion of Member Worlds via the following processA. Any world wishing to join the Republic may petition the Coruscant Committee for Republic Membership (as detailed below) for membership if the executive of said world comes to Coruscant and petitions in person.i. This petition will be immediately denied if the executive is a criminal on any Republic Member World, a criminal in the Republic as a whole, or is an Enemy of the State of the Republic.ii. This petition will otherwise be considered by the aforementioned committee in the order in which it was recieved.2.Furthermore, the resolution proposes that the Senate form a Coruscant Committee for Republic Membership as followsA. That said Comittee be administered by the Supreme Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic, or another Judge of the Supreme Court that the Supreme Justice would see fit to appoint.B. That said Comittee be composed of no more than one hundred Senators, each with an equal vote.i. That these Comitee members cycle every six months by random selection, with any Senator able to turn down the position of membership, except for...ii. Five Sentors who would be permanent members of the Comittee with veto power, these five to be selected by majority vote of the Senate, with any Senator able to turn down such a permanent position.C. That said Comittee take six months in which to form a charter of Reasonable Milestones for induction into the Republic.i. That said chater be agreed upon by a majority vote of the Comittee, with unanimous consent from the five permanent members.ii. That if such a charter is does not meet the above requirements within six months, then the Comittee will be locked in its chambers for continuous deliberation until such time as a charter is agreed upon.D. That the Comittee determine membership of petitioning worlds by a majority vote, with no permanent members vetoing the vote.i. That all vetos and votes against must be argued from the charter, to be judged by the Administrator of the Comittee.E. That a vote for membership from the Comittee will allow said membership to be binding in all Republic Courts, and immediately give the petitioning planet the right to have a Senator.
Senator Antilles rises in his box and switches on his mic. "Mr. President, I ask to be recognized in order to pose a question to my Honorable Friend from Alderaan."
The computer chimes quickly, "The Senate recognizes Lord Ksar Antilles, Viceroy of Corellia, Viceroy of Ord Mantell--the Honorable Senator of Corellia."
Tarkin's attention shifts to the Senator from Corellia.
Bail Organa looks up the Corellian, a half-smile on his face.
"The Honorable Senator from Corellia is recognized to pose a question to the Honorable Senator from Alderaan."
Antilles nods and then turns to face Senator Organa. "I ask my Honorable Friend from Alderaan to clear up on point for me, to confirm what I have not read in his motion. No where in the motion does it state the Galactic Senate, the supreme body of the Republic, will have final say over admission of new members. Is this true?"
Bail Organa nods, and turns his winning smile on the rest of the Senate, "Indeed it does, Senator Antilles. I thought we would keep with the tradition of the Republic Senate making the laws, and other affiliated governmental bodies carrying them forth. Presently, the Senate _may_ vote into law the membership of any planet. But this is not, and has not been, the standard method for acquiring membership. Presently, worlds hoping to gain membership petition the Supreme Court of the Republic, which is overburdened with criminal matters."
Bail pauses a moment, "I introduce this motion to allow a comittee composed of Senators to take this burden off the Supreme Court of the Republic. The intention of this motion is to allow a comitee of Senator, whose normal duties are the determination Republic Law, to have the say in judging worlds which desire to be held to that law. Perhaps you are confused, Senator, about the governmental system of the Republic? There is no single supreme body of the Republic."
Antilles nods at Senator Organa. "Of course, of course. Thank you." Antilles retakes his seat and begins whispering to an aid.
Bail Organa says, "Any further questions?"
"Thank you, Honorable Delegates," King Organa says. He bows, and leaves the depression in the middle fo the chamber. The light flickers out, and the Senate Chamber erupts in murming and a babble of discussion. A large group of Senators come out to meet Bail and begin patting him on the back and talking to him excitedly.
The computer chimes: "Honorable Delegates, the floor is now open for debate."
Tarkin rises and makes his way toward a nearby exit. A thoughtful expression is on his face.
Gog gets up and quietly passes from the building through a shadowed doorway to the west.
Senator Antilles again rises in his box and switches on his mic. "I request to be recognized for not less then two minutes."
"The Honorable Senator from Corellia is recognized for not less then two minutes."
Bail Organa doesn't bother looking up the Corellian box. He chuckles in response to one of the jokes made by one of the fifty three Senators that surround him, patting him on the back and asking him questions.
Turning to address the whole body, Antilles speaks. "Thank you. My Honorable friends, I take specific issue what our Honorable Friend from Alderaan has stated here today. I must admit, I am not an expert on how the Republic was founded. But I do know from practical experience: the Galactic Senate is the supreme body of the Republic. In his own speech, our Honorable Friend from Alderaan admitted that at any time, this body can vote into law the membership of any system in the Galaxy. Just this last week, the Chief Justice's hands were tied in deciding the guilt or innocence of Amalfield Daving. His hands were tied because this body, the Galactic Senate, had already made law that declared Amalfiel Daving guilty of his crimes. The Senate is the most important governing body of our Republic. And now this motion threatens that supremacy, it threatens to deprive this body, as a whole, its perogative to decide the course of the Republic. I cannot in good faith to Corellia, the Republic, or my Honoorable Friends in the Senate support this motion. Thank you."
One of the Senators around Bail, a Gran in fine Corusca-silk robes, looks up at Antilles speech and blinks his three eyes in outrage. He raises a hand, and shouts, not waiting for the computer to recognize him.
"That's ridiculous!" the Gran shouts, "The Senate is the lawmaking body of the Republic, and the financier! But if it is the 'supreme body' of the Republic, then why is Coruscant not represented! Because the Courts determine when law is broken! And what of the Navy?!--"
The computer chimes: "The Senate recognizes the Honorable Senator from Kinyen."
--"We may occassionally issue orders to the Navy, but it acts with autonomy to defend those laws! Your notion that the Senate is the 'supreme body' would make us into a King with a thousand heads!"
Shouting erupts from several corners of the Chamber, and many of the Senators around Bail shake their fists at Ksar, while a few around Ksar begin to shout back.
The computer chimes: "The Senate recognizes the Honorable Delegate from Preego."
The computer chimes: "The Senate recognizes the Honorable Delegate from Yash Rithi."
"Order. Order." The computer goes unheeded.
The Senator from Corulag, Corellia's staunchest ally, rises and hurls rebukes. "You people know nothing about how government really works! Your own words reveal the truth about the Republic!"
"Autocrat! Autocrat!" comes the cries from on of the Senators around Bail. The King motions with his hands for the ferociously hopping Chadra-Fan to calm himself, "Free entry into the Republic! Justice must prevail!"
Bail shakes his head slightly, and begins to disentangle himself from the mob of Senators who have taken up his cause already.
Though he could just as easily do it from his box, Senator Antilles makes his way through the rush down to the Ballot Box and casts his vote. The Senate quiets somewhat as Senators allied to Corellia begin casting their votes around the chamber.
A nervous looking man in a freshly ironed and pressed Republic Navy officer's uniform enters quietly into this wall of sound, dusting off his shoulders. He stops, adopting the look of a deer in headlights as he searches the room uneasily, completely oblivious as to what is going on -- and not really wanting to know.
Bail Organa frowns across the Senate floor, and strides confidently toward the exit. But he notices Petrus on his way, and puts a hand on the man's upper arm to guide him quietly out of the chamber. He motions with another hand, and his protocol droids stop following him.
Later...
Antilles enters the Senate and goes to the Corellian box. A gaggle of allied Senators descend on him and begin speaking ... all at once.
Bail Organa nods to his protocol droid, who quickly takes the motion and enters it for him at the computer station. Then he walks over to Ohl, motioning with his hand for the others in his party to hang back. He murmurs something about seeing them again soon, and walks up to Senator Ohl.
"Greetings, Senator. I am pleased to finally meet you," he says with a winning smile.
The Computer chimes: "The Honorable Senator from Corellia is recognized."
Bail Organa doesn't bother to look up or pay attention. He simply gives a wry grin at the computer's chiming, and winks over at the Senators and allies who follow him about more often than not.
Senator Ohl bows her head in a prolonged nod. "It is my honor, Honorable Senator." The winning smile of Senator Organa pulls a faint bit of one of her own to surface, but which is dissolved as she comments, "I have been desiring some form of time with you recently but all my questions seem to have dissipated over the last day or so as things play out further."
Bail Organa extends his hand to his fellow Senator, and glances up at the balcony where the Corellian box lies.
"Be careful, Senator. I think someone cracked a window. Is it just me, or is a bit of a hot breeze flowing through the Chambers?" the King asks with a wink, "But what questions do you have? I would be pleased to answer."
In the Corellian box, Antilles stands and swiches on his mic. "My Honorable Friends ... this new motion from Our Honorable Friend from Alderaan is incomplete. Nowhere in the motion does Our Honorable Friend mention the eighty thousand credits authorized by Republic Law 3400961 ..."
Whatever Senator Ohl's expression is, it is known only to him and her retinue, though it is a rather expressionless face that is turned over her shoulder a few moments later, after the worlds have met her ears from the Corellian box. "Well, that brings up one question, the primary one," Senator Ohl comments as she turns back to Senator Organa with a smile.
Antilles goes on. "... Corellia demands satisfaction on this issue. We will not let Ord Mantell fall prey to the vultures on the Rim. The Republic is so keen on bringing Ord Mantell into Our Family of Systems, but is completely unwilling to pay the price for that action."
The King of Alderaan shrugs slightly, his hand still extended, "Perhaps it would be better if we spoke elsewhere. If I know the Senate..." and he pauses, grinning up at the Corellian box, "And I think I do, it's about to become a madhouse in here."
Just then, one of the Senators from Organa's retinues interrupts Ksar, "This motion has only been put forward to handle a piece of the law, you... you Corellian! Vote on the tax laws for the spending bills!"
Again, Corulag's Senator rises in the Corellian box. "Any amendments may be offered to any motions! There is no such thing as 'spirit of the motion' in this chamber! Mind your words and read your rules of procedure!"
"Mind them yourself, Brogo! You're out of order!" another Senator says, chuckling.
Senator Ohl joins hands with the Senator of Alderaan, either not having noticed the offered hand or having been unwilling to take it immediately. She gives a nod in the wake of Organa's words and responds, "Yes, that will be fine. Where suits you best, and is there a time you would prefer or shall we now?" Several of the Ohl's retinue look ready to stand but do not as of yet.
The computer chimes: "Senators will take their private conversations out of the Chamber, thank you."
Senator Antilles has stopped speaking all together. The Corellian puts a hand on his Honorable Friend's arm as the Corulag Senator looks read to vault out of Corellia's box.
"We can retire to one of Coruscant's fine eateries, or we may meet in my Office, or my ship, or wherever suits you," Organa says simply. He looks up to the Corulag Senator and winks.
"Alderaani stooge! Unashamed beancounter! Technocrat elitist scum!"
Bail Organa chuckles, shaking his head, "Technocrat? Really!"
"When Alderaan is blasted out of space, then you'll be sorry Organa! Then you'll be sorry!"
"Blasted out of space! Ha ha ha!" bellows a Twi'lek in the corner, "That'll be the day. It would take more firepower than ten Republic Fleets to destroy a planet!"
"Your office would suffice, Senator," Senator Ohl comments, hesitant in her words and withdrawing her hand to her other at her midriff. Her expression might read slightly distracted amidst all that is going on. She gives a nod to her retinue and two stand, moving from their seats. "If two or three of my retinue accompany, will that be fine?" she inquires, appearing ready to move.
The Corellian is now fully restraining the Corulag Senator while others come to help.
Bail Organa nods, "As you see fit." That said, the King of Alderaan turns on his heel and walks out of the Senate Chamber, paying the debate no more heed.
Vulhel Ohl follows in short tow after the Senator of Alderaan, two of her retinue flanking her.
Later...
West Tower of the Palace - Senator Organa's Office, Alderaan
Bail Organa walks into his office, and sweeps the pale mantle he is wearing over one shoulder as he takes a seat on a fine, round grey leather couch inset in the middle of the office. A small glass table sits within this couch.
"May I offer you a drink? Some Corellian coffee, or anything? If you did not know already, the Palace really spares no expense with its galley," Bail says, "But I do stock a few special things here in my Office. How are you getting along, Senator Ohl?"
Senator Ohl follows the Senator of Alderaan into his office, her two accompanying retinue following her not within and staying in the hallway. "Oh, just water is fine," she answers, "and actually," she goes on, "I'll be fine for now. My retinue keeps me well provided for," and then as an afterthought she adds, "as best as they can." She takes a seat as well and while getting comfortable answers further, "I'm doing well really, a little over my head as a Senator really, even just trying to keep my views open. I like to know both sides of a story and thats why I guess I'm here."
Senator Antilles knocks and then opens the door slightly and pokes his head in. "Senator Organa, excuse me for disturbing. I just wanted to say you have my most sincere apologies for what Senator Brogo said about Alderaan. I have spoken with him and he already regrets his words. If there anything I can do to redress this issue, please let me know."
Organa motions with his hand for Antilles to enter, "Not at all, Senator Antilles. Really. In understand the fear that inspired Senator Brogo, though it is alarmist. I'm not sure why he thinks me a technocrat, though. Alderaan really doesn't do much industrial production. More tourism."
He turns to Ohl, "I understand, Senator Ohl. Don't worry about being a little in over your head. Coruscant takes getting used to, and the Senate does doubly. Please, speak frankly. What side of what story would you like to hear?"
Senator Ohl looks to Senator Antilles and offers a cordial hand in motionless greeting. "I guess these accusations about your withholding the funding for--well," she gestures toward Senator Antilles, "the issue that fell so heatedly upon the senate a moment ago. Are you against sending funding, Senator?" Ohl inquires, eyes on Senator Organa.
Antilles hesitates before coming in and closing the door behind him. Coming into the office, the Corellian finds a spot on the couch, a discreet distance from Senator Organa. "Thank you. Ah ... Corellian coffee, how nice."
"Of course not," Organa replies quite simply. He leans back on the couch, "I voted for Senator Tarkin's sales tax, and did my best to sway my fellow Senators to do the same. Quite frankly, I think the eighty thousand credit aide should be the Republic's top spending priority-- as opposed, to say, the Naval Repair Bill. I am the middle of investigating, through my own sources, why the Navy never seems to have the money for repairs."
A Protocol droid serves coffee to Organa and Antilles. Organa smells it deeply, and takes a sip, "Really, how could I be against the spending? Ord Mantell is an embarassingly poor planet after the Amalfiel incident, and I have been appointed to administer the funds."
Senator Ohl gives a nod before remarking, "I've heard corruption is the general assumption at present for the Naval's lack of funds ending in the correct places. Is this what you're interested in discovering, Senator Organa?" She gives a glance to Antilles intermittantly, but returns her attention to Organa. "I'd be interested in any results of course, as I'm sure all of the Senate would be."
"The Alderaanian Intelligence Agency is currently investigating allegations of corruption. If we can clear that corruption up, then the Navy will be able to make repairs, pay its troops a decent wage, and all without increased spending. That's what I'm for," Bail says simply.
"I'll be candid and confess," Senator Ohl begins, "that I've voted in favor of the one percent sales tax, proposed by Senator Tarkin I believe, on wares regarding--well, all that it regards." She pauses. "Where primarily is the opposition to this bill stemming from and what about? I find that with the Republic in need of funds, such a bill seems only complimentary to any and all worlds and does not impeded system sovereignty." She pauses. "I could be wrong on that take though."
"I have no idea who voted against the bill, to be honest," Bail says simply. He turns to Ksar, "Did you vote for or against Senator Tarkin's taxation bill?"
Antilles blushes and looks away partially. "I have not yet had the chance to switch my vote from no to yes. I have only begun to realize the Republic's insolvency and I now feel Senator Tarkin's motion is fair and equitable to all systems."
"Then perhaps it will pass after all," Bail replies with a shrug. He takes another sip of his coffee, "In any case, I believe that the funding for the implementation of our laws should remain seperate from the practical resolutions for the implementation of said law."
"I changed my own vote early today," Senator Ohl confesses, turning to Senator Antilles, "actually as a result of the talks we had yesterday. So thank you." She watches Senator Antilles briefly before letting her eyes drift briefly, as if she's running something through her head. "How do you mean, Senator Organa?" she asks, eyes narrowed slightly. "That mixes me up I must confess, the separation. Do you mean to suggest our funding should come outside of our laws and not by taxes by preference?"
"No," Bail says. He gives a slight shrug, "Simply that we should not pass tax laws to meet certain laws. We should pass tax laws to give us a budget, which we can then use to fulfill our promises. I believe that taxation should not be based on what we need so much as what it reasonable."
"I am not opposed to taxation per se. I see its necessity now. But Senator Gog's proposals are alarming. They do more then what it is necessary and prudent. They are outright infringements upon the sovereignty of the Republic's systems." Antilles shakes his head.
"Senator Gog must be restrained, yes," Bail says. He pauses, and taps his lips thoughtfully, "I share his concerns about planetary monopolies, but I would hardly call Senator Tarkin 'Imperial'."
Senator Ohl remains quiet beyond a few nods and affirming or agreeing comments. "I believe he may even be fearful he is largely in the minority for some reason," Senator Ohl speaks up, "Senator Gog that is. I sense desperation about his motions and a miscalculation about those other motions present. I wonder if he would be receptive to a meeting. Perhaps I will look into that."
"That would be generous of you Senator Ohl." Antilles gives her a head bow.
"I'm sure that he would," Bail says with a smile. "In the mean time, do you have any further questions for Senator Antilles, or myself? About any of my motions, or his?"
"Not a present," Senator Ohl answers. She smiles, appearing quite satisfied as she stands up. "And that does remind me that I have a few things I need to attend with the accompaniment of my retinue now that this has been lifted from my worries. I do appreciate the time both of you have afforded me, Honorable Senators. I hope things continue to work out between your worlds." She gives a nod to both, hands at her midriff, and steps back away from the couch. "If you'll excuse me?"
Antilles rises with Senator Ohl and gives her a deep bow. "Honorable Senator."
Bail Organa bows his head, "Honorable Senator."
"Thank you again," Senator Ohl responds. In the moments following she slips out and is joined by her retinue before the door is again closed behind her.
Antilles turns to face Organa. "Senator, if there is nothing, I shall take my leave. Senator Tarkin's motions beckons."
Category:November 2007 RP Logs