2007-11-01 - A Meeting of Minds

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.
Senator Antilles enters the Senate chamber. Immediately greeted by several supporters, the Corellian makes his way to his usual spot close to the Senate floor.
Meena Tills crosses the floo, appearing to make a beeline for SEnator Antilles' section of the flooor.
The Corellian senator sees Senator Tills approaching. Standing with a disarming smile on his face, Antilles offers his hand. "Senator Tills, I have so wanted to speak to you. Please, have a seat with me."
Meena Tills slips into the offered seat.
"I have only just joined the Senate," Meena Tills observes, "and have not had sufficient time to meet all of the key Senators. But Mon Calamari has historically had many common interests with Corellia, and I hope that will continue to be the case!"
Antilles nods in agreement. "Mon Calamari is respected on Corellia as a champion for law and order coupled with justice and fairness. I agree our worlds have much in common. By the way, thank you for your vote to end debate on Senator Gog's motion. I've met him and he seems a good being. But his motion is ... not practical."
"All in all," Meena Tills observes, "it would be better to have fewer measures on the floor, and more time discussing them before they are put up for a vote. We should consider reinstituting the committee system, so that we are not inundated with a flood of ill-considered bills entered on the Senate floor before they are properly crafted."
Antilles nods. "We are in perfect agreement then. What do you think Mon Cal will be proposing in the Senate in the coming weeks? I'm keen to know your opinions on the Ord Mantell question."
Meena Tills gives a bit of a choked laugh. "ORd Mantell?" he asks. "It seems that that world raises more than one question!"
Antilles chuckles as well. "Yes indeed. The issue puts a strain on relations in the Senate when we're considering it. I'm glad my Honorable Friend from Alderaan has agreed to put it aside for the time being."
Meena Tills says carefully, "What are the questions you have in m ind?"
Antilles sighs. "Corellia is not opposed to independence for Ord Mantell. But only on our terms, and I believe those are fair terms. For instance, Corellia has invested quite a sum of credits into Ord Mantell. If independence is granted, Corellia will no longer reap the rewards from those investments. I believe some kind of one time pay off to Corellia to be fair and generous. What do you think?"
Meena Tills says carefully, "Colony worlds usually have small populations, and large i nvestments from the parent world."
Meena Tills smiles slightly. "Like out colonies."
"Mon Cal has colony worlds? I wasn't aware of that." The Senator leans in a bit, showing genuine interest.
Meena Tills shrugs. "Few of them are of any great interest to the galaxy at l arge," he replies, "Being mostly water."
"Of course. I wish I could say the same Ord Mantell. For a long time it was a prosperous colony where Corellians could go and settle in peace. But this Mantellian Freedom business, the violence, its both saddening and frustrating."
Meena Tills nods at that. "I have no problem with a world being independent," he replies, "if its population justifies a vote in the Senate."
Antilles smiles. "Agreed, agreed. Ord Mantell is just the capital of Worlport and an outlying settlement. Besides the fact its population doesn't warrant a vote in the Senate, I fear for Ord Mantell's security if it is granted independence. It _is_ in the Outer Rim, one jump away from the Smugglers' Moon."
Meena Tills nods at that. "Look at Dantooine," he observes. "WE do not need any more worlds loose for the Hutts to hijack."
"I have first hand knowledge the Hutts have had their sights set on Ord Mantell. It is alarming how far the Syndicate has spread throughout the Outer Rim. And then Sienar....." Antilles shakes his head in frustration.
Meena Tills nods vigorouslyl. "The Republic Navy must be strengthened."
Antilles grins. "Enough of Galactic affairs for now. Please Senator, tell me how you are settling in here. Have you been assigned an office yet?"
Meena Tills makes the faintest of bubbling sounds through Mon Calamari lips. "No," he says, "so far I am operating from a hotel. Everything has been so unsettled, what with the trial and debates in the Senate, I have not even had time to figure out who in the bureaucracy is in charge of assigning offices.
Antilles nods. "Palace Space Management is perhaps the most stubborn department in all the Republic. I suggest you speak with Chief Justice Palpatine on the matter. He has intimate knowledge of the Republic's byzantine bureaucracy."
Meena Tills inclines his head. "That seems ... on the order of overkill," he notes, "but I need to pay my respects to Justice Palpatine in any case."
A quiet pause, then he adds, "Who else shares our views on such matters as colony worlds, and the importance of sustaining the navy?"
Looking out to into space for a moment to consider, Antilles turns back. "Senator Tarkin and I have cooperated on a number of issues. However, I have not yet had the chance to sit down with him and discuss issues. Vulhel Ohl of Shili, I have not had the chance to discuss things with her either. The other notable members of the Senate, I am afraid, are generally opposed to what we are in agreement on."
Meena Tills nods at that. "I have some concerns about Senator Tarkin," he says quietly. "It is one thing to strengthen the navy. An intelligence service hardly even answerable to the Senate ... and taxes unmediated by homeworld governments ... tend toward power centralized in Coruscant."
"Centralization on Coruscant is something I'm fundamentally opposed to. Senator Tarkin is more a personal friend than ally on the Senate." Antilles looks at the Cal with a neutral smile.
Meena Tills nods thoughtfully. "He played a key personal role in controlling events on Ord Mantell, I understand?"
"Senator Tarkin's technical prowess is without match. He was instrumental in the early days of the crisis surrounding Ord Mantell."
Meena Tills smiles at that. "So then," he says with little transition, "where on Coruscant would you recommend I seek living quarters?"
Antilles thinks a moment. "I recommend the Hotel in the commercial district. It has reasonable long-term rates, a private landing pad, and its luxury is second to none on Coruscant."
Meena Tills nods. "And how goo dis its security services?"
Antilles grins. "My Honorable Friend! Coruscant itself is renowned as a very safe planet. The Hotel is an open and airy place. It has an outdoor restraurant and is just across the way from the Medical Center. It would be a scandal if it provided in-house security. But ... I'm sure your own security detail would be well accomodated."
Meena Tills nods. "Excellent, then." He smiles. "Calamari is rather a more ... vigorous place, at times. The Quarren have their vices."
Antilles frowns. "Mmm, yes. I know."
Meena Tills looks amused. "But come now," he says, "What sorts of things do the Senators do when not at the Senate?"
Brightening, "well, quite honestly, if I don't have business in the Senate, I am on Corellia as Viceroy. However, just the other day I had a delightful lunch with King Bail of Alderaan and several Alderaanian nobles. I have also been known to patronize a certain cantina in the industrial sector." Antilles chuckles.
Meena Tills laughs. "What cantina is this?"
"I don't believe it has a name, at least not that I know of. It is not exactly classy enough to be mentioned on any of Coruscant's commercial guides."
Antilles grins from ear to ear.
Meena Tills raises an eyebrow once again.
Antilles bursts out laughting, "old habits from before I was Viceroy and Senator! I promise!"
Meena Tills chuckles. "You shall have to show me th is place."
"It would be my pleasure. Afterwards, don't say I didn't warn you about the smell though." Another grin.
Meena Tills shrugs.
Antilles suddenly rises from his seat and activates his microphone. "Mr. President, as there are no Senators requesting recognition, I suggest the absence of a quorum."
The Presiding Officer nods. "The clerk will call the roll."
Meena Tills turns, looking across the open space, as the clerk prepares to call the roll.
Tarkin enters the chamber. The senator quickly and quietly makes his way to his seat.
Meena Tills bows. "I must go to my seat," he replies, and heads there.
Antilles rises and bows to the departing Senator before retaking his seat.
Senator Ohl and her retinue of Togruta enter not long after the Senator of Merr Sonn and from the same direction but have more trouble moving to Shili's designated spot, encumbered by the busyness of the senate and various greetings. After a few moments Senator Ohl and her retinue break free and begin to filter toward their seats again.
A page comes and squats beside Senator Antilles. Discreetly, the page points out that Senator Ohl has entered the Senator. Antilles nods and gives the page a message. Moving adeptly around the rim of the Senate, the page is soon squating down besides the Togruta Senator. "Your Honor, Senator Antilles requests the pleasure of having a word with you. If you agree, he's willing to sit beside you here."
Meena Tills watches, seeming to wait to see what will happen once the roll call is complete.
Tarkin scratches his chin as he studies the data displayed at his terminal intently.
It is a few moments before Senator Ohl is able to give the page attention. "I'm sorry about that," she says when situated. "And thank you," she replies, remaining seated. She pauses and takes a deep inhale, looking across the senate to various places. "Tell Senator Antilles I would be honored. Is the Honorable Senator busy? I can come with you for the brief word if he expressed a preference, or if he is busy." She leans forward, hands at the ready as if to rise.
"No, no. His Honor Senator Antilles would not impose on you. With your permission, I shall fetch him." The page rises and heads back around the Senate. A few moments later, Antilles rises and starts working his way towards Senator Ohl's seat. Along the way, he stops to speak to Senator Meena Tills. "I am having a word with Senator Ohl. Would you care to join me?"
Meena Tills smiles and rises. "Of course.."
Senator Ohl busies herself with her interface in the mean time, rather hurriedly.
Antilles smiles at the Mon Cal and goes back towards Sentor Ohl's seat. Along the way, Antilles grabs another page by the arm and whispers something in its ear. The page hurries over to Senator Tarkin. "Thank you kindly, Your Honor. Senator Antiles wonders if you would join him for a visit at Senator Ohl's station?"
Tarkin nods as he rises to follow the page, "Ah, I'd be delighted!"
Antilles approaches Senator Ohl and gives a friendly wave. "Hello again Senator. Thank you for taking time to have a word with me." Antilles looks over his shoulder at Meena. "May I introduce my Honorable Friend, Senator Meena Tills of Mon Calamari."
Meena Tills bows to Senator Ohls. "An honor".
A smiling Tarkin joins the other notable senators. He bows deeply, "And I am Senator Wilhuff Tarkin of Merr Sonn. Pleased to make your Acquaintance."
Ohl stands up and gives a nod in response first to Meena Tills and then to Senator Tarkin and finally Senator Antilles. "It is my pleasure, Honorable Senators." She smiles. Several of her retinue stand up from seats beside her and move further back. "Have a seat, please," she offers, remaining standing herself. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" she asks.
Meena Tills seats himself. "Welcoming you to this assemblage," he replies. "I too am new to the Senate."
Tarkin nods, "I believe we all joined this body recently."
Senator Ohl looks to her handheld pad briefly and shakes her head. "Forgive me Senators. Make yourselves comfortable. I need to attend to an issue in private." With that the Senator of Shili slips from her spot and is followed by three of her retinue.
Meena Tills seats himself. "SEnators," he says, "a busy time on the floor, is it not?"
Tarkin sighs and nods, "There are many bills calling for money and no money to give. A budget hasn't passed the senate in years." He takes a seat across from the Mon Calamari.
Antilles nods at Senator Ohl as she departs and takes a seat. Nodding at Senator Tarkin, "Indeed. It seems we have all assumed office at just the same time. I have only been in the Senate a mere few weeks. I feel its important for the Republic's senators to know each other on a personal level. Things get done faster that way."
Turning to Senator Meena Tills, "indeed. I was just thinking about the committee system you suggested. Do you have any specific ideas?"
Meena Tills nods. "It seems to me," he says, "that if the work of the senate were divided, and commimittees established to make sure that important bills are given the attention they deserve, there would be fewer ... minor, distracting ... matters on the senate floor."
Senator Antilles nods as Meena Tills explains.
Tarkin leans forward, "I concur. The problem is the sheer size of the senate. No matter how we form committees some systems will feel unrepresented."
Meena Tills nods. "True," he notes, "but as it is now, bills are put up for a vote without any real debate on them at all!"
Antilles chuckles at Tarkin's statment. "Some systems feel unrepresented even now."
Meena Tills says, "What is important, is to make sure that bills that are important can be acted on quickly ... but with due deliberation, so that none can say that they were unable to comment or make their opinion clear.""
Tarkin leans back and sighs, "No bill that has been passed or is likely to be passed in the near future CAN be acted on. The Republic has no source of money to pay for them."
Antilles leans forward. "Senator Tarkin, how did you vote on Senator Gog's tax motion?"
Tarkin says, "Against, obviously. It would have ruined any system that possesses so much as a single colony."
"The only tax bill likely to win much support," Meena Tills says, "Is one that respects the basic principles of the Republic, and does not interfere with commerce within a world's sovereign sphere. An exscise bill."
Senator Ohl finds her way back the spot designated for Shili. "My apologies Honorable Senators, that was bad timing. Would you forgive me?" she apologizes and asks before slipping into her seat and looking to each one.
Meena Tills bows toward Senator Ohl. "Welcome back," he says. "Forgive us for discussing business in your absence."
Antilles nods in a dumb kind of way, not being well versed on economics. Looking over, Antilles smiles. "Of course, of course. There was no harm."
Tarkin smiles, "Welcome back, senator. We were just discussing taxation."
"Not at all," Ohl remarks to Senator Tills. "Oh, indeed. I must admit they have taken me off guard in several means." She offers cordial smile as one of her retinue leans forward from behind her to whisper several things to her.
"Senator Ohl, have you managed to arrange office space for yourself in either wing of the Palace? I believe you mentioned that the last time we talked." Antilles looks concerned.
"Pending," Ohl replies, a smile livening her expression mildly before she laughs, "like so many things." She turns to one of her retinue and gives a nod, the one having whispered to her just prior. Turning back to the Senators she comments, "I'm sure that is one thing that will get arranged for the best though." She looks about to ask or say more but doesn't.
"An excise bill?" Senator Ohl continues. "I heard mention of such as I returned? Is this in reference to the current tax motions currently up for debate?" she asks.
Antilles turns to Senator Meena Tills, hoping he has an answer for that.
Meena Tills shakes his head. "The current proposals are for a sales tax. That would either have to be administered by the worlds ... abridging their sovereignty ... or administered by the Republic on the worlds ... abridging their sovereignty.
Meena Tills says, "WE have had an excise tax before. I believe it was repealed after the last great budget surprlus made a tax seem unnecessary, some hundred years ago.""
"Where at current do funds for the Republic come from?" Senator Ohl questions, looking to her handheld critically after a moment before returning her attention to Senator Tills.
"Most of the m come from the Republic Trust fund, established during the last great era of budget surppluses," Meena Tills replies. "In their wisdom, the founders decided the surpluses, invested, would fund Republic operations, rendering a tax unnecessary. Alas, the total funds in the Republic's investments no longer support desired operations."
Tarkin coughs delicately, "Nowhere. No new tax bill or budget has been passed in some time. It came as quite a surprise to me. The trust fund is now empty."
Meena Tills chuckles. "Not ...quite empty. The salaries of public officials are still being paid."
Meena Tills says, "But a new source of funding will soon be necessary.""
Tarkin says, "Not the Navy or the Guard."
Meena Tills frowns. "This I had not heard."
"So a tax /is/ necessary," Senator Ohl concludes mildly, more to herself as she glances to the Senators around her. "An-an excise bill you called it?-is indeed necessary then I guess, but something that will not so much look like the Republic's hand in world affairs but rather the worlds rallying to the Republic's needs."
"I know several officers who are not being paid on a regular and timely basis. Besides of the lack of funds, there is rampant corruption in the Navy." Antilles shakes his head in disdain.
"Not long ago, I know Senator Organa was planning on looking into corruption charges brought by Commander Petrus Sabbatius. I have no idea the progress of the investigation." The Corellian looks around to each of the other Senators.
Meena Tills frowns. "We should appoint an official commission to interrogate high Naval officials and examine the books."
Tarkin's eyes close as he recites, "So we need to generate revenue and investigate corruption in the navy." He spreads his hands and looks at the group, "Is it just me, or does it seem like the Senate did nothing before we came along?"
"What all does the corruption entail?" Ohl inquires, giving a glance to Tarkin and a smile. "Perhaps there was a reason for a mass fallout of senators," she remarks, a smile behind her words and affecting them. "I wonder what."
"I have seen the minutes," Meena Tills adds. "They spent most of the past ten years in a huge debate over the privileges of the High Justice."
Antilles smiles. "My own predecessor was a weakling fool, a man who had been in office far too long."
"I believe it," Senator Ohl comments to Senator Tills. "Yeah," she goes on with, offering a nod, "I would have left the senate to new blood after that."
"I suggest the first step is to establish committees," Meena Tills suggests. "And another motion to get a commission established. If we have a commmittee that holds hearings on the tax needs, it should be easier to convince the worlds to go along."
"What do you think Senator Tarkin? Does the Cal's proposal meet your approval?" The Corellian eyes the Merr Sonnese closely.
Tarkin meets the Corellian's gaze, "This may just get things done. Worst case, we repeal it later."
Senator Ohl becomes briefly distracted with one of her retinue, who after a length of a few moments disengages talk, stands and moves off from the rest of her retinue.
"Will the Senate respect a committee over their own opinions and votes?" Senator asks after looking up from browsing over her handheld.
"I believe the Senate would have no choice under the motion. And even if they did, the committee chairmen would be the Senators from the most prestigious systems in the Republic. The members would not but follow." Antilles looks grim and withdrawn as he explains.
Tarkin rises from his seat, "I am willing to give it a chance." He bows to Ksar and Meena, "Farewell Gentlemen," and then to Vulhel, "and lady. I am expected on Sienar." The Senator walks toward the exit.
Antilles immediately stands and bows at the departing Tarkin.
Senator Ohl follows suit in standing as well and only after giving her cordial farewell returns to her seat, leaning back into it and remaining quiet for a short time. "And these committees," she brings up again, "by having these prestigious heads, will help sway votes in passing them." She says it more like a statement.
Corellian turns to Vulhel Ohl and frowns. "I suppose it would not be much different from the way things are now. Corellia currently has forty three de facto votes. That includes mine and the votes of Corellia's allied senators."
"I believe these heads," Senator Ohl continues, eyes glazed and peering off elsewhere, "will be more effective not at the heads of a powerful committee but voicing their opinions in front of the people and their reasoning. That wins votes, when member worlds can reason along and hear both sides and the good and bad of both." She shakes her head. "But that will never happen."
"The 'people' being the Senators," Senator Ohl clarifies, "before them on the Senate Floor."
Antilles turns his gaze directly on Senator Ohl. "I would like to discuss this further with you, and at your convenience if possible. Perhaps tomorrow sometime?"
The Senator of Shili brings her eyes to meet Antilles' and gives a nod. "I look forward to it, Honorable Senator. Thank you for the consideration of your time and your insights. I cannot express how much I value this."
"Senator Ohl, it is my pleasure. I would continue this discourse, but I have neglected my viceregal duties on Corellia and I must get home before morning in Coronet." The Corellian turns to the Cal. "Senator Meena Tills, it has been a pleasure comparing notes with you as well."
"Both of you," Antilles addresses both beings, "are welcome to contact me anytime for any reason and I shall do my utmost to aid you however I can. Now, please excuse me."
Senator Ohl stands with Antille's departing in much the same formality she greeted the three with, hands at her waist and a nod given. "Safe travels, Senator."
Antilles nods to both and then leaves, speaking to several allied senators along the way.
Category:November 2007 RP Logs