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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on May 6, 2013 12:15:46 GMT -8
The office was large and oppulent, the main door opening into the reception room, from which the head senator's office and two aides' office could be accessed, via thick durasteel doors. A receptionist droid sat in a small alcove on the left side of the reception room. Double doors, etched with a view of RSD floating over Rendili, in the wall across from the entrance led to the office reserved for the Senator, currently one Budi Darma. While the right wall, held two doors opening into smaller offices for the senatorial aides.
I finish up work on a draft for a new security bill that is to be presented to the floor in the coming months. Some wanted to sit by and merely defend their worlds' peace and prosperity. After recent events on Rendili, I am not inclined to put any stock in their path. Rendili was doing just that when its people were dragged off into slavery as the shipyards were ravaged by the invaders. And to make it worse, terrorists had struck as the planet strove to rebuild itself by bombing a major military installation. An idea comes to mind, when a hutt wants someone dead he posts a bounty, and the galaxy was full of beings willing to hunt those bounties. And placing bounties weren't illegal within the republic, so long as they were placed with good reason. I draw up a bounty posting for the suspected perpetrators of both attacks against Rendili and post it to the holo-net. If the republic would not sanction actions against Rendili's enemies, then Rednili would act alone. But there was time yet to convince the senate, I would be speaking to them on the matter at the next convening of the galactic senate.
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Dav Man'Sell
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Post by Dav Man'Sell on May 28, 2013 16:53:53 GMT -8
Georj Lorrimer was a stocky little man. His belly had rounded with his age, and his walk, as was true of all the physical actions he undertook, seemed to have something inherently awkward within it. Not clumsy, per se, just a little awkward, as though he had never quite mastered doing anything with grace or finesse. His hair, grey through and through, so much that his original colouring was a thorough mystery. His eyes were blue, although the colour of them was easily lost behind the thick lenses of his corrective spectacles, despite how his eyes were magnified by them. The suit he wore, blue-grey and three-piece, hung loosely and unflatteringly from his stocky frame, his hands half hidden by sleeves slightly too long, and the legs baggy to the extend of shapelessness. The material was high quality, as was the workmanship - it was clear that this was no bargain basement suit. Rather, it seemed as though it had been made to the highest tailored quality, but measured for someone completely different. This was not the case - Georj Lorrimer just looked this way in all clothes.
He stepped into the offices of Budi Darma, the Senator for Rendili, and turned straight to the reception droid, the large datapad he carried tucked under his left arm. He spoke with a slightly unassuming, slightly sombre, tone, and his face was a mask of weary neutrality.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Good Morning. Senator Lorrimer, of Osarian, to see Senator Darma."
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on May 29, 2013 9:50:31 GMT -8
The droid checked Senator Darma's schedule in the blink of an eye, and responded to the senator verbally, while simultaneously sending a message to Darma to alert him to his visitor's presence.
You do not have an appointment with the Senator at this time, what is the nature of your visit?
I blink as my work is interrupted by a message alerting me to a visitor standing outside. Sighing, I roll my shoulders and save and close my work, before setting the security protocols for the meeting, being paranoid had it's perks, including being able to practically incinerate anyone seeking to harm me while I'm at work. Smirking slightly at the thought, I signal for the receptionist to send my fellow senator in, and so long as he didn't threaten me, he'd never even notice the concealed weapons systems spread throughout the room ready to spring out and defend and/or avenge me.
Reciveing the signal to let the senator in, the droid hits a switch on its console to open the door to the main senatorial office.
Senator Darma will see you in his office now.
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Dav Man'Sell
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Post by Dav Man'Sell on Jun 4, 2013 5:36:52 GMT -8
Georj looked up at the droid. He had never been sure about droids. It was't that he didn't like them, or that he was anti-AI, or anything like that. He just wasn't so sure they ought to have so much dominance in life. There was something to be said for hardwork and menial tasks.
Regardless, he offered a tight lipped expression, something almost akin to a smile, though not quite.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Oh, no, I was just passing by, thought I would pop in and see how the Senator was."
The Droid instructed him to enter the Senator's office, and Georj responded with a small nod of appreciation. He turned, headed for the door to the Senator's inner office, taking just a moment to observe the etching of the famous Rendili Star Drives. The doors parted, and Georj Lorrimer entered the office.
The Office was equally as opulent as the reception area had been. With a studious eye, Georg took in his surroundings, amazed at the wealth and luxury afforded to some Senators from major production worlds like Rendili. He turned his eyes now on Senator Darma, stopping just inside the door, and offering a bowed head of greeting.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Good Morning, Senator."
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jun 5, 2013 10:12:54 GMT -8
Darma nods in greeting to his fellow senator. He hadn't ever met the man personally, though he'd seen him across the rotunda a few times. Darma couldn't quite recall which system he represented and resolved to look it up later. He motions for Senator Lorrimer to take a seat in front of his desk and inquires about his motives for this visit.
Good morning, please have a seat. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?
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Dav Man'Sell
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Post by Dav Man'Sell on Jun 7, 2013 8:02:41 GMT -8
Georj Lorrimer's almost smile - that same lips-pressed together, edges of the mouth drawn back but certainly not up, expression he had given the droid moments earlier - once again graced his face, as he stepped further into the office and crossed toward the chair.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Thank you."
He lowered himself into the chair with an awkward stiffness, and settled back into it, his hands cupped in his lap, just in front of his round belly.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"I wanted to take the opportunity to talk to you before senate tomorrow. I don't believe we've ever met before now, so I thought, perhaps it'd be a good idea to do so. Get to know each other a little bit."
Georj dipped his chin, looking at the datapad he had arrived holding for just a moment, before looking up again. His expression was the very picture of neutrality, the sombre expression of weariness that sometimes came with old age and disappointment.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"I've heard you're working on a new security bill? Forgive me if I seem at all forward, it's just that matters of external security are something of an... interest of mine."
The Osarian senator didn't know how much of a secret the bill proposal was meant to be, but he had heard of it from a high up minister a few days earlier, in casual conversation lubricated by the generous consumption of brandy. What the bill contained, Georj had no idea, no doubt because Senator Darma had, perhaps rightly, restrained from sharing any content with those outside of his own office. Regardless, at some point, the fact that the Rendili senator was working on a bill for discussion under the securities and defence sessions of the senate had made its way onto the grapevine, and Georj's curiosity had been piqued.
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jun 7, 2013 15:50:26 GMT -8
I listen politely, before dipping my head in thought. I hadn't been secretive about the bill, but ... well being paranoid has plenty of drawbacks to go with it's few perks. Pursing my lips I decide to trust him with this information, as it wasn't exactly classified, and would be brought before the senate shortly anyway. I activate the holoprojector on my desk and bring up the relevant files. The first of which was little more than a bulletin, listing worlds recently/currently attacked, and who, if anyone, claimed credit for the attack. Well... the short version reads like so:
- Honoghr - Pirates
- Rednili - YV & Pirates
- Dac(Mon Cal) - Sith?
- Yavin IV - Mandolorians
- Ryloth - Pirates
All of these planets belong to the republic, and all have suffered at the hands of the attackers. As of yet, there has been no official response from the senate. I intend to propose that we mobilize what forces we have, and that new ships be built, new crews and personnel trained, for the purpose of better defending our own assets. Only at Ryloth do we have a force that is sufficient to repel the attackers. Rendili is now prepared to defend itself, but it wasn't when it needed to be. The republic as a whole is not ready to defend itself, and like it or not, the Mandolorians have made it clear that they intend to exterminate the jedi, which means we are in a state of war. Either with the Mandolorians if we side with the jedi, or ourselves if we try to oust them.
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Dav Man'Sell
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Post by Dav Man'Sell on Jun 7, 2013 16:11:31 GMT -8
Georj considered what Senator Darma was saying carefully, examining the list presented in holographic letters before his eyes. He had to agree, entirely, with what the Senator was saying - what was more, he hardly thought anyone would find a way to disagree, though the bureaucracy had a way of surprising even the most seasoned of political players. He nodded, thoughtfully, and leant forward.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Seems pretty straightforward to me, at least in principle. And entirely correct. It's hard to see a way of disagreeing, considering the circumstances - especially with both Yavin and Dac both being very current."
It was, Georj thought, the correct path to be taking. The Republic could afford a more proactive stance. Military mobilisation to hot-spot areas would be a wise move in the face of the foes they faced. Parallel to that, intelligence efforts - Georj's own area of specialist interest - could certainly benefit from increased funding and senate support. This Senator Darma had a very good, if simple, idea on his hands, potentially, and the Osarian Senator felt it would be of interest to him to support it.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Of course, we never can know how people will respond. The one and only downside of democracy is that, sometimes, people will object to something just for the sake of being controversial."
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jun 8, 2013 20:04:32 GMT -8
Darma listens to the comments offered by his colleague, and nods appreciatively before responding.
Simple plans tend to have fewer loop holes, and yes haters will hate, but the majority is my concern. I hope, and believe, that the majority will see the good of the bill and see to its passing in the general assembly.
Frankly our current military is poor joke when compared to those of our adversaries. Also, the jedi, who are the reason we've been dragged into this war, have served the republic well and faithfully at much expense in throughout their existence. And while many of us, due to our positions, may not see first hand the good that they do daily, our constituents are not likely to view us in a positive light if we side with Mandolorians, and will think even less of us if we attempt to stay neutral, if you can believe the polls. I personally, cannot support any move that would weaken the republic, and our armies are so... laughable, the Jedi are our only credible defense right now.
I take a breath and pull up a few new documents to replace the list these full of detailed legal verbiage outlining how I plan to rectify the problem. I continue speaking as I work, lest my argument become disjointed.
Again the short version is that every world should fund a fleet, consisting of at least one light star destroyer, two cruisers, four corvettes, and their compliments, or it's equivalent.>108 ptsThis in and of itself won't be enough I know, but hopefully with proper leadership and good intelligence, it will be sufficient to check the Mandolorians until more drastic measures can be drawn up.
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Dav Man'Sell
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Post by Dav Man'Sell on Jun 13, 2013 13:47:42 GMT -8
Georj's eyebrows arched, an expression of some surprise, although there was a weary, resigned nature to the expression, as there seemed to be with all of his emotions.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Oh, we're going as far as to call them laughable, are we?"
The Osarian Senator was often diplomatic in his speech, skilled at double talk and toeing the line - it was, in truth, one of the reasons he had gone in to politics after his retirement from the intelligence services. None the less, he found himself agreeing with the sentiment of Senator Darma's remarks, even if he wasn't quite so sure about the extremity of them.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"I suppose you have a reasonable point; our military might outside of the support we receive from the Jedi Order is fairly lacking. But a Star Destroyer, even the older or cheaper models, is an expensive piece of hardware, Senator. Not every world has the resources of Rendili... to some, investing in so large a contribution would be a colossal drain on their budget. We are, after all, living in austere times."
Georj actually thought the suggestion rather reasonable, from a military perspective, but he felt it necessary to play devil's advocate on this one; these would be the rebuffs that Darma's proposal would receive in the convocation chamber itself, after all, and it would pay for him to have prepared his defences.
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Plu Or'dinii
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Post by Plu Or'dinii on Jun 15, 2013 20:21:44 GMT -8
A tiny, artful bell chimed, as Senator Darma's receptionist's comlink rang, and a moment later, when the reception droid answered the holocall, a small, blue-tinged projection of a businessman snapped into focus. The balding, middle-aged man had hawkish blue eyes, wispy blonde hair, and wore a pinstriped sport coat and tightly pressed blue jeans, tucked into the top of very stylish leather boots. All in all, he was a rather unusual specimen -- for a human.
Good evening. The man smiled jovially as he made eye contact with the droid. I am Marcus Adenn, Incom Corporation Administrator of the Fresia system. He bowed slightly. I wish to speak with Senator Darma, as a fellow indutrial leader in the Core Worlds, about a matter of mutual benefit to Incom and the Republic. He had purposely chosen the representative from Rendili, knowing that the man was likely to be well versed in Core Worlds politics, and in military production and industry within the Republic.
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jun 17, 2013 14:02:35 GMT -8
Georj's eyebrows arched, an expression of some surprise, although there was a weary, resigned nature to the expression, as there seemed to be with all of his emotions.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Oh, we're going as far as to call them laughable, are we?"
The Osarian Senator was often diplomatic in his speech, skilled at double talk and toeing the line - it was, in truth, one of the reasons he had gone in to politics after his retirement from the intelligence services. None the less, he found himself agreeing with the sentiment of Senator Darma's remarks, even if he wasn't quite so sure about the extremity of them.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"I suppose you have a reasonable point; our military might outside of the support we receive from the Jedi Order is fairly lacking. But a Star Destroyer, even the older or cheaper models, is an expensive piece of hardware, Senator. Not every world has the resources of Rendili... to some, investing in so large a contribution would be a colossal drain on their budget. We are, after all, living in austere times."Georj actually thought the suggestion rather reasonable, from a military perspective, but he felt it necessary to play devil's advocate on this one; these would be the rebuffs that Darma's proposal would receive in the convocation chamber itself, after all, and it would pay for him to have prepared his defences.
The droid received the call with candor and surprising charm, a quirk that had earned the droid its job with the senator.Good evening sir, I'm terribly sorry, but the Senator is in a meeting currently. May I take message for you Administrator Adenn? |
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Dav Man'Sell
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Post by Dav Man'Sell on Jun 18, 2013 9:10:19 GMT -8
Georj nodded thoughtfully, slipping his large spectacles off, and polishing the lenses with the inside of the fat-end of his tie. The Senator for Rendili argued well. There were difficulties to iron out, but he did, indeed, argue very well, and the Osarian Senator felt a confidence in this bill. After a moment's thought, he nodded again.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"I think, Senator..." He slid the glasses back onto his nose. They seemed to take a moment to settle, giving the impression that they were as ill-fitting as the rest of his clothing, somehow. "... that you and I are rather in agreement."
He leant forward, placing his hands on his knees, showing just the slightest bit of effort in the movement.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Osarian would be happy to support the bill. If you seek a seconder, then I would gladly give my name to it, and would like to work with you in refining some of the details."
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jun 18, 2013 12:25:22 GMT -8
Senator Darma smiles and nods his head in appreciation of this colleague's willingness to see this bill through. I tap a few more keys and all the relevant files are copied to a datacard.
Excellent, your assistance would be greatly appreciated, and yes I do need a second. Here you are, this is everything I've put together so far.I hand over the datacard, and then lean back in my chair.Is there anything else I can do for you today Senator Lorrimer?
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Jun 18, 2013 21:01:15 GMT -8
Senator Cihlbar, carrying himself with quiet dignity, chimes a request on the wall comm to enter the private office of Senator Darma of Rendili. . . .
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Dav Man'Sell
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Post by Dav Man'Sell on Jun 19, 2013 6:23:33 GMT -8
Georj pressed his lips together in a thin line, an almost-smile, and shook his head gently as he accepted the datacard.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Oh, no no, I think that would be all for now. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything that I can assist you with, however."
With that, he stood, offering his hand to shake.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"It's been good talking to you, Senator."
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Post by Plu Or'dinii on Jun 19, 2013 22:12:12 GMT -8
The droid received the call with candor and surprising charm, a quirk that had earned the droid its job with the senator.Good evening sir, I'm terribly sorry, but the Senator is in a meeting currently. May I take message for you Administrator Adenn? |
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jun 26, 2013 7:36:36 GMT -8
Georj pressed his lips together in a thin line, an almost-smile, and shook his head gently as he accepted the datacard.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"Oh, no no, I think that would be all for now. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything that I can assist you with, however."
With that, he stood, offering his hand to shake.
=Georj Lorrimer=
"It's been good talking to you, Senator."
In the office lobby Recie saw senator Lorrimer exiting the Darma's office, and asked Administrator Adenn hold for a moment please, before patching him through to the senator, with the tag "Administrator of Fresia," before wishing Lorrimer a good day, and asking him to be kind enough to send in the next guest. |
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Post by Plu Or'dinii on Jun 26, 2013 19:48:44 GMT -8
The Administrator was unfazed by the delay. The Senator had no reason to apologize, after all, it was Marcus who was coming to Darma for help, not the other way around. He certainly didn't mind waiting for his turn in line. His smile broadened as the serving droid patched him through to Senator Darma, rather than hanging up.
No apologies necessary, Senator. I am Marcus Adenn, Administrator of the Fresia system. As I am sure you are aware, Fresia is an aquatic world with little civilian population other than those employed by the Incom Corporation. As such, we are a corporate world, and I speak for the planet as well as the Incom office here. For many years, we have worked closely with the Mandalorians and relied upon them for assistance and defense. However, the Mandalorian presence in the Core Worlds has decreased significantly in the last 4 or 5 years, and I have been encouraged by my advisers to seek a closer relationship with the Republic, to increase our security.
He paused, spreading his hands in a subliminal message of openness.
I believe such a relationship would also prove beneficial to the Republic. Our starfighter technology speaks for itself, and you would guarantee yourselves access to the very best that Incom can offer.
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jun 27, 2013 11:30:14 GMT -8
Senator Darma listens carefully, and pauses a moment to consider how best to respond to this plea for assistance. He regrets the answer he must give, yet there is currently little he can do about it. Still, he resolves to do what he can for the man, and hope that the senate will be willing to see his bill put into place. Darma speaks calmly, his eyes firm and steady, even as his words give rise to frustration.
I regret that I cannot offer you the aid you seek, sir. The republic is week and largely undefended, a fact I am striving to change. Still, being a fellow industrialist, I will not promise a product I cannot deliver, what I will do however is offer what I have. Rendili will answer any call for aid you send, and I personally am addressing the republic's defenses, one of the major arguments against my proposals of an increased military, has been that of cost. Rendili has offered it's services as a ship builders to manufacture the republic's fleets at cost, if Incom is willing to do the same, it would be a great boon to me personally, and the republic at large, I know that My supporters would welcome you with open arms and do everything we could to make your transition a smooth one.
I pause, letting him absorb the tremendous amount of information. A question crosses my mind and taking a deep breath, I ask it, as it will have a large impact on the effectiveness of this transfer.
Are the mandos currently occupying Fresia?
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