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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Dec 2, 2013 21:45:40 GMT -8
Darma listened and heard as the Jedi called for aid, and was rebuffed by Belf'ima, and then, had he not decided to maintain a neutral mask, would have erupted into harsh laughter at the fools bumbled words. Instead he merely allowed his tongue to lash out, in an iron tone that begged no answer, only to be heard.
Fool, you only show how little you know of the Republic you claim to serve. The Twi'lek have been hunted, used, and abused as pleasure slaves since the world was found during the days of the Old Republic! My colleague Crom'nen has only recently been able to change that sad fact, it is perhaps the greatest achievement of any republic senator in history. Not that would admit such a thing to the man's face, as it would certainly inflate his ego to galactic proportions from its already nearly planet sized proportions. You speak of republic resources, we have none left to defend ourselves, much less waste defending the likes of Lord Sinistra from her just and timely demise. Even if I were inclined to aid you in this folly, that may very well be nothing more than bait designed to leave us defenseless, the simple fact of the matter is that there are no ships to send. What little defense this republic has is antiquated and in dire need of servicing. I for one, will not advocate stripping the few defenses we have to save a sith empire, much less one that has caused substantial harm to the Republic in the not so distant past!
I glare at the man, my neutral mask having slipped somewhere in the history lesson, my utter disdain and disgust with the man, and the order he represented, was clearly obvious to anyone in the room.
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Eli Vandal
The Jedi Order
High Councilor
Posts: 64 
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Eli Vandal on Dec 3, 2013 6:35:47 GMT -8
The arrogance of the Vice-Chancellor washed over Eli and cleansed him of any hope of sincerity for the Council. The Vice-Chancellor would go on to lecture the Jedi Master, a man 20 years his senior and well versed in the evils of slavery, and seek to justify genocide by the fact that slavery was just, now, on it's way out. The cognitive dissonance of this group, it bewildered the old zelosian beyond explanation. And to fling insult, the Jedi Master merely smiled inwardly at the attempt to aggravate him. When it came to this council, he would only feel two emotions: sadness and pity. Sadness that they spurn the moment to embrace the ancient tutelage woven into the Galactic Charter and pity, that these people are so couped up in their own affairs that they are blind to the true threat of the universe. They are incapable of seeing the forests for the trees. And how would Eli combat this sadness and pity? By doing whatever he must to help wherever he can, to know that he did everything in his power.
"You misunderstand me, Vice-Chancellor..." Eli's eyes moved over to the figure head, his will of oak flashing through. "I seek not your defenses as I would see them firmly planted in front of Coruscant...but merely your aid. And the promise, that when the time comes, that we can house and store temporary refugees removed from frontline of war...0.3% of the current Coruscant calculation, if I'm correct. Think of it as an opportunity to remove the influence of the Dark Tide, not a Sith Empire, from the people of Kuat." He squinted his eyes and pulled out the datapad, sliding his fingers across the clear screen. The item ticked and flickered and he softly stabbed, stopping the noise.
"In order to prepare for the common defense of this Republic, the Galactic Senate is charged to fund and maintain a ready and equipped Republic Military, including sufficient space and ground forces to protect the member systems of the Republic...Article 4, Section 1." He looked up from the datapad. "We are not the military, you are. It is your responsibility to maintain the defenses, not shy them away on others not elected to position. If you have no resources left, perhaps the blame lies closer to home than you wish to admit." He looked back down and scrolled, punching the pad once more and looked back up. "The Republic will not concern itself with the affairs of the Jedi Order, as legitimately authorized by the Jedi High Council, and cedes jurisdiction over Jedi matters to the Jedi High Council...Article 6, section 3. The Jedi Order has deemed it necessary to save these people, not to save the masters of the Dark Tide. We are not going to save Lord Sinistra, we are going save the 3.6 billion held under heel." Were they held under heel? Eli was unsure. "The seating of two Jedi Masters on the Military Council, in a crisis of war, is a relegated suggestion to the Jedi Order. However, it is by no means required and is given only temporary appropriateness, deemed by the Jedi High Council." He looked back to the Twi'lek, remembering her comment about not having filled the position for nearly a year, and turned back to the committee as a whole.
"You are a body elected by the people..."That are acting like children given too much power in the sandbox. He had thought it before and he felt the words not through anger or non-compliance, but just in truth."...You have the ultimate authority in this position. I have come to give you an update on the travesties committed by the Mandalorian Empire and have offered my suggestions. If you are not compelled, within your heart and soul, to do anything to help save these people from utter destruction and being torn from their lives, then I can do nothing more to convince you." The Jedi Master was looking for the committee to redeem themselves from an unimaginable amount of indifference and cold-hearted calculation. He was looking for them to not find insult in his words, to see the forest for the trees, and look beyond petty slight. He was looking for them to take accountability, to realize that they had a responsibility to which they were, not so politely, not obliging. But most of all, he was looking for them to not see him as the enemy. Because the enemy was out there, descending on Kuat, with unprejudiced world destroyers for armaments and Mandalorian Armor for guard.
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Crom'nen
Member
Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Dec 3, 2013 6:46:56 GMT -8
Belf'ima was shocked by this openly hostile demeanor of the VC. Crom'nen was an expert at displays of wrath, but through coy words and subtleties. Darma might very well undermine the support of any Senator who was not in this meeting but learned of the outburst. She sighed and spoke, this time much more gentle in tone.
Master Jedi, you will have to understand the frustration of the Vice Chancellor. We have watched the Republic weaken. Moreover, you need to understand that the design of this committee was to see the big picture, and move resources accordingly. The Jedi will order a fleet to move or into battle without so much as notifying this committee. Therefore, when we go to respond to a crisis such as Kuat, we find the resources we need are moved or even lost. The Jedi do not even notify us of attacks until you are ready to abandon the world and want us to finance aid.
She turned to have her fellow Senators. I would be inclined to aid Kuat, because at current the Mandos are a bigger threat while we have been at relative peace with the Sith, each respecting the other's borders, which I suspect is a lot to ask of such enemies. They have requested out aid. That means that they will owe us, and that is a powerful thing. Let us also remember that the people of Kuat had little choice over whom their ruler is. As one who was born into slavery and liberated, I know what that is like. If we refuse to help the innocent citizens because of being ruled by a dictator, do we also condone slavery, saying that the slaves deserve it?
She turned to the Mon Cal Admiral. Do we have any fleet available? It is possible to aid Kuat?
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Dec 3, 2013 20:51:12 GMT -8
Darma cursed his slip, but held his tongue for the time. He had let his frustrations with an entire order cloud his judgment of a single man, and the message he bore. Always more a man of action than one of thought, and today that had cost him, though it had occasionally aided him in the past. Calming his thoughts, he mentally took a step back and considered the actual message, ignoring for the moment the messenger. The fact that the Mandolorians had a weapon of such magnitude was, in and of itself, reason to act, and with haste. Darma suspected that even Coruscant's formidable shields would not stop weapon he'd just witnessed. He gave careful thought about what could be done about the situation, given the current assets available; which was not quite as feeble as he had made them out to be. This would take a fleet of no small size, indeed, perhaps one equal to that which challenged the second Death Star, and that cannot be spared. However, perhaps with a token of goodwill Dark Tide would be willing to handle the destruction of the weapon if the republic would care for it's citizens.
Now Darma took the time to consider the Jedi's own words, without the previous bias, that had grown much stronger than even Darma had known, and saw that he had in fact been nothing but factual and forthright, both qualities that Darma usually held in high esteem. He began to wonder if he'd let his paranoia go a little to far, which could be labeled as an understatement of immense proportions. Somewhere along the way Darma had lost his passion for politics, and in it's place stood merely a duty to protect ... what exactly? Himself, yes and no, his constituents, again yes and no, that was a matter that he would have to wrestle with at a latter point in time.
Darma considered excusing himself, but only briefly, as he quickly recognized it as the cheap way it really was. It was fortunate that Belf'ima had not asked Darma the question, as while he had heard everything she said, it was being processed almost entirely subconsciously. He waited for the admiral to answer her question, while he thought about how he should word the apology he owed the Jedi Master.
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Dec 3, 2013 22:37:14 GMT -8
The Admiral would have never expected this response from the military committee. Such strong feelings for, what was perceived to be a largely absent Jedi Order. It confused the Vrenka very much as he and the Chancellor's office come into direct contact with the Jedi on nearly a daily basis. Though the Watchmen for the Mon Calamari sector has been out of contact for a little over a week.
The Calamari's bulbous eyes go wide as he watched the exchange between this unfamiliar jedi and the Vice Chancellor. The Joint Chief of the military naval forces must tread lightly. He is an appointed member of this committee to represent the Chancellor himself, but he is not a voting member. But both he and the Supreme Chancellor have had their lives saved by a Jedi Master; they remained resolutely in favor of the Jedi Order; and subsequently the Charter of the Galactic Republic-- whose current iteration Chancellor Cihlbar authored-- that directly supports a relationship between the Senate and the Jedi Order as this High Councilor (must be newly appointed, the Chancellor's office is typically briefed on the leadership of the Order) had pointed out.
Admiral Vrenka was thankfully relieved to not have to play out his conflictions as the conversation seems to be coming to a resolution. The Twi'lek asked the Joint Chief a question which he was glad to answer. He referred to his notes.
This military committee is well aware of the multitude of shipyard companies that offer discounts in rebuilding our galactic defenses, which is part of the reason that the resolution the committee was charged with considering and amending. But in the mean time, the 1st Outer Rim fleet remains in orbit around the Mon Calamari system; awaiting orders. The jedi also have had a fleet orbiting Yavin; but it seems, as the Master Jedi reports, to be engaged or even disposed of.
The 2nd Core fleet around Corellia has been in shambles since the lack of funding and the continuous barrages it has received by the multitude of attacks on Coronet and its jedi allies; none the less, there is a fighting force.
I think the 1 Outer Rim fleet would be the most suited for the task of support. As the Vice Chancellor points out, our current availability is in a flux for the time being. But as the Master Jedi points out, we are charged with defending domestic tranquility and promote the general welfare. I could command the fleet in the name of the Republic to support the jedi; or whatever the Senate may deem fit of it's fleet.
It took until the last statement to remember his place as a servant and executor of policy, not to legislate it.
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Crom'nen
Member
Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Dec 4, 2013 10:52:15 GMT -8
=Belf'ima=
There you have it, Master Jedi. We have one fleet, just one, that can perhaps be divided in order to protect Mon Calamari and still send aid in the form of evacuation or counter attack. Building ships takes time, and the Republic can only spend so much on military hardware without damaging effects on those whom those ships are to protect, such as importing food to the ghettos of Coruscant or rebuilding Rendili and Coronet City. So what is it specifically that you would ask this committee to consider?
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Dec 4, 2013 17:15:43 GMT -8
The Vice Chancellor, shifts in his seat, as if it had suddenly grown uncomfortable. With a sigh, he speaks in a low dull voice, while staring at some spot in the top of the conference table.
If I may, there is one other fleet. Bought, built and crewed entirely by citizens of Rendili in the time since Vong raid. It is not much, and I cannot command it, but I think the people of Rendili will be willing to step forward and render aid where it is needed, if called upon. I beg your pardon for the outburst earlier, it's been a long time since the Jedi have acted as a responsible order. I let that cloud my judgment, and so perceived falsehood where there was none. If the Order seeks humanitarian aid, that is the jurisdiction of the Emergency Relief Comity, so we very little power in that arena. This is the Military Comity, we are charged with the defense of this republic, and we have few resources with which to do it.
Darma only hoped that this wouldn't leave the republic open to further destruction, but he couldn't see how that was possible, and it was the certainty that the choices made by the comity in the next few minutes would kill millions, if not billions, of beings within the republic's citizens alone, that hung over his head now. He would not shirk his duty, but neither would he enjoy spending the blood of the republic on what would be a costly war. A war that very little hope of victory for the republic.
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Eli Vandal
The Jedi Order
High Councilor
Posts: 64
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Eli Vandal on Dec 5, 2013 7:57:30 GMT -8
Eli was in no place to rebuttal the nature of the Jedi Order before his nomination into the High Council. Far and removed from their leadership, he had not seen or heard of these acts of irresponsibility and actions of removing what power the Senate had. While the charter was unclear towards the nature of the Jedi Order, giving them some form of policing power, it was clear in where the military resources resided. If Jedi, that had come before him, had acted in any way similar to what was currently being reported, then perhaps an investigation would be necessary, in the near future, to properly assess the situation and issue punishment that would prevent further actions.
Eli suddenly found him beside himself, the tone of the committee taking a very different turn then what he had expected. And for that, even the glimmer of hope that this would pan out, made him eternally and internally grateful. He began with the Twi'lek, Belf'ima, according to his datapad that cataloged the members of the committee.
"I would ask you to consider the safety of the galaxy, the consequences of a bully left unchecked. You have already changed so much, in so little time, and I would see that growth continue, both in your committee and in my order." He looked towards the Admiral. "I would ask that you spare only what you can and never commit any action that would endanger the capital or spread your resources thin." His emerald eyes shifted towards the Vice -Chancellor, deep pools of evergreen filled with an expression of sudden appreciation. "I would ask you to consider your families, your friends, your constituents. I would ask you to consider what you would do, if the forces of the Mandalorian army rained down orbital bombardment on your home planet, just because your daughter's friend was gifted with the force or because your brother was slightly more intuitive than others...or because your parents once used their natural talents to fight against the enemies of the republic."
Eli's heart swelled and fluttered with feelings of promise and sincerity, fueled with the knowledge that the Jedi Order was moving to aid the innocent people of Kuat and the Galactic Republic were speaking towards movement in aiding as well. It wasn't a bridge that he could sense being built, but the plans were surely being drawn."We do not get to pick who we love. Nor do we get to pick our origins. But as the tales of Crom'nen have shown, we can dictate our fate and make the lives of those around us better for it. And we can choose who we decide to protect. I am not master of military tactics, so I must ask you to shoulder this burden...to consider this: who do you hope to protect and how do you intend to do it?"
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Crom'nen
Member
Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Dec 10, 2013 7:44:34 GMT -8
His speech was heartfelt and powerful, but also extremely impractical. True, they had much to decide, but on the military committee, they could not afford the luxury of sentiment. Part of her mind wanted to wander to Crom'nen, to retreat in herself to a place of thought, but that was not something she had the time to do.
Perhaps, Master Jedi, I was unclear. You have come to us seeking action. While your speech is quite correct, we need more. What would you recommend that we do? Create a mutual protection pact with the Sith? Send fleets immediately to Kuat? Send them financial resources?
I think we might also like to know what the Jedi are doing at current to stem this tide of death from such an enemy. I know that you are overtaxed, but it seems that with information and communication the Republic and the Jedi might find ways to work together.
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Eli Vandal
The Jedi Order
High Councilor
Posts: 64
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Eli Vandal on Dec 10, 2013 16:45:43 GMT -8
The Jedi nodded, having realized that he had forgotten the tenants long ago iterated to him by Master Vasdonna. When attempting to persuade others, he had always said, there were two kinds of people: those in need of motivation and those in need of task. While it seemed almost binary, the two simple concepts were intertwined into a complicated spectrum that allowed for a very specific dosage of leadership style. And, as Eli looked upon this group with a deep cast of emerald glow, he realized that they had the motivation almost entirely intact. All they needed now was the task. And while Eli was not the leader of the Galactic Republic, in any form of the word, he was a consultant afforded with the insight of multiple paths available to the leadership.
"You are absolutely correct Belf'ima, I apologize for my enthusiasm..."He smiled as he looked to the group. It was at this point that he had made a decision to be as specific as possible. While saying that the Jedi Masters had taken to the field would have sufficed, putting names to the numbers would enhance the depth of the conversation. "We have sent what forces we have available directly to Kuat. Councilor Mike Frantz is helping to coordinate the defense of Kuat Drive Yards, Councilor Adieumus Matango is heading to the ground of Kuat to assist with defenses of Kuat City and the Estate of the Ten. Doctors from RDMC, stationed out of Honoghr, are mobilizing to move towards coordinated medical evacuations and have arrived with support." He paused for a moment to breath and a moment for understanding. "Multiple knights and prominent Jedi Masters have taken squadrons to flight, seeking to directly defend the Kuat Drive Yards while evacuations are being completed." That was enough, he thought, for the details. While he knew the names of those within the squadrons, he would not give their names out of respect and a feeling of obligation towards their livelihood. Then he thought over the possibilities provided by the Twi'lek and shook his head.
"I would not have the Galactic Republic, nor the Jedi Order, enter into any binding agreement with the Dark Tide. Nor would I have you send them financial aid, as the production of KDY has more than provided. What they lack, and we must overcome, is the loss of time." He gestured towards the committee with an opened hand. "As you have informed me, it takes time to build ships. Time we do not have. If we have the fleet to spare and the men to man it, I would see them flank the Mandalorian forces, pushing them hard against the defenses of Kuat that will gladly push back. And while we will sustain damages, when the smoke clears, two limping fleets are better than a single crippled one. We have the opportunity to end this threat, once and for all." He withdrew his hand back to his body. "But if we cannot afford that, be it lack of ships or lack of men, then medical forces would serve best with the promise of refuge on Coruscant for the evacuees. Food, shelter, clothing, safety...hope." The last one was the most important and his tone dropped to emphasize that. The people of Kuat, and the universe, could overcome anything they desired so long as they held hope close to chest. And this unity between efforts would be hope's shinning beacon, it's envoy, it's arbiter.
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Dec 17, 2013 22:29:48 GMT -8
Darma dhifted in his seat and looked to Admiral Vrenka, this was a military matter, so Darma looked to the soldier for his professional input, before making a decision of his own on the matter. He was well aware off the countless battles and wars that had been fought and lost because they were directed by beings with only a token knowledge of the craft.
What are your thoughts on this Admiral? Can the republic afford to spare a fleet to take the fight to the aggressors or should we limit our aid to medical and refugee assistance?
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Dec 23, 2013 21:15:53 GMT -8
The Admiral takes a look back at his datapad before responding.
I don't think a full scale support would be the best in order to keep the Galactic Republic secure. I think rescue and evacuation services would be best. It would also behoove us to bulster our defenses with the help of this defense bill. Furthermore the access to the Corellian and Mon Calamari shipyards should be accessed to their full potential as soon as possible; because my personal militaristic opinion is that the Mandalorians are preparing to select a higher profile target for the jedi. Not just to attack them, but to prove to the Republic that our 'white knight' guardians have failed to protect us. . . . Perhaps the Mandalorians are right. But, representatives, I would like to defend the Republic alongside the jedi!
The seasoned Mon Calamari Admiral catches himself getting too excited about his advisory duties on this council. My apologies, Vice Chancellor. Sending Kuat aid would be a good faith gesture, and will ensure the security of the Republic.
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Dec 30, 2013 12:21:50 GMT -8
I nod my thanks for the Admirals evaluation of the situation. In my personal dealings with the jedi I have not found them to be particularly useful, or even productive, but that was a personal opinion and not one that the republic needed to broadcast, as it was in dire need of all the allies it can get. I turn to the Jedi and smile apologetically, as I give him my answer to his plea for aid.
It is the view of this council that no military aid can be spared for this mission, and that the rest is for the senate as a whole to address. As Vice-Chancellor I am willing to arrange medical, social, and housing for the refugees, assuming the senate agrees to aid this mission. Was there anything else you'd like to bring up before the military council?
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Crom'nen
Member
Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Dec 30, 2013 13:57:21 GMT -8
Belf'ima shook her head. She thought it was time to adjourn.
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Jan 12, 2014 16:09:24 GMT -8
The Grand Admiral Vrenka looks around the table in hopes that this strenuous meeting would come to a close. The longer the Republic stalls, the beings die. A very extreme way to look at the situation; but, as much as the Mon Calamari plays politician, he is military at heart. . .
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Eli Vandal
The Jedi Order
High Councilor
Posts: 64
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Eli Vandal on Jan 13, 2014 8:29:42 GMT -8
"No." Eli glanced over to the Vice-Chancellor and then eyed each representative one last time before bowing slightly ."Thank you for your time representatives. Any and all aid you can offer will result in the protection of the universe." Eli spoke as he turned and opened the doors to the chamber, feeling this was the appropriate time to leave the committee. They had work to do and he did as well. His mind drifted as he shut the doors behind him, thinking of his fellow Jedi and their current situations. He refocused, reminding himself of the nature of the living force, and that every Jedi currently involved in the protection of Kuat was capable and worthy of their station. A wave of confidence and faith washed over him as the echoes of his foot steps slowly faded from the Senate.
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Crom'nen
Member
Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Jan 16, 2014 12:21:19 GMT -8
Bel'fima looked to see if they were truly adjourned. She had work to do.
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jan 25, 2014 23:24:26 GMT -8
Seeing that we all had work to do and that nothing else was forthcoming, I brought the meeting to a close, before rising and then making my way out of the room.
Since there is nothing else, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for making this another productive meeting.
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Crom'nen
Member
Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Jan 27, 2014 13:45:43 GMT -8
Belf'ima stood and gathered her belongings. As she walked out the door and out of the secured chamber, her datapad began to bing, and buzz, and ring with various tones that represented various alerts. She opened the most recent one, a news alert from a media outlet. She read the headline, and could not believe it. With surprising speed, she read the entire article. She did not notice that she was shaking until the datapad fell from her hands onto the floor. She collapsed to her knees, her lekku hanging limp and lifeless.
Kikalekki, no...
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Post by Vice-Chancellor Darma on Jan 27, 2014 20:05:43 GMT -8
Hearing the clatter behind me, Darma stops, curious as to what caused the sound, and retraced his steps, to see a data-pad, still singing out various alert tones. Then he noticed Belf'ima kneeling on the floor in the middle of the corridor, and apparently in shock. Darma called down the hall for one of the guards to bring medical personnel immediately. Kneeling down himself, in front of Belf'ima, he gently calls her name and asks what happened.
Belf'ima... Belf'ima, what happened? What is wrong?
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