Coronet Capitol Tower

Looking around Jacques saw as many faces as he was going to. He noted that a few of the more prominent members that were missing but this was as many as there were going to be. Standing up he placed his data pad down the podium he exhaled. Many of the problems of Corellia were on the forefront of his mind, from the ongoing refugee issues to the shipyard industry, and thoughts of how to best defend the world. However as the leader of the Coalition his concerns were much bigger than that of one planet. Pushing a button to call for silence he waited for the din of speaking to die down.

Feeling the intensity of everyone's gaze upon him, it felt much like a beam of light shining directly overhead. He had faced combat dozens of times, and been in command of men but this was different. There the would obey them without question, here he would have to win these people over to his cause. Some very unpopular causes. His likeness was broadcast to all of the other delegates, his small blue figure appearing in front of all of them each being broadcast in the native tongue of the representative.

Addressing the Coalition with his deep voice, he spoke with dignity and a composure that he did not feel.

Esteemed representatives of the Coaltion, I hereby call into order this first meeting of the Corellian Coalition. All of you have received the order of business for today and I am sure all of you are eager to speak. That said I feel we should open with the most pressing item on the agenda. This Coalition was formed after the defeat of the Galactic Alliance at the hands of the First Order. At this time they have given little notice to us and our worlds, yet as they have proven at every turn they seek to expand outward and force their beliefs on other worlds. We can not allow this to happen to us. That said to antagonize such a powerful force would only bring ruin down on us and the worlds we represent. I propose that we do not seek out conflict with the First Order and set out to strengthen our own borders to ensure the security of our people.

Jacques was surprised to hear the support he was receiving for the motion. He had expected to receive a lot of push back from this motion yet some of the most influential people on the floor agreed with him.

Very well, if we all agree on the fact that at this point we will not seek out aggressive actions against The Empire we should instead focus our efforts on defending ourselves and defending our borders, our worlds.

Feeling momentum gaining behind him he forged onto his next topic.

I feel the best way to help defend ourselves is to teach everyone to defend themselves. We stand at a distinct disadvantage of manpower, any military forces we have right now are those that survived the defeat at Dac or the purges that followed after from other fallen Alliance worlds. Should The Empire attack they would roll over our defensive forces; what I propose is drastic but necessary. Everyone of every world once they reach the age of majority be conscripted into mandatory military service.

Feeling the air of the room shift slightly at the mention of this Jacques held up his hands.

I know that the idea invokes many negative thoughts. This conscription would last for half a galactic standard year and such forces would only be used under major defensive actions. They would never be used offensively. Once their six months is up they may elect to join into the regular forces or return to civilian life.

As the other representatives spoke Jacques was not surprised to see resistance to the idea. He had expected some for much of the items on the agenda today and this one was the worst of them. Perhaps his own experience in the military had shaped his views on them. Before he had joined it had not been an appealing idea.

I will concede that there are other ways to defend ones self, but we are up against the Empire. If it wanted to, today it could come to every member world of this coalition and lay siege to their worlds on the same day and win. I am not saying this to scare you. Only to bring light to what we are facing here is a very real threat to ourselves and our way of life.

Opening up a file on his datapad that had been created in the belief to resistance to the conscription idea.

Senator Starmane I can appreciate your stance, you want to protect your planet and the people on it. They and their beliefs are as varied as the people of every world. Let me address some of your concerns. We would not be shipping of every man, woman, or child off to trenches. Anyone right now who is not an active member of a worlds forces would not fall under this vote. Only those who come of age once this bill comes into place will receive this training. Once this proposed conscription comes to an end these people are free to pursue their educations and their lives as they see fit. We must also not forget the on the job training they will receive. The military has more than just people who shoot guns, and fly starships. There are so many non-combat roles that they can enter into, and receive training for. Although the basic training is the same for everyone, it only last 2 standard months. The other 4 months of this proposal would be spent in their particular trade.

Those who do not wish to take another life? I can't say I blame them it isn't something to take lightly, as I said there are roles where they will not have to do that. They do not wish to hold a firearm? There are already in the current system forms that on can fill out that can allow for these exemptions. Perhaps it would be best to revist this topic with other alternatives to the proposal provided by people who may not agree with it if we can not come to an agreement on it today.

Graemon was back at his office, planning out the rest of his day. He conferred with his secretary, making some sort of schedule that consisted of meetings and a dinner with Lynne later tonight. He heard a knock at the door, turning to the side to allow the door to slide open, revealing the Prime Minister. The Fondorian waves to his secretary who walks away and heads out of the room.

Prime Minister Hu, welcome. I am surprised you aren't at your office or out there, showing your face to the public. Is there something you wished to discuss?

======================

Jacques Hu
Marcus Starmane [RETIRED]

Senator Starmane still brought up good points on how the conscription could effect those who have careers and infringing on the rights of the citizens. However, these were hard times that were upon the whole of the galaxy. Reports of the Sith attack on the Jedi World of Felucia, the ever-expanding First Order that loomed nearby, and plenty of other factors that brought disorder and concern to the whole of the galaxy. He looks at the Prime Minister.

Perhaps an alternative, Prime Minister. There are a number of refugees who have lost much and still look for work. Perhaps we should try to find willing volunteers from among the dislocated. Certainly, there are those eager to win back their homes and take the fight to the First Order. Their example will certainly incite others from our worlds to join the fight as well... perhaps without even the need of conscription.

Senator Gorgano knew a number of these refugees had careers in the Galactic Alliance before its fall. Certainly, there were a large group of them who desired to re-enter military service and continue to serve for the beacon of democracy in this galaxy.

However, we do not want the Coalition to look like its using these people for nothing. We should grant incentives to those refugees who have lost so much. Grant them good pay as a thanks and ensure that their families are looked after by our civil services. These people want jobs after all. Their example could go a long way to igniting the Coalition's citizens to join too.

Fighting to keep a straight face Jacques knew that the Barons words were well intentioned but there was also the stuff going on behind the scenes. One of the main architects of the resettlement program for the refugees was an item with the Baron. There was no knowing if this was something that she had put in his ear or if it was something that he had come up with alone. Did it matter?

I see no issue with allowing these individuals further chances to join into the service. This measure would go a long way to proving that the will of the people has not been broken.