Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2014 8:46:39 GMT -8
The senator gaped for a moment at the brazen move by which his motion was swept aside. when he reflected on it later and asked for guidance from Drake, he would realize that the goal here was punishment… not finding out what happened from an honest source, not having the desire to be the one on record to start the nonsense again, Senator Fortis turn off his mic, moved back from his station and sat down muttering in a quiet voice only those in his pod could here
“bring forth the ghosts of Salem.”
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Crom'nen
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Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Jul 25, 2014 13:22:17 GMT -8
As if on cue, Crom'nen stepped out from the tunnel. Instead of emerging into the pod for Ryloth, he came out about four down from that, stepping out into an unused pod. He knew that this would catch many off guard. He gave a moment for the news crews to turn their focus on him. After allowing the Jedi to enter, he hit the button to detach the pod and activate at the pod.
Ladies, gentlemen, and other beings of the Republic, esteemed members of the Senate. I come to you today not as a fellow Senator. I have not yet reclaimed the position from acting Senator Bel'fima. No, I come before you today as the ranking member of the government of Ryloth.
As I am sure you are all aware, Ryloth was recently devastated in an attack. Our Clan Council were all killed. Many are dead. I assure you though, we are a people of great resilience. Elections are already underway, even as recovery efforts continue throughout the city.
As such, I am grieved to come before you this day, as an official over Ryloth, to bring charges against Jedi Knight Mahir, who has graciously agreed to be here this morning. Please allow me some leniency. I am here to bring charges against this Jedi for crimes against the Republic, Ryloth, and its citizens. What I would ask, if Mahir has no objections and neither does the Senate, to act eyewitness and prosecution. Should this body deem it a necessity, they you can choose to indict him on formal charges and send this to the courts or the Judicial committee.
Allow me to explain a few things. I could have brought these charges on Ryloth, but in my experience, people enduring emotional trauma such as they tend to form into a lynch mob rather than an impartial jury. If I took this to the Jedi, my people would never accept a result. I do not think that this is ready for a trial. So I brought this here, for an informal yet public hearing, that all citizens of the galaxy might be sure of a fair verdict.
Therefore, I ask that the hearing of Jedi Knight Shinab Mahir to determine what charges should be pursued should commence immediately.
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Jul 26, 2014 18:21:28 GMT -8
The Supreme Chancellor takes a moment to straighten his regal robes and his chest to inhale and exhale; despite the years the Cihlbar has spent on Coruscant, the lack of humid air has remain a discomfort for the Mon Cala.
This was not going to be easy. Cihlbar trusted the Jedi unequivocally and without fault. But he has removed his ties from them to the point where he has even banished his most trusted advisor and close friend, Jedi Master Will Son'tir from his chambers.
Now he must preside over the open investigation of one of the Order's prominent defenders. A watchmen of the Order.
Cihlbar exhales once more, and keys the speaker once more.
A motion has been entertained to allow Jedi Knight Mahir to be put under public investigation for crimes against the Republic, and reckless neglect. Will a duly elected representative of the people like to carry the motion? The Jedi is with you there?
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Crom'nen
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Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Jul 30, 2014 5:53:15 GMT -8
Jedi Knight Mahir is here in the pod with me. He has willing arrived today as an act of good faith.
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Jul 30, 2014 23:24:00 GMT -8
It is so moved
The motion carried by the Senator from Hapes Consortium and seconded by the delegation from Naboo. Master Jedi, you have a right to counsel, do you wish to select a representative or will you choose to represent yourself in these VOLUNTARY proceedings. . . .
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2014 1:03:43 GMT -8
Master Rawkill watched on from the Visitor's Deck as he was sharply reminded why he had never come to one of these before, too much bureaucracy for his own tastes. It was apparent that the wording had to be precise and motions made in a certain way, before the Chancellor would allow it to be recognized, as was made apparent when Senator Onwa Fortis' original motion was stopped. Personally he had no great hope in Senator Crom'nen's own wording, even if Knight Mahir had chosen to be here of his own accord, but that was perhaps his own personal opinion that had been shaped from his time on the proverbial front lines.
Whilst it might be true the people of Ryloth might not recognize a ruling set down by the Jedi High Council, It was also true that the Republic and Jedi Order were both equals. Rawkill would watch these proceedings closely, to make sure they were indeed fair, so that he could advise the High Council on the facts, so that an agreeable solution could be made between the two parties, should the Republic decide to pursue formal charges. At the moment however, he would watch the player's and see how they moved and counter-moved
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Crom'nen
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Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Jul 31, 2014 6:29:51 GMT -8
The motion passed, narrowly, but that was no great surprise. Many were pro-Jedi, maybe even naïvely so. That could not be helped. But even among them, some, like the delegation from Naboo, decided that if the Jedi had come willingly, then perhaps it was best to expose the truth in hopes of clearing Mahir. This is exactly what Crom'nen was counting on. Everything so far was going according to plan. After letting Mahir make up his mind about representation, Crom'nen continued.
It seems that for this informal hearing, it is best to start with the facts. There have been many news reports, even some with conflicting information, so let us set the record of the basic facts in order, and then proceed from there.
A little more than two weeks ago, a fleet of pirates exited hyperspace in orbit of Ryloth. There, they attacked the Republic fleet. The pirates went so far as to board the flagship. Despite a brave defense by both the Republic crews and Jedi, including yourself, the pirates progressed heavily, largely because of use of Mandalorian equipment and tactics, though it should be clarified that this group is unaffiliated with the Mandalorian Empire which caused great havoc among Republic worlds as well as Imperial worlds like Kuat.
It was at this point and time that the Republic personal were ordered to abandon the ship. After the escape pods were picked up by the rest of the fleet, a retreat was ordered, leaving Ryloth without any capital ships to defend itself, despite clear orders to the contrary by the Republic Military Committee. Not only that, but as you failed to scuttle the flagship, it was used as a weapon, dropped on the capital city of Lessu. It not only killed the Clan Council, but enough of the civilian population that recovery effort are expected to reach one hundred thousand by week's end.
These are the basic facts. Tell my, Jedi Knight Mahir, do you dispute any of these facts as I have presented them?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2014 10:49:29 GMT -8
Whilst the Senate gathered to address the egregious tragedy that had struck the ruling body of the arid world of Ryloth, the Tionese Ambassador had found himself sequestered within the Visitor’s deck, watching as the display of political prowess unfolded before his very eyes. It was an entertaining show, Derrick would give them that, but he felt that such matters should have been dealt with locally rather than with the governing body of the Republic, where hundreds of star systems with greater issues than pirate raids reside. However, as the accused was a member of the prestigious Jedi Order, the Ambassador supposed that some protocols warranted exceptions in order for justice to be served. The courts would take forever to deal with this litigation, as they were embroiled with several other matters from days long past. Since he was yet to be considered a full member of the Republic, the Ambassador was barred from entering the judicial district to learn more, thus had settled on watching this indictment from afar.
He sat within the padded embrace of a foreign delegates chair, situated at the lower most reaches of the encompassing concourse placed atop the Grand Convocation Chamber. His slowly degrading frame was swathed in the raiment’s of his people, a long and flowing brocaded robe of the finest scarlet silks his native cluster had to offer. Such elegant fabric was then further embellished by a thick leather belt that had originated under the careful eye of a Sullustan tanner, and a sash dyed in the hue of tundra frost hung loosely from his right shoulder. Coiled about his wrists in an imitation of an oscillating reptile, were a pair of brass vambraces engraved with miniature ivory skulls. Finally, resting upon his index finger was a gilded ring garnished by an ancient symbol that had reigned over a large portion of the galaxy before the rise of the Republic. Each of these handcrafted ornamentations was wrought in the style of Old Republic Bronze, and every piece that he wore was worth millions of credits.
His visage alone was a ploy, as the man beneath such decorations was nothing more than a simple man costumed in the relics of his people. Derrick knew all too well of first impressions and how they resounded throughout history, thus his intent was to make one that would not be forgotten. Until that time had come to pass however, he remained within the bounds of his chair, and waited to see how this crass menagerie played out.
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Post by Jedi Knight Mahir on Jul 31, 2014 13:15:02 GMT -8
It is so moved
The motion carried by the Senator from Hapes Consortium and seconded by the delegation from Naboo. Master Jedi, you have a right to counsel, do you wish to select a representative or will you choose to represent yourself in these VOLUNTARY proceedings. . . . The motion passed, narrowly, but that was no great surprise. Many were pro-Jedi, maybe even naïvely so. That could not be helped. But even among them, some, like the delegation from Yavin, decided that if the Jedi had come willingly, then perhaps it was best to expose the truth in hopes of clearing Mahir. This is exactly what Crom'nen was counting on. Everything so far was going according to plan. After letting Mahir make up his mind about representation, Crom'nen continued.It seems that for this informal hearing, it is best to start with the facts. There have been many news reports, even some with conflicting information, so let us set the record of the basic facts in order, and then proceed from there.
A little more than two weeks ago, a fleet of pirates exited hyperspace in orbit of Ryloth. There, they attacked the Republic fleet. The pirates went so far as to board the flagship. Despite a brave defense by both the Republic crews and Jedi, including yourself, the pirates progressed heavily, largely because of use of Mandalorian equipment and tactics, though it should be clarified that this group is unaffiliated with the Mandalorian Empire which caused great havoc among Republic worlds as well as Imperial worlds like Kuat.
It was at this point and time that the Republic personal were ordered to abandon the ship. After the escape pods were picked up by the rest of the fleet, a retreat was ordered, leaving Ryloth without any capital ships to defend itself, despite clear orders to the contrary by the Republic Military Committee. Not only that, but as you failed to scuttle the flagship, it was used as a weapon, dropped on the capital city of Lessu. It not only killed the Clan Council, but enough of the civilian population that recovery effort are expected to reach one hundred thousand by week's end.
These are the basic facts. Tell my, Jedi Knight Mahir, do you dispute any of these facts as I have presented them? |
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Crom'nen
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Posts: 868
Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Aug 4, 2014 11:28:57 GMT -8
Crom'nen's lekku twitched in a rare slip on his part, showing his displeasure. He had not gotten to depose Mahir ahead of time. Point of fact, Crom'nen had only said that he failed to scuttle the ship, not that he was aboard it. Crom'nen could have corrected the point, but that would destroy the façade of humility that he was trying to cast at present, no matter how transparent that façade might be. Despite that, Crom'nen was unimpressed by the Jedi's physical appearance. Far more dangerous creatures had tried to intimidate him. None had succeeded. It was both a strength and a weakness. But it was one that carried him far. Crom'nen also knew that this would work in his favor. It would make the Jedi look like an oppressor, and Crom'nen an intended victim. And the public loved an underdog.
Very well. Please allow for me to quote for you from the Repulic Naval Officer's Manual, Section V, subsection E, under the heading of Rules of Combat. "It is the duty of an officer with the Galactic Republic Navy to protect the civilian population at any and all costs... even at the cost of the officer's life and the life of that crew." And again, under the heading Captivity. "If an officer engages in combat with the enemy, and the enemy boards a capital ship, it is the duty of the officer to ensure that the ship does not fall into enemy hands. If need be, the officer should destroy the ship to prevent it from falling into enemy hands."
Also, section IV, subjection J, Obeying Lawful Orders. "The naval officer's orders should be clear and precise. These orders should be within in confines of lawful orders given by superior officers in the Republic Navy, or my the Republic military committee. The officer should not supersede or overstep these orders, except in areas of necessity... An order should be considered unlawful if it violates Republic law, moral standards, or unnecessarily endangers the crew and/or civilian population."
I have here the orders of this fleet to stay on Ryloth and protect the world until otherwise ordered. So let me ask you this, Jedi Knight Mahir. Did you protect the civilian population at cost of your own life? Did you or your comrades destroy the flagship? Did you obey the orders to stay and fight and protect the planet? Seeing the results, do you consider the order to retreat a lawful order?
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Mike Frantz
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That Guy
Posts: 721 
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Mike Frantz on Aug 7, 2014 7:26:27 GMT -8
Well this delightful farce has gone on long enough. Is about the only thing I can think of before slapping the controls of the pod of the Caridan Delegation, my crisp suit and neatly trimmed brown hair and beard a sharp contrast to my usual blue robes and disheveled appearance. Floating out toward the "special" pod occupied by this representative of the government of Ryloth I lock my ice blue eyes on the Twi'lek. Damn, there was a reason I left politics years ago, but circumstances always seem to lead to doing things that we don't want to do, and if you have a job to do you may as well get to doing it instead of sitting around complaining about it. And if I break a few minor rules of conduct.. well it's not like politicians like to follow their own rules anyway, and since that's what I am today there is no need for me to do any different.
As a representative of Carida while Senator Suffix is ill. Just because they man is fully healthy and is just an old friend doesn't mean I can't cheat the system a little bit, I am native Corellian after all. I seem to be a bit confused about what is going on here. If we are concerned about our officers obeying lawful orders why is this man in front of us instead of the aforementioned officers? I am not sure if I am missing something as I have been away from this body for a significant portion of time or if anyone else is just as confused as I am. I frown thoughtfully at the crowd waiting for the response to my "interruption", purposefully leaving out my connection to the Jedi order, since technically I'm not here as a representative of the council, but instead the people of Carida, even if I hadn't had any official standing there in years... until today, but if I have to play a few games then I'll have to play a few games.
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Crom'nen
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Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Aug 8, 2014 6:09:34 GMT -8
Crom'nen's eyes changed as he stared at the one who now spoke. It was no longer cold, factual detachment. No indeed, people that knew him best might say that it was pleasure. And they would be correct. Frantz had just opened the door.
The Republic officers of whom you speak have since been lost in the Mandalorian War, defending other targets that other Jedi apparently deemed worth defending, unlike my homeworld. So unless there is a way to commune with the dead of which I am not aware, I cannot bring charges against them, nor call them as witnesses.
The Representative of Carida does bring up an interesting point however, Jedi Knight. What exactly is your rank in the Republic Navy? When did you sign up? When did you receive your commission?
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Post by Jedi Knight Mahir on Aug 8, 2014 8:45:32 GMT -8
Knight Mahir was about to respond to the first set of accusations, when a familiar figure interrupts the proceedings. I'd thought he had died, it had been so long since I'd heard of him taking action in the galaxy, but then I had isolated myself on Ryloth for some time. I listen to his question and feel my disgust try to rise, but I put it away, it would serve no one here. I do even not bothering to look disappointed, that he was more interested in playing games and saving face than facing up to the matter squarely and taking the paltry thing out head on. Oh well, the poor fool had only highlighted yet another gaping hole in the Jedi's conduct over Ryloth. I take a deep breath before answering as clearly as my gravely voice will allow, leaving my inflection as dead as gravel moving down a slope.
That order in my humble opinion was both unlawful and cowardly, meriting dishonorable discharge, and in some cultures even execution, though I don't believe this body allows such punishment in it's laws. As for my rank, it is the same as any Jedi Knight, General, though it carries more weight and privilege than a GAR vanilla general, to use trooper terminology. Just like any other Jedi, application and commission are waived, as it is assumed that a Jedi knows simple things such as troop command and basic tactics, since we are often seen in conflict, even if only with the local crime boss. That assumption is erroneous, and a threat to the well being of the republic's soldiers, as the events over Ryloth demonstrate so clearly.
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Mike Frantz
Member
That Guy
Posts: 721
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Mike Frantz on Aug 8, 2014 16:03:01 GMT -8
A quizzical look crosses my face for a moment as I glace at the Jedi before I return my customary half-smile to the Twi'lek. Without taking my eyes from the representative I sit down in the seat of my platform and set my feet up on the rail, taking a quick swig from my flask before proceeding.
I could be a bit confused on certain counts, but I do not remember any orders crossing any of my desks that gave all Jedi Knights the rank of General in the Grand Army of the Republic. Pausing for a moment to frown, with a thoughtful expression on my face I take a quick look around the assembly. It's not so much that I'm here in an effort to save face or make things better or worse as it is an effort to make some sense out of a topic that seems to be rather important to Jedi relations with the Republic that is being handled in some fashion other than sitting down with the council and having a civil conversation... but I suppose that idea is too novel and beyond the bounds of the vast rules and regulations that seem to be present in this body. Turning my eyes back to Mahir I continue. Or wait, could you be referring to the ancient customs of the Clone Wars where Jedi were tossed into battle as leaders of a somewhat dubiously created army of clone slaves? There is another quick pause before I continue. but surely our esteemed body of government has not had those regulations in an active state all this time. I gesture about the room before turning my eyes back to Crom'nen, my half-smile returning. That would be one very interesting oversight.
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Crom'nen
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Post by Crom'nen on Aug 9, 2014 9:46:09 GMT -8
That is exactly my question, Representative. Would the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor clarify this? I am personally unaware of any such measure granting the Jedi military ranking. In fact, our charter seems to make clear that the Jedi are separated in measures from the Republic. It seems that we need a ruling as to the current state of the law before we proceed any further.
Crom'nen stood back and awaited the answer. The answer would determine his next course of action, and perhaps the future of the Republic itself.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2014 4:09:53 GMT -8
From the outset, this farce of a trial, that was so eloquently being dubbed an informal public hearing, was already showing some gaps in logic that Rawkill could barely believe were beng used as so called 'evidence' and crimes. As for Mahir, well so far the Jedi Knight seemed to not be doing himself any favours, nor did he seem capable of putting forth a defence against these accusations that Crom'nen was levying. Rawkill wondered whether it had been wise for the Jedi Council not to intervene and place someone more suitable in Mahir's position, after all, it seemed like the Stenax was a perfect scapegoat that would own up to Crom'nen's supposed accusations. Under any other circumstances, this would not have been a problem, since the blame would fall only on Mahir. But the Stenax was a member of the Jedi Order, and regardless of how vehemently the Chancellor denied it, Mahir was still representing the Jedi Order in the eyes of many who were watching.
If Mahir continued along this guilt ridden path of compliance, not only would Mahir go down, but so to would the Jedi's standing in the eyes of not only the Republic Government, but also the citizens whom the Jedi were meant to help protect. The fact this had gone public, without any prior consultation or attempt at private discussions between the Republic and Jedi Order regarding this matter, was already damaging. Not only was it sparking tensions from certain ranking members of the Jedi, but it was not like to do the Republic much good in the eyes of it's Citizens to see this dispute handled soo abhorrently in the Senate. So far the case seemed to rest on the fact that Pirates had managed to overcome Republic Naval Personelle and managed to crash a capital ship into Lessu, none of which seemed to be Jedi actions.
To Rawkill, it kind of seemed to point out faults in the Republic's military training program, and it was starting to look like Crom'nen was trying to blame the Jedi for the actions of Mandalorian Pirates that were so far proving illusive. He was soon surprised and relieved by the appearance of Mike Frantz, his former Master from some years ago, whom seemed to voice very similar concerns to those that he had himself. Frankly, Rawkill could only sigh at Crom'nen's response, quite unimpressed with the Twi'lek's choice of words, although it did show the man had some petty quarrel to settle, which under normal circumstances would have lead to him being recused from this hearing. However, as Rawkill had to keep reminding himself, this was no normal situation, and quite frankly he found it to be a sick subversion of a legal system.
Mahir's response took Rawkill by surprise, quite certain himself that Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters were no longer still considered General's within the GAR, unless given official commision. Sure, it was true Rawkill had use of the Fleet of Ascendant Knowledge, which included several ships and a Commando task force, but Admiral Ju'unthor was in command of them all, Rawkill was more of an advisor than anything else. The only reason the Jedi had ever had any 'official' military positions, was because the Republic was in a state of war, something Rawkill was most certain had not been officially declared, since the Republic had played no active part against the Mando Crusade. Mike had already questioned Crom'nen on this matter, whom was already asking for clarification on this matter, which meant things were about to hinge on a very delicate decision.
If the Chancellor confirmed that the regulation was still in effect, then the Jedi Order had not informed of such, otherwise appropriate training would have been provided to both Jedi Masters and Jedi Knights, such as Mahir, to ensure they were capable of such command. On the other hand, if the Chancellor confirmed that the regulation did not still actively exist, then it did indeed further prove that the Republic Fleet's actions were of it's officers, and the fault was their own. If that was the case however, Rawkill had a sinking feeling that Crom'nen would try spin the events so that it seemed like the Jedi had forced the Republic Officer's to comply. And if Mahir's actions thus far were anything to go by, the Stenax would likely support this idea, and further tarnish what ever real truth might have existed.
Regardless of the result of this so called voluntary inquiry, which legally could not be used to invoke any punishment afterwards, Rawkill was certain there would be repurcussions for all involved. Like-as-not the relationship between the Republic and Jedi Order would be quite damaged, possibly beyond repair, and Mahir's future with the Jedi seemed quite uncertain. Then there would be the public's reaction to both the Senate and the Jedi, as well as the inevitable motion certain Jedi will call against Crom'nen and Chancellor Cihlbar for the mishandling of this situation. As it was, it took Rawkill a great deal of self control to not involve himself in this situation, but he was not sure how much longer he could suffer this situation in silence
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Post by Jedi Knight Mahir on Aug 16, 2014 12:15:02 GMT -8
That is exactly my question, Representative. Would the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor clarify this? I am personally unaware of any such measure granting the Jedi military ranking. In fact, our charter seems to make clear that the Jedi are separated in measures from the Republic. It seems that we need a ruling as to the current state of the law before we proceed any further.Crom'nen stood back and awaited the answer. The answer would determine his next course of action, and perhaps the future of the Republic itself. |
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Aug 17, 2014 15:49:07 GMT -8
I am afraid that is correct, the military and its commissions fall under my offices and therefore my authority. As it has been in the past several millenia, when the need calls for it, the jedi have received field commissions in the Grand Army of the Republic to act as guardians of the peace. The Vice Chancellor, though chairmen of the military council, serves at the priority set by my office.
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Crom'nen
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Affiliation: loyal only to himself, working with Ryloth and the GR
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Post by Crom'nen on Aug 18, 2014 5:33:46 GMT -8
Crom'nen looked around the Rotunda.
Let me see if this is correct, the Chancellor has the authority to commission the Jedi to military ranks. As one who sits upon the Military Committee, I recall no such orders coming through. The Military Committee would need to be made aware of such acts, so that we would know what resources are available for strategy, yet I see no documentation of such.
So, Jedi Knight Mahir, did you receive orders that the Chancellor had used his emergency executive powers, or did you simply assume this on the basis of tradition, and take it upon yourself to give yourself a military rank? We need to be very clear on this to understand if the military code has any bearing upon this case, or if any such military charges would need to be dropped immediately.
Crom'nen cocked an eyebrow, waiting for a response.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2014 17:38:45 GMT -8
*Onwa raised an eyebrow at the blatant attempt at leading the witness to the execution that served the social justice that was so highly demanded on the rioting streets of Ryloth. He thought to speak, but with the chancellor not calling the senator from Ryloth out for blatant conflict of interest in the prosecution... It would serve no purpose except to be argumentative. So as he studied his notes, senator fortis noticed the ewok Jedi master. Whether it was the novelty, or some deep plan, Onwa turned to his chief of security and spoke in low tones*
"Would you go up to the general audience seating and ask the ewok Jedi if he would like a better vantage point. I personally would be honored to host any Jedi in my pod who would like a means for their voice to be heard. The Republic and Jedi are equals with neither party is subservient... Despite what these proceeding lead me to believe."
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