Fwurg

[Senator Mathi-ey C'b'rton of the Divine Fiefdom of Highmons]

"It has come to my attention that the Remunzian Government is currently in negotiations with the Slave Rebellion on a unilateral level, regarding the ending of slavery.

Slavery has clearly been a contentious and complicated topic, in which many factors are involved and about which many members of the Union have different views. The sudden unilateral talks with a large foreign power, especially one which such... clear vision as to how to deal with this complicated and politically charged issue, has caused some worry among members.

Senator Salixa, could you perhaps reassure the members of the Senate by giving more details about what is going on? Some are concerned that you plan to bring the Slave Rebellion in as an active participant within Union politics. Clearly a foreign power would be undesirable as an actor in this regard, and your reassurance that this is not the intention of the talks would do a lot to alleviate worries amongst the Unions members!"

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

Senator Salixa was wearing a long light brown gown of fake leather with a slender skirt, a tight corset in darker brown hugging her form and long gloves to match her gown covering her arms and disappearing into its puffy sleeves. Though only the toes of her boots were visible as she shuffled up to the microphone, the quick short tapping of her stiletto heels on the metal floor announced her approach. Her birds stayed in her hair today - at least for the moment, but gave defiant looks to those around her, as if they were wasps just waiting to swarm and peck to death anyone who dared approach.

"I recently visited the Veolian Commonwealth, and got to experience some of their culture and customs. Amongst those customs is one that their leaders exude an aura of intimidation. That is not to say that their people do not love their leaders, but rather that they fear them in addition.

The Silver Forests of Remunzia invited the Slave Rebellion, and kept the details of the negotiations a secret, to follow this example and show the Veolian Commonwealth - and others who support slavery - a bit of an experience of fear.

However, since you have asked so properly and cautiously, let me assure you that this fear effect was merely for show - a piece of political theatre to remind them not to take their position for granted. The Slave Rebellion ships in our sector are there merely as part of this theatre. And the fact that various factions have activated their fleets means that our tactic was a success. To put it in more childish terms: made you wince!"

The Senator seemed quite pleased with herself in this.

"The truth of the negotiations is that the Remunzian Government has asked for advise from experts in the Slave Rebellion to improve our arguments in discussions, look for new *peaceful* methods of protest and to learn other non-violent techniques to fight slavery.

Remunzia has always been committed to peace and understanding, and though we feel that slavery is utterly disgusting and needs to be ended, we would never do anything to jeopardize the Union or the peace that it has brought to the region. To put it simply, we will do whatever is necessary to end slavery, except resort to, or support, any form of violence.

My people have managed to restore an official communication channel with Remunzia, and my government would like to send a statement to the Senate regarding the outcome of the discussions which should serve to reassure everyone.

I do hope, however, that the fear some nations felt will be remembered - for it pales in comparison to the fear that slaves have to endure every single day. May it motivate them to yield to freedom and justice, over economic and personal gains."

[Silver Forests of Remunzia (mask of Mercury)]

"Due to technical difficulties, the message will lack an image but be voice only" the technician explained as he rolled out a holo-transmitter setup that seemed to have been hacked together to reestablish contact with the Remunzian sector. Moments later, the device spun up and activated, the display just showing the Silver Forests of Remunzia logo.

Silver Forests of Remunzia"Remunzia can no longer stand by while the Union allows slavery to continue within its territories. We demand that the Union immediately outlaws slavery, liberates all slaves and imprisons all slave owners within its territories. All possessions by former slave owners are to be redistributed to the liberated slaves. The governments of worlds that allowed slavery should step down to be replaced by a new government chosen exclusively by the now liberated slaves.

We understand that this change will bring with it some social upheaval, especially on worlds which currently practice slavery on a large scale. To ensure that the transion will be carried out peacefully, we have invited the Slave Rebellion - experts in the arranging of this type of transition - to base a contingent of military fleets in our sector. If the Union is unable to ensure our demands, they stand ready to aid in the arrangement."

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

The Remunzian senators eyes went huge, surprised and confused for a moment at the message from her homeworld. She clearly had no idea what was going on. Her shoulders drooped and her birds went quiet. With her relatively simple outfit - as far as the Senator was concerned anyway - she seemed almost a bit subdued for a moment.

"I uhm... I think there may have been some... misunderstanding..." she managed before shuffling back from the microphone. "I'm not sure what... is going on..."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

Senator Ardios Eldrilith was not surprised by the reaction they received. Although he was a little bit suprised by the fact that Senator Salixa was just discarded by her faction or somebody claiming to be...

"We must check the validity of this poorly communicated message. With the breakdown of communication we will need to verify that the Remunzian Holonet is not compromised. Although the demands about slavery are enough to outrage several factions this is not my highest concern. If their is actually a Slave Rebellion presence in the remunzian sector they have avoided detection and entered Union territory. If this is actually true, we will be at war. I will dispatch a Union military scout group to confirm these claims! "

Ardios quickly spoke to one of his aides from the Ministry of Defence. He confirmed that the validity and the origin of this message had to be checked and ordered to scout the remunzian sector and noted that Jedi assistance could be called in if deemed necessary.

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

While the Minister of Defence spoke to the senate, the chancellor contacts the Jedi to arrange for the protection of senator Salixa.

"Senators, although the situation is currently unclear, and might be highly confusing to some, it is clear to all that something is amiss.

As the current state of the government of the Silver Forests of Remunzia is unclear, there is a clear need for additional protection for senator Salixa and the senator's staff. I have asked the Jedi to provide this additional security. This additional security will prevent the sudden disappearance of the Remunzian delegation, and will allow us to continue forward in handling this situation in a lawful manner."

"Before we undertake any drastic action, it is necessary to determine what the current situation is. As such, I suggest a short recess of the senate. For reasons of security, I urge everyone to remain within the senate buildings, and use the secure communications channels provided by the Union to communicate with your respective governments."

As the Jedi enter the senate hall to take up the job of protecting the Remunzian delegation, the chancellor walks over to senator Salixa.

"Senator Salixa", the chancellor speaks softly, "Before the senate continues I would like to talk with you to see how we can best handle this situation together. Are you open to that?", she said as she had the idea that the remunzian senator could use some moral support to handle these sudden events.

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

An initial technical analysis seemed to confirm that this message indeed came from the Remunzian government, the correct codes being used in any case.

The Remunzian senator seemed to still be collecting herself after the strange message from her homeworld when the Chancellor approached, it seemed as if she hadn't really taken notice of the Jedi security yet even.

"I do not understand why Remunzia would send such a message..." She looked up at the chancellor somewhat confused for a moment, but then seemed to process the question "Yes. We should discuss the situation." she agreed

[Jedi Master Screetor]

Jedi Master Screetor soon joined some of the other Jedi who had joined, talking to them briefly

[Senator Jennifer Obotanga]

"Chancellor, if I might add a few words," the young Sundarian senator stated as she stood to adres the Senate,

"While I concur that their is an obvious threat to the Remunzian delegation here present, perhaps it is wise to look at how this added protection, which I agree is necessary, might be seen from the outside. We should be careful to prevent any misunderstanding about the how and why, as to make sure this not seen as a from house arrest, or as a way to intimidate the Remunzian Government.
If we are not careful, this may well be used as further grounds for armed conflict.

I would also like to point out that our intelligence network, including our scanning fleets, is available to the Ministry of Defence if needed."

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

Really not wanting to spend more time on a debate on the merits of the current solutiont, the chancellor simply replied from where she was standing.

"Which is why I asked the Jedi to take up the protection of the senator. The Jedi have always been a neutral party, and have always been trusted with such matters."