500 ABY: Republic

[sharyntyre]

Senator Clouddancer of Agamar did his best to keep an attentive, interested expression on his face as Chief of State Alyssa Seclair exhorted what she perceived to be the benefits of a rather hefty spending allowance for the Republic armed forces. Industrial contracts, excise revenue, security in the form of deterrent for the new government, a means of enforcing commonly held galactic rights, mainly open and safe trade routes. Economic booms for planets with industries related to the military, anyone could see that remuneration.

Sitting there listening to the Bothan go on, and on, Jake could not help thinking much of that capital would be better spent rebuilding cities and economies ravaged by the war. Oh sure places like Corrillia, Cloud City, Sluis Van, Thyferra had been rebuilt to the point the only reminders of the war were the monuments to local martyrs in the latest round of galactic civil war. Agamar had one; Jake thanked the Force, his lucky star, and anything else he could think of that his name was not on that pile of stone. Then again, the silence and solitude of death might be better than a seat in the Senate.

His right hand dropped below the desktop to tap the flask that rode on his hip there. Proper Senate etiquette prevented him from popping the top and drowning out Seclair’s purring voice with some good old Halmad Prime. The right hand came back up to scratch at his mustache, in truth to hide the smile at the thought of the left hand option, a Deathammer X700 heavy blaster. The thought was unworthy of himself and his Seat, more importantly it seemed wasted on the devious Chief of State.

Knowing there was little chance of the expenditure bill not getting ratified he did not bother to take the opportunity to speak in opposition. Not only would it be a waste of breath, it would prolong the session. He voted against it, such was the will of the people of Agamar. The vote is an empty gesture, exasperating some of his colleagues, but the ballot would be on record showing Jake Clouddancer to be a man of integrity.

Next on the agenda was a progress report on the tentative trade agreement with the Mandalorian Empire. There is very little intelligence about them available to the Senate, other than an estimate of the region of galaxy under their rule. He was not sure how the Bothans were going to benefit from the Military bill, but these trade agreements almost seemed tailored to industries the Bothans already showed healthy profit margins in. Industries they nearly dominated, in fact. The fact that the list of desires had originated from the Mandalorians, on the surface it all seemed legitimate. Bureaucratic red tape on both sides was keeping the contracts, or treaty, whatever they ended calling it, from seeing finalization and profits raked in. Eventually someone was going to have to go visit the Mandalorians and seal the deal.

The last item of the day was a public chastisement of a Senator who continually insisted on flouting Capital Control’s designated flight paths, often endangering property and the good citizens of Coruscant. His latest stunt had been to buzz the palace district upside down less than a hundred meters above the highest dome. Not only did the stunt violate several traffic laws, the move violated the no fly zone. The diplomatic signal from the IFF was the only thing that kept his ship from vaporization.

“If the Senator of Agamar can not maintain civilized flight protocols he will loose his landing permit permanently. Then you must leave your precious ship in orbit and take a palace shuttle on down planet side for the rest of your term of service. Do we make ourselves clear Senator Clouddancer.” The Chief of State gazed up at him near the back of the Senate floor with her large feline eyes.

“Of course, Madame. From now on my piloting in Capital airspace shall be text book.” Jake decided he would just start landing elsewhere, perhaps out at Orewood Towers then take a speed into the city. There was a scattering of gruff chuckles and a few statements of disbelieve, all thoughtfully translated by the senate protocol droid serving as a translator.

The calico colored Bothan looked out over the crowd, each representing millions of peoples, thousands of ideologies, philosophies and customs. Manipulating them all to the benefit of the Bothan species, and herself in particular was a most delicate task. She gave the room a minute to settle down then raised her right paw “Does anyone have anything they wish to bring before the Senate at this time.”

[Cassus Fett]

A Tall Orange Skinned Otolla Gungan dressed in Native Gungan wear stood listening to the Senator of the Chommel Sector, his superior deliver a speach on there devotated loyality to the Republic, and would be happy to begin talk's with the Mandalorians.

Bagma disagreed, he felt that Naboo should be independantly rulled by his people. He didnt like all this politics anymore he had come to the age where he know seeks a more active life, one that would take him around the galaxy trying to secure trade agreements and other such things.

[catwmnjedi]

Dr. Delia Malik sat patiently in the viewing platform with the Senator from Chandrila, while he slowly depressed the keypad to ask for the floor. Once permission was granted from the Chief of State, Delia remained as inconspicuous as possible, while her senator friend spoke in his signature regal manner.

“My constituents are interested in lifting the restrictions on artificial bacta, in an effort to boost the economies of many of the core worlds, as well as provide greater access for the outer systems.”

A hush fell over the room at his proposal. Artificial bacta production had been controversial in the past, due to the difficulties with proper disposal of the hazardous waste its production generated.

Chief of State Seclair also seemed surprised by the proposal. “You realize, Senator, this issue has been on our docket before and removed due to lack of support.”

“I’m calling for a new vote on the matter. Bacta availability is crucial in a time of reconstruction, not to mention limiting its supply encourages excessive smuggling and price gouging.”

The hum of numerous murmurs throughout the crowd indicated renewed interest in the old proposal. Delia’s smirk deepened. Even she had not anticipated a warm response to the idea. When another senator seconded the motion to revisit the issue, the Chief betrayed her normal poise with a slight frown and pounded her gavel on the podium to hush the crowd.

“I will task the environmental committee to work with you on drawing up the proposal, knowing full well it hasn’t a chance to pass without some environmental controls in place. Next issue.”

While the Chandrila senator’s viewing platform moved back into its place on the rotunda wall, he gave a satisfied nod to his dignified guest sitting behind him. Dr. Malik’s smirk grew to a full contented smile.

[jadeskywalker]

Jade arrived in time for the hearing of the Artificial Becta Act. Jade listened to what Dr. Malik had to say.

" Good of you to finally make it. " a man's voice said as he approached the Senator. " We were starting to worry about you. "

Senator Thaildon smiled at the man. " Good-byes are had and I still have a job to do here, and I wouldn't miss it. " she says in response. Jade also smiled at Dr. Malik who was speaking at the time and gave a respective bow.

Senator Thaildon liked the idea of the Artificial Becta Act. Now deep within her, she was thinking up an Republic Act for the Jedi to come out of refugeehood and back into the Republic, helping with conflicts that the Republic has most trouble with.

" Senator! " one said to her. " You are not really here. Where is you mind at? " the Lucan says to her.

" what I am thinking about is something I need much more council with. This is going to be a long and trialing time for us all. " she says as she focused on what was happening now.

[catwmnjedi]

A few whispers followed Delia as she walked out of the Senate Rotunda with the elder Chandrila representative, Senator Duris Morey. The Senate had recessed, and the senator was finished for the day. Once again, she thanked him for his continued support.

“It’s not over yet,” he reminded the doctor. “The environmental committee won’t let it pass without tacking on its share of restrictions.”

“I’ve never met a restriction without a loophole,” Delia grinned. She reached into her pocket for a small vial containing an unlabeled substance, handing it discretely to the senator when they were out of watchful eyeshot.

“Watch that stuff,” she warned. “Follow my dosage instructions carefully or you may be spending the weekend in the infirmary.”

“I’ll be careful,” he winked back. “The misses thanks you too.”

They continued walking toward the Senator’s transport. Delia allowed the question burning on her brain to connect with her lips. “That ruddy pilot being scolded by the Chief… who is he?”

“You mean you haven’t the pleasure of meeting Senator Jake Clouddancer? Your life is just not complete, child.”

“Seriously, what’s his story?”

Morey shrugged. “He’s a pilot. You’re Corellian. I’m sure you can figure it out.”

It was clear Senator Morey didn’t know much about the Agamar senator either. “I may be in need of pilots soon. He didn’t strike me as too clean to have useful contacts.” She only hoped he wasn’t a Jedi sympathizer.

“Even if he is squeaky clean,” the senator chuckled as he climbed aboard the transport, “I’m sure you have creative methods of persuasion, Doctor. Good day.”

As the transport disappeared among endless lines of city-planet traffic, Delia found her thoughts lingering on the pilot-senator longer than she normally allowed such distractions. Everyone had a weakness and a price. Perhaps her next goal should be finding Senator Clouddancer’s, she mused privately.

With a sigh she returned back toward the Rotunda, where many of the legislators were still gathered.

[sharyntyre]

Clouddancer listened with interest when Duris Morey of Chandrila raised the issue of artificial bacta. Jake did not really understand a lot of the technical jargon within the environmental committee’s report on the dangers of the industrial waste of artificial bacta processing. He had no problem understanding the holo images of some of the more notorious toxic waste sites around the galaxy. Such images left the Senator on the fence about the issue, good people died due to a lack of bacta during the war, many good people. More of the miraculous healing liquid on the market would save more lives, while production of artificial bacta would slowly destroy the worlds manufacturing it.

The session ended, finally, Jake took his time in collecting data files and the like, allowing the first rush of dignitaries to make their exit. The Senator eyed the crowd at the doors for a moment before pulling the flask from his belt, taking one small sip of the fiery fluid. Spotting the annoying Senator from Commoner heading his way, Clouddancer ducked into traffic weaving through the various beings as if navigating an asteroid field.

A hundred paces from the Rotunda the crowds began thinning out, a few paces further the huge corridor branched off in several directions. Jake turned as if going to visit his favorite club, angled across the traffic in that hall to dip into a Caf shop. Taking a seat near the windows, he hid behind the holographic menu floating over the table. Sure enough, the old iron maiden came striding down the middle of the corridor not even bothering to eye the crowd. She was positive she would pin him down at the club.

Jake snorted watching the woman pass, once she was lost in the traffic he left the Caf shop and made his way back into the main corridor. Some of the woman’s ideas were plain common sense, something anyone could understand, but they usually came with all sorts of odd, unrelated attachments. She would eventually leave the documents at his office, and he would add them to the pile of issues under deliberation. There they would sit until he could not avoid the woman any longer.

[Cassus Fett]

Bagma and a few other senators had remained within the Rotunda, to speak about an issued Bagma had brought up, the Endor Conservation Project. As it would seem the forest moon of Endor was being stripped of its natural resources.

"Mesa propser that Endor should besa classed asa protected planet" Bagma began but before he had chance to carry on with his speach on how the galaxy needed worlds of outstanding natural beauty to be left untouched he was interupted by Omark Farde.

The old Mandalorian Ambassador entered the senate as if he in command of them all, his pressence silence the whole Rotunda. He walked onto an empty Repulsorpod and took the 'floor', floating around the Chief of States podium. He wasn't quite sure if the Hutt Ambassador was here but he hoped he was.

"Whatsa is desa meaningsa of thisa?" Bagmas said in out rage, to Omark.

"My appologies by gungan friend but it is urgent that i make this clear to all of the Republic." Omark replied, "I request the senate be recalled imediately"

"Isa conquer with the honourable delegate from Mandalore tha the senate be recalledsa" stated Bagma, the two Ambassadors had shared information on the crisis through the Repulsorpod comunication console. Chief Of State Alyssa Seclair agreed to the Mandalorian Ambassador demands and recalled the senate to meet within the next three hours.

[catwmnjedi]

The doctor-lobbyist milled around the main entrance to the Rotunda for several more minutes, listening to conversations swirling around her for key words that might pique her interest. Most of the conversations seemed to center around the growing concerns over Mandalorians gaining military superiority. Delia could care less who was strong-arming the galaxy, so long as profit could be gained. War-mongering beings waging battles would surely need extra Bacta, among other things.

Her mind drifted briefly to the Jedi. They had scattered as they had centuries ago, when Palpatine’s Empire came to power and obliterated most of them. Good riddance! Hopefully they would stay in hiding for a long time, though she feared some in the Senate would see Jedi as lesser of two evils, when compared to the Mandalorians.

She abruptly let those thoughts cast away into the air. Presently she had other problems. Funding. Creating a stockpile of synthetic Bacta depleted her liquid assets, and lately her normal crowd of investors had become stingy. Uncertainty over the future of the Republic was the main culprit. Soon she would have to find a more creative way to gain income, or her experiments would have to be shelved.

The small comm. unit on her wrist began to beep. It was MD-8 (her medi-droid assistant) or Emdee, as she called him. A small hologram of his likeness appeared above her wristcomm.

“Doctor… there is a problem with Lot 6. The mutation rate is becoming erratic,” the droid explained.

Delia closed her eyes, calming herself. She had not wanted to retreat to the lab so early this evening. “Can’t you handle it, Emdee? The Senate is being called back to session, so I need to stick around. Then I planned to unwind a little this evening.”

The droid was a bit confused by her reaction. “Unwind” was not a part of Dr. Malik’s vocabulary. “If you mean that I should take some action, I’m in need of direction. The growth rate is beyond my calculations, and you did not instruct as to a mitigation strategy for this circumstance.”

Couldn’t he just speak like a human instead of an arrogant med school prof?, she thought. Advances in AI and droid development had not kept up with other advances, such as medical discoveries or even starship technologies. A clone would be more useful and tolerable. “Just put it in the cryo-chamber to halt the growth until I can analyze it tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Doctor. Have a good evening.”

Sure, she grumbled to herself as the holo faded. When was the last time she’d had a good evening? A playful grin danced across her lips as the memory of the last time she’d not slept in her lab replayed as a pleasurable mind movie. She’d left that young Falleen page smiling on his pillow the following morning. That had been several months ago. Living alone with petri dishes and a nerdy droid assistant… some days she needed a lively distraction.

One of the Senate Officers announced the next session was to start shortly. Dr. Malik did not see Senator Morey return, so she would have to sit in the public gallery with the rest of the walk-in observers.

[sharyntyre]

Jake sat at a Sabbac table with two other humans, a Gotal, a Twi’lek, and some scaled reptilian creature he had never seen before. The game was young, less than two standard hours, yet the Sabbac pot tallied just short of fifty thousand credits. Careful to keep from smiling, Jake locked his cards in at minus twenty. The reptile took two cards, the others held firm.

An insistent beeping from his pocket interrupted the game, Clouddancer let out a string of Huttesse curses. Yanking the com unit from his pocket he glanced down at the message screen shaking his head. Emergency session, he had no choice in answering the summons. The Senator from Agamar stood and gave the table a shallow bow “excuse me gentle beings” he scraped his pile of credits from the table while eyeing the Sabbac pot regretfully. Jake was almost certain another hour or two would have seen the whole pot fall into his lap.

The Senator was not in the best of moods as he returned to the rotunda, a mood that soured even more seeing a Mandalorian impatiently waiting to take the floor. His eyes swept the gallery as he made his way back to his pod, it appeared most of the Senators on the planet were already gathered. After taking, his seat he glanced over at the protocol droid “what happened here Seven,”

The silver translator droid turned big electric blue visual receptors on the human as it waved towards the Chief of State’s podium. “The delegate from Mandalor came in with news that the Hutts attacked one of their cruisers which was performing maneuvers along the Mandalorian/Hutt space.”

Jake Clouddancer’s laughing eyes tightened no hint of humor in them as he looked around the chamber. This could be the beginning of another round of battles and wars, while many parts of the galaxy had yet to heal from the last war. While he loved flying more than anything in life, he could grow old and feeble without seeing another battle and be a very happy old man.

[Cassus Fett]

Omark Farde after explaining the situation at the border and showing a holorecording from the Conqueror and reports from the Conquest, its sister ship. "So I put this to the Senate and to the Republic, if you get involved between the Hutt Empire and our own there maybe bloodshed across this galaxy." he turned to the Hutt Ambassador, "So what do you say on this situation. Will your people make a formal public apology or will you risk open war across the galaxy once again?"

Bagma stayed quite this was too much for a Gungan to get involved in or was it? Should he say something, which should be backed? He had conflicting views on both areas. Open War is upon us, it just hasn't got this far yet he thought, as he knew the Mandalorians were already conquering worlds that are not within the Republic, and are on the other side of their borders. Perhaps he should get involved and pledge the Gungan and Naboo support to that of the Republic and Hutt Empire, after all he was representing both people.

[Jarl]

Zappa turned his bulk so that he was staring directly at the Mandalorian Ambassador. Not only did the summons interrupt some important deals that he had in the works, now this humanoid was trying to put him on the spot. Eyes narrowing, he turns and stands up to address the rest of the Senate.

The implant in his throat makes a loud whirling noise and then metallic Basic rings out across the Senate floor. “I ask the Senate to ponder how far we can trust the sincerity of these claims. Holo-recordings can be tampered with and changed to show what the person finds most convenient. I have a holo-recording from the Hutt ship in question that clearly shows that the Mandalorians violated our space, which is why they were attacked.”

Knowing the truth of how much holo-recordings could be changed, Zappa had tested the one that had come in from the Empire. There were certain markers that pointed to his being changed, but it was very well done. His team had barely been able to find the indicators. What Zappa had failed to do so far was to get his hands on the Mandalorian recording, to check it for the markings and add some if it was the truth.

“We all have heard the rumors of the Mandalorian Empire expanding its borders through their war-like actions. So far they have moved in directions away from our Empire and the Republic, but can anyone doubt that they will begin to look in our direction? Even their Ambassador has entered here with barely concealed threats, and an arrogance that hints that he expects everyone to bow to his wishes or face military consequences.”

Despite his speech thus far, Zappa knew that his fellow Hutts were also slowly expanding their Empire. Unlike the Mandalorians, and their military ways of expansion, the Hutts were using their petty Crime-lords. Each Hutt that had a criminal organization was suddenly finding vast amounts of funds and resources available, if they expanded to another planet. So far his people hadn’t moved into the Republic or Mandalorian territories, but Zappa feared that this may have been the first move in that direction.

Turning back to the Mandalorian, his implant once more whirling, he continues on. “Do you deny that your Empire has been expanding under military might, Ambassador? Is it not possible that your Emperor has decided it is time to find a foothold in Hutt space?” Turning back to the rest of the Senate, he pushes onward. “The Hutt Empire is in a very strategic spot for protecting the Republic, honored Senators. By the same token, it is also a good spot for a conquering race to use as a staging ground for moves against the Republic. With the shortage of Bacta and raising prices of arms, neither of our people are ready for outright warfare. The Hutt Empire knows this, and would do nothing to upset the uneasy peace we are living in. I implore the Senate to forget this ridiculous charge against my people and move on to more important matters, such as finding more resources.”

[catwmnjedi]

Dr. Malik watched with interest in the public gallery as the Mandalorian and Hutt ambassadors dueled with political words, accusations an counters. The news was surprising, and Delia wondered why the Hutts really thought they could take the Mandalorians head on. Nonetheless, the response of the Republic Senate majority was critical, if the Republic was going to avoid being attacked by the infamous armored warriors.

Pulling out her electrobinoculars, she found the location of the Agamar delegation and spotted Senator Clouddancer’s pod - he’d made it back in time for the debate. She decided he was somewhat handsome, though he could stand to lose the beer gut. He didn’t look very thrilled by the tense situation building in the Rotunda.

She returned her view to the dueling pundits, somewhat enchanted by the Mandalorian Emperor as she studied his hologram. Clearly a brave individual, his manner commanded respect, and perhaps in some of the more timid species, fear. He was dead serious and clearly not one to kowtow to gangsters and terrorists. His ambassador, while trained for diplomacy rather than military, conveyed the same unyielding conviction.

This was sure to be an interesting debate…

[Cassus Fett]

Omark had enough of this slime tail and brought the discussion to a close, "If any Hutt starship approaches our borders, they shall be fire upon along with any Republic starship that tries to prevent this. You have been warned"

The Mandalorian Ambassador walked out of the senate, leaving them to discuss what had just happened and they should do about the current situation with the Hutt Empire and the Mandalorian Empire. It was really foolish of the Hutt's to confront the Mandalorians, but it seemed if it wasn't them it would have been someone else.

"Wesa cannot let thisa come to war between oursan great people" said Bagma breaking the silence and discussions between senators and their political committee. He knew that the best idea would be to financially sanction the Mandalorian Empire aswell as heavily tax any military equipment that bring through the borders.

[Jarl]

Zappa cannot contain a throaty chuckle from escaping his lips as the other Ambassador’s obvious dislike of Hutts prevented him from retaliating to Zappa’s counter-claims. From his throat, a chuckle was a horrible sounding thing. The implant wasn’t fully able to handle the complexities of a Huttese chuckle, resulting in something that sounded half like a normal Hutt laugh, and half like a crazed rodent’s shrieks. Quickly stopping with a wince, he turns to once again address the Senate.

“I apologize if my people’s defense of our border has caused this Mandalorian situation to come to a head sooner than it may have otherwise. We also do not wish a war at this time.” Truly; a few years later and Zappa himself would be able to make huge profits from weapon sells. Right now his profit margin would be minimal. Zappa was sure other Hutts had taken the same precautions he had. “I will gladly work together with the Senate to see if there is some agreement that is agreeable to both our peoples.”

He took a step back and waited to hear how things would play out. Hopefully the Senate would stop things from exploding too soon; he had something in the planning that could be very profitable with the right contacts. He moves his eyes across the Senate floor slowly, hoping for a particular face. He had heard that a particular Senator had made an almost controversial proposal earlier, with a doctor beside him that Zappa was quite anxious to meet. Any source of Bacta would prove invaluable in the years ahead, and the Hutt had heard rumors of the good doctor’s methods.

[catwmnjedi]

After the Hutt Ambassador finished speaking, some of the Senators took turns presenting opinions on the dispute. Most preferred no involvement in the conflict. A few argued that a lack of response gave the appearance of the Republic “heeding to a bully’s threat” if they didn’t at least administer some form of sanctions against the Hutts, should they continue attacking the Mandalorians without addressing border issues through proper diplomatic channels first. Still others (only a few brave souls) dared to accuse the Mandalorians of enticing the Hutts into battle by not honoring legal Hutt borders.

Delia shifted from one foot to another, tired of standing in the gallery, straining to see the viewscreens showing close-ups of the speakers. She could use a drink, and her chrono showed the evening was quickly creeping into night… she could think of better places to be. If nothing else, she could be helping Emdee contain the overgrowing cells at the lab. Yet it was hard to leave with such a serious topic being debated.

A familiar distasteful voice suddenly whispered in her ear, tainted with hints of Corellian whiskey and deathsticks. “Nice to see you still here, Doc. What happened to your front row seat with Senator Morey?”

“The Senator was otherwise detained when the summons to return was sent. What’s it to you?” the doctor frowned back at the info broker, poorly disguised as a reporter, wishing somehow she had spotted him earlier and effectively avoided him.

“Don’t be cute,” he chuckled. “Lots of people are interested in your ties with Senator Morey. Married old fart hanging with the hot doc… gives some of the old stiffs a little hope, ya know?”

The slits of her eyes narrowed further. “Leave it to you to reduce all relationships to such a level. Sorry, Jarol, you’re not going to goad me into giving you any info on the Senator. We’ve been through this before.”

“Yeah, yeah. But I’ve got a little tidbit for you. Buzz after the first session was a certain Hutt dignitary might want to meet you in person.” His beady little eyes focused on Zappa the Hutt’s viewing platform above.

Delia’s own eyes widened. Ambassador Zappa? She dialed in her binoculars on the Hutt, who seemed to be distracted and not listening to the current speaker. She needed to somehow get his attention and strike while the blaster was hot.

“Tell you what, Jar,” she cooed at him more nicely than before. “You get me an introduction with Zappa, and I’ll hook you up with something better than those deathsticks you reek of.”

[sharyntyre]

Senator Clouddancer frowned his left hand toying with the heavy blaster on his hip. The thought not at all wasted on Ambassador Farde of Mandalor, the man was asking for it. Icy azure eyes looked over at Zappa the Hutt as he began disputing Omark’s claims.

A slow small smile spread across the Senator’s face as the Hutt delegate spoke with more eloquence than the Mandalorian. The Hutt also stayed with his versions of the facts, not resorting to open threats. Jake knew there was more to it than the Hutts were showing on the surface, the slimy slugs simply could not be trusted, yet this time they appeared to be the lesser or two evils.

The Mandalorian repeated his simple threat and left the council chamber, rude and boorish. The Hutt delegate apologized and offered to discuss an alliance between the two governments.

Clouddancer signaled a desire to speak and was given the floor, with a small grimace for being the center of attention the retired fighter pilot let his big blue eyes roam the rotunda without stopping on any one being. “I motion that a strong task force be sent to the Hutt/Mandalorian boarder to monitor and investigate the allegations we have heard today.” Jake turned and gave Zappa the Hutt a shallow bow “While our esteemed colleague has expressed a desire for cooperation, I feel the Senate would be foolish to implement any agreements without a neutral appraisement of both sides of the dispute.”

Jake paused as several Senators made noises and signs of agreement then went on. “ Additionally, it is my position that all economical negotiations with Mandalor be suspended until this matter is resolved” his icy blue eyes swept the room again before coming to a stop on the Chief of State “we do not wish any member world to be find themselves in treasonous trade agreements with an enemy state.”

[Jarl]

After acknowledging the shallow bow from the Agamar delegate, Zappa makes a motion behind himself, calling forward one of his assistants. Not even bothering to see which one had stepped forward he begins talking in his low metallic tones.

“Get a list of all the Senators that speak about the sanctions against the Hutts; whether it is for them or against. Make sure it’s marked and accurate, and I’ll take the appropriate action later. What I really need now is a progress report on how the search for the doctor has been going.”

The Rodian that had stepped forward whimpers and snivels for a little bit, as it goes about following Zappa’s instructions. When Zappa asks his question about the doctor, the creature can’t keep the gloating from its voice.

“I expect that we will hear something soon, Ambassador. I ‘accidentally’ let it slip to some of the more notorious info brokers that you might be interested in meeting this doctor. I believe I had seen a few in the crowd outside.”

Zappa’s eyes narrow dangerously, and he sends the Rodian flying with a sudden back-hand. When the Rodian scrambles back to Zappa’s side, the Hutt hisses at him; the sound of electrical pops crackling through the air in between them.

“Fool! What if she decides a meeting between us will work against her? Worse still, if the meeting does happen, there will be too many people that could become aware of it. It was important for this to have been hidden.” Only partly ignoring the Rodian’s begging, Zappa focuses his attention on a small holo-screen in front of him that showed the crowds outside. Only seeing a faceless mass of people, he turns back to the sniveling creature.

“Do what I told you and gather the Senators names. And if you value your life, you will find out if one of these info brokers has already approached her. You had best pray that you haven’t disrupted my plans.”

He turns his great bulk back to the Senate floor to see what else may have been happening after the Senator from Agamar had spoke.

[catwmnjedi]

Of course Jarol couldn’t pass up the doc’s offer to give him something special from her medic kit. Not that he entirely trusted her… she had never been convicted of a crime, but he knew her experiments were of a questionable nature, if someone decided obtain a warrant to search her lab.

He motioned for the doctor to follow him through the crowd to the nearest lift that would take them to the same level in the Rotunda that Zappa’s viewing platform was docked. A security guard posted by the lift checked the pair’s ID placards and recorded their location. Leading the way to Zappa’s platform, Jarol saw the Rodian who leaked the info about meeting Dr. Malik.

“That Rodian can take you to his boss, I’m sure,” he whispered. “I’ll drop by your lab in the morning for my payment.”

Delia frowned. “I asked for an introduction, not a pass-off to a flunkie. What are you trying to pull?”

“Nothing… I swear. I just don’t want to be associated with any deals with Hutts that aren’t my business,” the Dressellian grunted.

The doctor scanned her eyes about the corridor. No one was around, except the Rodian, now heading down the corridor away from them. All attention remained focused on the Senate floor conversations.

“I’d rather you not drop by my lab either.” She reached into a pocket deep inside the breast of her jacket, pulling out a small packet with an unidentified crystalline substance. “Put this in your pipe and smoke it,” she grinned. “Just don’t let anyone know where you got it, or I’ll make sure you spend 20 Standard years in a detention cell.”

“No sweat,” he winked, taking the packet and turning back to the lift. “Oh,” he turned around again. “If you decide to give me anything on Senator Morey…”

“When Mustafar freezes over,” she quipped in reply, turning her attention back on the Rodian, now some distance from where she stood. She wondered where he was headed, then saw him stopped and speaking to one of the recorder droids, asking for a proceedings record.

She noticed another security guard passing in the corridor, not far from the Rodian. “Excuse me,” she caught the guard’s attention. “I’m Dr. Malik… I was wondering if there were any urgent messages for me, perhaps from Senator Morey?”

Delia knew there weren’t, but hoped the Rodian overheard her name. If he was truly the one who mentioned Zappa wanting a meeting, she hoped her name would catch his interest and he would approach.

[Jarl]

Guido nearly jerked in surprise as he hears a woman near him casually announces her name to a guard. Somehow fate was smiling on him today; not only did this droid have a detailed list that would be very easy to work from, but now it seemed as if the very doctor he was going to have to find had come to him! Trying to contain his excitement he carefully approaches the guard and the woman.

“There is perhaps one message you may want to hear, doctor. It concerns a meeting with my exalted employer.”

He doesn’t even have time to register the doctor’s reaction before the bulk of the Hutt Ambassador loomed up behind the woman. Stammering wildly, the Rodian is at a complete loss for words.

“The proceedings began to bore me, Guido. Finish up your report quickly and then drop it off in my quarters. I’m leaving now.” The implant in Zappa’s throat gives off a few strained squeals from beneath the bulk of his chins.

“Yes, b-but…” Guido cuts off as Zappa turns back, eyes narrowing dangerously. Nearly squeaking in his rush to finish he blurts out, “This is the doctor you wanted to meet Sir! Dr. Malik!”

Suddenly interested, Zappa turns to regard the woman near him. Callously looking her up and down, he cannot stop the sudden wish that he had been born into a species that was more humanoid than the Hutts. Knowing such thoughts were not worth-while to one of his stature, he breaks it off with a sudden metallic sigh.

“Dr. Malik. I must say that this is a most pleasant surprise. I was worried that I was going to have to send out some of my people to… persuade you to talk with me. I was just on my way out, but I’d be glad of your company. While we walk, why don’t you tell me a little bit more about your wonderful experiments? I heard you were working with bacta?”

He moves his bulk slowly down the hallway, fully expecting the doctor to move along beside him. He hoped it was of her own free will, but knew that his aide would ensure she was at his side if she proved to be less than willing.

[catwmnjedi]

“I’m honored that you are interested in my work, your eminence,” Dr. Malik smiled and offered a reverent bow. She remembered that Hutts enjoyed certain formalities making them feel important. “I’m involved in numerous projects off and on, but most recently I have discovered a way to relieve and potentially resolve the bacta shortage.”

She glanced about the corridor leading to the Rotunda exit. Though there were not many beings loitering about, Delia still felt uncomfortable talking about sensitive matters in the open. “If you don’t mind, Ambassador, I would rather discuss my project in greater detail in a more… private setting.” She hoped her suggestion would not be taken the wrong way. Hutts also had a reputation for finding humanoid females appealing, a repulsive thought, even though she meant no disrespect toward Zappa personally.

[Jarl]

Zappa cannot prevent a chuckle from escaping his lips, despite the sickening noises that are produced by the implant in his throat. As tempted as he is to take her offer at a different perceived value, experience had taught him that most humanoid females did not willingly give themselves over to a Hutt’s pleasure. Still, that didn’t stop him from having at least a little fun with her.

“There are a few places we may go for such… discussions, Doctor. Rooms that could be rented or we even could travel to my private quarters. Actually, my rooms might be the most suitable.”

He pauses a moment to fully enjoy her reaction to his words, chuckling once again. Wincing slightly at the noise it causes, he continues on with an apology.

“I am sorry if my words disturbed you Dr. Malik. We will avoid my living quarters, but I do have a room elsewhere that will be suitable for anything that we may wish to discuss. And you have my word that everything between us will be strictly business… unless you decide to change the nature of any future associations we have. Until that time, I will focus my species’ particular… appetites toward more willing companions.”

Once more fighting down the feelings of remorse that he wasn’t born into a more humanoid species, he turns to his Rodian aide who had followed at a respectful distance.

“Guido, get someone over here with one of my transports.” Glancing at Malik, Zappa continues on. “One of the larger ones so that my guest will have some elbow room. No reason for us to be uncomfortable, hey Doctor?”

[catwmnjedi]

Delia was relieved that the Hutt was merely trying to get a rise out of her, suggesting at first they go to his quarters. She finally smiled graciously when he suggested they take a transport, so not to insult him in any way. Behind the smile she was a bit apprehensive going who knows where with an unfamiliar Hutt.

“Certainly… a transport would do nicely. Under the condition we don’t leave Coruscant atmosphere, if you don’t mind. My assistant may become worried if I don’t return in the next couple of hours,” she fibbed.

Several minutes later, the Rodian returned with a large multi-passenger transport, reconfigured lavishly to accommodate the Hutt Ambassador and a few choice guests he might invite aboard. Zappa extended an arm toward the ramp, indicating the doctor should board first. Delia entered the craft, noting the elaborate décor and oversized sleepcouch, large bar and sabaac table. Two very attractive Twi’leks, wrapped sensually in what appeared to be more like scarves than clothing, rushed past the doctor to greet their master. A third guided Delia to a guest chair, already handing her a drink of Jawa juice.

“Very nice,” Dr. Malik exclaimed, as Zappa entered. “Obviously you know how to make guests feel welcome, Ambassador.” She took a seat in a comfortable chair across from the sleepcouch, situating the throw pillows in comfortable fashion while Zappa’s assistants helped ease him onto his throne away from home.

Once settled, the transport lifted off and Zappa dismissed the Twi’leks so they could speak privately.

“Ambassador, the nature of my work is quite revolutionary. Manufacturing artificial bacta is not in itself new, as I’m sure you are aware. However, previous methods have not caught on in the market place due to the dilution of its effectiveness when manufactured as opposed to mined in the traditional manner. My method, on the other hand, completely replicates potency of the original product.” Delia waited to see if she was effectively wetting the Hutt’s enterprising appetite.

[Miasmo]

A toydarian cruiser was bolting through hyperspace at its fastest possible speed while maintaining safety. Fast as it may have been, it was not the first choice of vehicle for Senator Taddik and his personal aide, Nodz. Their first choice was the Opulence, a hutt cruiser given to Taddik as a gift or bribe, still sitting in one of the Senators hangars on Toydaria and seemingly immobile. That development had only added to the confusion and frustration they had been entangled in.

Taddik and Nodz had known of the Senate meeting for two standard weeks, however only a few days ago they had received word of a postponement due to a suspected terrorist plot against the Senate, specifically the Senate Building. However, further inquiry could not take place because they could not maintain contact with Coruscant long enough to receive a transmission. Furthermore, their messages sent directly and messages relayed to the capital were not replied to.

Eventually communications returned, and there was no news from Coruscant about any terrorist plot ever having taken place. By that time, Taddik and Nodz had to suppress their anger if they were to act quickly enough to arrive on time. It was a burdening test of patience, to be sure. The Opulence was seldom used and in prime condition, which was why it's mechanical failure was so baffling. No mechanics could figure out the problem, and strangely there was no one on the planet who specialized in hutt design and mechanics. There usually was.

And so here they were on the Kindred Spirit, blasting fast through space, but not as fast as they could have been. It was not a compromise, it was a forced reserve plan, and that had been the story for so many situations the Senator had to deal with since the Republic managed to grab Toydaria from the Hutts. Whether they made the Senate meeting or not, someone was going to get an earful.

[chewbaca]

After leaving the meeting, Snik entered his personal quarters. After what the Mandalorian Ambassador had did, he felt he would be someone to be friends with.
" Get me the Ambassador from Mandalore." Snik said into the comm.
"Yes Sir" his secratary said in reply.
While he waited for the Amassador to relpy to his request of a meeting. He thought over what had transpired at the meeting. With the threats of war, he knew the republic would soon bengulfed in a war, political or physical.
"Sir the ambassador is on his way." Sniks secratary said through the comm.
"Thank you, notify me when he arrives." Snik replied. He returned to his train of thought and did not hear her reply.

Ten minutes later Snik was interupted once again by the ambassador's arrival. "Send him in." Snik said as he rose to greet the man.
When he entered , Snik although being the larger of the two felt small in the mans precince.

[Jedi_Poo]

Jorran Horn sat in his suite that he had aqcuired in an upscale apartment building in the heart of Corusant. He glanced out the window and watched as the sky was a flurry of mechanized flying metal objects. How he longed for this sight again. It had been several weeks since he had been back in his room. He had been sent on a mission to the Outer Rim on a faux report of some space pirates dealing stolen Republic goods and equipment. Someone had told him through the grapevine that they were a few parsecs from Tatooine. When he arrived he was abmushed by several skipray blastboats. He managed to fight off most of the fighters but a torpedo blast had sent his starfighter into the inoperable mode. He managed to revert his backup power to jump within the Tatooine atmosphere. A quick manuver and a hard crash landing sent Horn on a week and a half vacation on that desecated rock. He managed to get his fighter operable and blasted back to his normal life back on Corusant. He spent the next two days until this moment to find out who and why he was sent to that out-of-the way destination. His search results came out to be as empty as his hopes during that confrontation he had recently. He wondered how he made it out of there with his life. For now, he was just happy to be alive and back home to get a little rest befor his next mission. Then he would find out who had told him that bit of info...and to stop trusting the grapevine so much. It keep getting him into trouble or did trouble just find him. He walked away from the patio door and made his way out of his room. Suddenly his comp screen activated and displayed a message that hadn't been there earlier. His eyes fixed the screen as he read the unceartin message. Jorran Horn this message is urgent. I know of powers you are currently growing strong in. To find out more meet with me at the disclosed coordinates that I have attached to the message. I will be waiting. As he downloaded the coordinates, he made his way to the door. This guy can wait, thought Horn, I'm taking a break from trouble today.

[catwmnjedi]

The Hutt did not respond, so Delia continued her sell job. When she was just about finished with her speech, her wristcomm beeped with a high-priority alert from Emdee.

"Excuse me, your Honor, if I could just take this..." Dr. Malik stood and moved to the corner of the cabin to take the call.

"This better be life or death, Emdee," she scolded into the comm.

The droid frantically explained that despite being placed in the cryo-chamber, Lot 6 of her experiment was still growing out of control.

"Fine. I'll be there as soon as I can." The doctor returned stand before the Hutt Ambassador once again.

"I'm terribly sorry, your Honor. I have an emergency in my lab that requires my immediate attention. Could I be dropped off at the nearest public tansport platform? I'll leave you my private number if you have more questions about my Bacta replication experiments." She beamed a signal with her number to the transport's main computer, hoping the Hutt would be understanding under the circumstances.

[Jarl]

Zappa largely ignored the two Twi’leks that wrapped themselves around him. Although they were beautiful specimens of that particular race, they were here more to listen to what the good doctor had to say; they were his personal experts in medicine and technology. He couldn’t prevent the chuckle from escaping his lips when the doctor complimented his transport. If all went as he planned this would be the least of his vehicles.

He quietly made a show of sending his two girls away, knowing that they would find the hidden cabinet where they could listen to and observe Doctor Malik as she made her proposal. As the doctor begins, Zappa licks his lips eagerly. It definitely sounded as if she would be able to make it work. His mind rapidly going through the possibilities, he all but ignores the woman. Realizing that it would be harmful in starting a business relationship with this doctor, he looks up to apologize for his long silence.

While the doctor moves to take a frantic sounding call Zappa quickly forms an idea.

“That isn’t a problem at all Doctor. In fact, I’d be more than happy to take you straight to your lab from here. I am most… eager to take a look at your work, and have to admit that I’d like to see how you perform to this little situation.”

He pauses, trying to sense any hesitation on her part to him entering her lab before continuing. “Of course it would be just myself, while my retainers stay with the transport, and I’d be very willing to make a sizable ‘donation’ above and beyond whatever agreement we may reach from today’s talk.”

He eases his bulk slightly forward, ensuring that he stayed a good distance away from the doctor. “You intrigue me Doctor, and I am always willing to spend large sums on those that can keep me interested.”

[chewbaca]

"Welcome Ambassador. I am please you have accepted my invitation." Snik said greeting the ambassador from Mandalore.
"No the pleasure is all mine. What may I do for you."The ambassador replied.
" I called you to discuss a friendship and if worst comes to worst an alliance."
" You believe this because?"
" I feel it would benefit both our respected peoples equally in the long run."
"Ah, nicely put a friendship we shall have but an alliance Im not so sure about at this time."
"If you wish I can arrange a tour of Kashyyyk." Snik offered
"That would be most gracious of you."
" I think I will accompany you on your tour. Get my ship ready for departure for Kashyyyk. Shall we" Snik gestured towards the door.
"Yes sir."

[catwmnjedi]

Delia cursed silently under her breath. Giving anyone a tour of her lab tonight was not in her plans. However, she didn't want to put the Hutt ambassador off, especially if he was potentially willing to put up credits she desperately needed to continue her pet projects.

"Your hospitality is most appreciated," she bowed slightly, then scribbled the coordinates of her flat on a datapad and handed it back to one of his guards to give the pilot.

The transport snaked through the chaotic grids of traffic, finally settling on the landing platform of the high-rise that served as both Dr. Malik's lab and home. She used to keep a separate condo the next sector over, but when her funds ran low, she was forced to sell it and live full-time in the lab instead.

Delia texted Emdee ahead that they would have an important guest, and he was to be on his best behavior, including keeping his voicebox welded shut about the problem with Lot 6. Then she proceeded to lead the Hutt and a small portion of his entourage to the lab entrance, and Emdee let them in.

"Pardon the mess," Dr. Malik apologized in advance. "I wasn't expecting any guests. She noticed the lab didn't look too bad - Emdee must've quickly picked up what he could before their arrival.

As they passed through the main part of the lab, Delia explained the various pieces of equipment, not sure if they were truly interested, but mentioning when appropriate the older pieces that she hoped to replace, a little hint to the wealthy Hutt some of the possible investments that could be made to improve the lab's productivity.

The highlight of the tour was the radiation chamber, which she'd spent all her remaining resources on. "Ambassador, this baby is my latest acquisition. This radiation chamber is one of only three in the Core, the only one on Coruscant, I do believe." she smiled proudly. "This is what allows me to speed the replication process on the bacta." She paused, realizing she should add a disclaimer before proceeding with more details regarding her experiments. "I trust I can count on your confidentiality regarding what you see here tonight. My patents are not fully processed at the moment, and I wouldn't want anyone else to steal my IP."

[chewbaca]

On the way to Kashyyyk the Ambassador and the Senator talked of the war on Kelthare, and a brief history of both cultures in the past century.
Once they arrived they went to Sniks favorite resurant while they waited for his secretary to organize a formal welcome for the amassadore. After eating Snik to the Ambassadore on a tour of the capital of Kashyyyk. Before the tour had really picked up Sniks secratary said the Confrence was ready. " Pilot return to my private shuttle bay at once. Well ambassadore, hope you are ready to meet the Wookie press."
" I hope they are ready to meet me." replied.

"Excuse me. May I present your senator to the galactic republic, Snik."
" Well, I have returned home for a brief time to give my distingushed guest, from the Mandalorian Empire a tour of our beatiful Planet. That is all. Thank you." Ignoring the screaming press, Snik ushered to the ambassadore, "shall we continue with the tour?"

[chewbaca]

*bump*