Jedi High Council Meets with the Republic on Dantooine

GNN Reporter Rakiko Lowtide attended a Jedi High Council meeting on Dantooine. Several Senators from the Republic were also invited to attend to voice their concerns.

Dantooine: The Jedi High Council held a meeting where several members of the Republic were also invited to attend. Several Grandmasters from various Jedi orders gathered to voice concerns and bring up other matters for the Jedi to discuss.

As Grandmaster Iria Tuqiri of the Kalways Order of the Jedi (KOJ) opened up discussions a sentinel from her oder took the floor. Haden Gnar began the meeting speaking about his recent investigations into the Queen of Onderon. He brought several pieces of evidence implying that the Queen of Onderon was indeed the sith known as Darth Malice and had been in league with the Disciples of Ragnos since coming into contact with Lord Exitium. He commented that Darth Malice had been an expert in illusion but showed different clips where she may not have been able totally hide her disguise as queen. Next he brought forth evidence of torture chambers and Sith ceremonial rooms located on Onderon, including in the Queen’s palace. Finally he produced a journal kept by Darth Exitium, though its authenticity wasn’t given.

High Council and Senate members meet on Dantooine.

Several of those in attendance asked question as to how the Queen could have held up this disguise, how she passed a blood exam by Senator Kel and if there was other evidence. Gnar countered that even Jedi can be mistaken about blood results, or exhorted, or missed a falsified report. He held steadfast to his conclusions that the Queen was indeed Malice. He said he would bring even more proof from the Death Watch leader who was tortured by Malice, but pointed more to his own evidence especially the holo-pics as concrete proof.

After the presentation, those in attendance agreed to speak with the Queen and see if she would sit for another blood sample.

In addition to this investigation into the Queen, the Jedi also discussed the investigation into Republic Chief Justice Aeon who is also being accused of being a Sith. For now the investigation is ongoing as the Jedi gather evidence.

The Chancellor then took the floor saying that the Republic was being bogged down in accusations and witch hunts. She asked the Jedi on their advice as to whether the Republic should be disbanded and leave the protection to the Jedi. Senator Sapphire Tafo also pointed out the apathy the Jedi had shown to worlds that were becoming dictatorships and pulling out of the Republic. She wondered why the Jedi seemed to be backing these regimes and only involving themselves when a direct Sith was named.

Master Tuqiri countered that the Jedi always support the Republic and she wasn’t aware of any Jedi personally that were backing rogue systems, but that each order could do as they wish. She also stated that the Jedi had no opinion on the affairs of the Republic and they could do as they wish also. She though stated that the Republic was worth fighting for a sentiment shared by several of the senators. Others though pointed out the failings of the Republic as a democratic government.

With these discussions ended, the meeting was brought to an end, though many questions are still up in the air. It looks like the Republic has to view itself as a viable galaxy faction and the Jedi have to ask themselves what their true paths are and their relationship to a Galactic Republic and to individual systems. Also they have to view these things in the facts that it seems that the Sith grow stronger by the day and are infiltrating most of the institutions throughout the galaxy. GNN also looks forward to hearing from the Queen of Onderon about these accusations”

— Rakiko Lowtide

Re-Organization of the Republic Senate

GNN Reporter Rakiko Lowtide attended the latest Republic Senate meeting.

Following the resignation of the Republic Chancellor Tiffany Vandergraff, the resignation of Diplomatic Minister Tae Aichi, and the controversial succession of worlds like Tython nad Velmor, the Republic Senator met on Coruscant. Acting Vice-Chancellor Sapphire Tafo led the proceeding. Also in attendance were voting members Senators Shan Connell of Bengat, Nomi Drewmoore of Dantooine and Bie Melan’lya of Bothawui. Finally also attending the Senate meeting were King Downz of Bakura, Chief Justice AEON, and NRSO Commander Cirden Fang, Jedi Master Iria Tuqiri of the KOJ and Jedi Master Saritha of the NJO.

Senate Session in Coruscant

The session opened with a speech by Vice-Chancellor Sapphire Tafo who started by a sarcastic comment about leaving the Republic or blaming others to be a Sith Lord, said that the first area of concern should be the start of elections for all positions. She wanted the Senate to review the how elections are handled and a review by the Chief Justice on the matter of ascension. She then wanted the Senate to make a review of the status of the Republic.

Chief Justice Aeon then came forward to speak. He started by saying that because of the recent events and so many positions and senate chairs open, that this meeting should be characterized as a re-organization. To start this process he recommended that a temporary executive chair be elected on to over see the meetings, a position that would change at each meeting until permanent positions were voted on. For these meeting Senator Nomi Drewmoore was elected to oversee the proceedings as their was an objection by Bie Melan’lya for the vice-chancellor to hold it.

Nomi Drewmoore began by opening with discussions on Amendment 1, reforming the electoral college for the chancellor and vice chancellor elections for they have the same number of electors by world. This election re-organization was passed. The next matter was Amendment 2 allowing a no voting representation in the Senate to non planetary system. Since the wording was unclear no procedure was defined for they join, a committee will be set up to rewrite this proposition.

Next Vice-Chancellor Tafo suggested they take a new vote on a proxy vote bill that was vetoed by the former Chancellor before she leaves that would allow voting member worlds a chance to vote on bills even if they couldn’t physically be at the Senate. The legislation was held over for the next session for gathering more advices.

After the votes, the Senate decided on an Interim Chancellor. The position was filled by Senator Shan Connell of Bengat. The acting Chancellor then improvised a short speech.

Acting Chancellor Shan Connell
I wish to say that this Republic is worth existing. Worth supporting with your time, your votes, and your presence each week. We the citizens of the Republic, need you and for those worlds who have seceded you are welcome to return when you no longer wish to be Separatists.

Following this temporary election, the Vice Chancellor gave a speech on the state of the New Republic.

Acting Vice Chancellor Sapphire Tafo:
The Republic has several issues, and I don’t fully disagree with the portrait drawn by the leaving chancellor… Although one of them she forgot, and it’s understandable, is the state of abandonment of our community by the former administration. The role of the executive for me is not simply organising weekly meetings. It is to manage the Republic daily, it’s to ensure everything is working smoothly and impulsing a politic to the Senate with the Senate. Nothing really was done recently, but it’s not too late…

On my point of view one of the point needing a serious change is the Constitution itself… I think it’s the time for it. We have some gems such as the Chancellor is in charge of signing every warrant or Jedi named everywhere while they claim they don’t do politic… and our famous election process which was the first scandal of the former administration…

Also, the chancellor has to ensure the worlds are correctly administered or defended. He or She should report to he Senate when there is an possible trouble, and not issue a decree without asking anybody’s advice. This would otherwise lead to illegal decision and increase the unrest in the Republic. One of the late illegal issue was the suspension attempt of the Chief Justice. The right answer is to fill the Supreme court as said by the law. Also I initiated an investigation commission, although with this events, the Jedi I trusted it went rogue, It has to be trusted to a more reliable one.

About the worlds leaving… it’s always the same acts “We tried to talk with the republic but they’re worthless.” Naboo? Has the last queen ever tried to meet the Senate? Tython? Who has ever met Avon knew she wanted to secede before everything else… Velmor? The few weeks old queen would have failed to agree with the Republic, her aunt being chancellor and we wouldn’t have done anything for her…It’ll be laughful if we wouldn’t remind the thousands of republic soldiers dead in Nar Shaddaa for she can get her throne… In all case, the world appear to be the personal toy of one. No people or parliament have a say on the politic…

If you believe your world has this “feature,” I really wonder what It’s doing in the Republic. The local parliaments shall have their say on entering and leaving the Republic… and I guess it’ll be to the next administration to check they have an actual power. We cannot continue if we just gather a band of moody leaders.

On the other hand… if you are here for the interest of the people, if you want to fight with the respect of their rights for their liberties, I’ll say “Welcome!”

Tank firing on the Senate

Next the interim Chancellor, Connell, asked for emergency powers be granted to her by the Senate. However the Senate wanted a report on the state of the military first. This prompted Commander Fang to come forward and say the Republic is weak right now only being defended by NRSO forces. Others pointed out that the several Jedi orders around the galaxy could also be counted on. Master Tuqiri invited the Senate members to attend the next Jedi High Council meeting. Commander Fang said the Jedi couldn’t be counted on and that if the military spending wasn’t increased or changes in defense made he would pull his own forces out of the Republic and stormed out of the chambers with his men.

People leaving the senate building in fire

The Senate meeting was adjourned, but the night was far from over. As people began leaving the Senate chambers, several of the defensive tanks and other military hardware began firing upon the Senate building. Surprisingly the former droid governor, Zach Rodchester came forward to take control of the Senate’s security. Along with the help of Tafo’s Security chief Shogarii, they were able to finally bring an end to the chaos, but found battle-droids controlling the military vehicles. The senate building sustained severe damages. A few people were injured, notably the Vice-Chancellor Sapphire Tafo, hit by a shard during an explosion, though she was taken a local hospital and released after healers and Jedi treated her, even if she looked weakened.

Who ordered the attacks or why was not revealed at this time but it seems Vice-Chancellor Tafo had gotten into contact with them, as she spoke on the comm about the Republic being able to reorganize and there was no reason to attack it. The future of the Republic is uncertain, but GNN will cover the events as they occur.

— Rakiko Lowtide

Senate Meets on Yavin With a New Vice-Chancellor Named

GNN Reporters Rakiko Lowtide and Daana Kira attended the latest Republic Senate meeting which was held on Yavin IV.

The Galactic Senate of the New Republic met on Yavin IV. Several guests were in attendance along with the Senators. Voting Senators included Shan Connell of Bengat, Sapphire Tafo of Tython, Ayeka Kel of Onderon with Dantooine voting by proxy. Guests included Master Marsh Solo of the NJO, King Downz of Bakura, Commander Cirden Fang who was accompanied by a dragon-like creature similar to the one that had caused trouble on Nar Shaddaa, Uvena Prime Representative Alister and Jedi from the KOJ. The Senate was presided over by Chancellor Tiffany Vandergraff.

Republic Senate meets on Yavin IV.

First to come up for a vote was the application of Uvena Prime to the Senate. Both King Downz and Senator Kel gave glowing recommendations to the world, because of the strong Jedi presence there, the will of the people, the presence of the Galactic Liberation Alliance, and the already established ties between that system and the Republic. Their inclusion into the Republic was passed and the Senate looked forward to meeting their Senator.

Next Chancellor Vandergraff announced that all hostilities had ceased with the Galactic Empire, and that the Empire had withdrawn from Republic space. Senator Tafo reported her talks with the Empire. They issued a declaration confirming they relinquished all claims to Tython but adding they reserved the right to pursue wanted people. The Chancellor stated that the Empire could only encroach on Republic space even if looking for criminals if they went through diplomatic channels first.

Senator Tafo concluding the meeting as interim Vice-Chancellor.

After that announcement, Chancellor Vandergraff then stated that she was suspending Chief Justice Aeon from his duties as the investigations proceeded against him where he’s being a suspected Sith. Senator Tafo pointed out that the Senate had passed legislation forbidding the Chancellor from doing such as thing as only impeachment could remove the Chief Justice from his post. Senator Ayeka Kel had to agree as she was the one that had drawn up the legislation, but wondered what they could do. Senator Tafo proposed that for now that another Judge could take over the Chief Justice’s caseload concerning the Sith Empire while the investigations took place.

The Chancellor was called away during this discussion. The Senator Connell then called for the election of an interim Vice-Chancellor. After a hesitation the Senator Tafo proposed herself and was voted by the Senators as the New Vice-Chancellor

Senator Connell then informed the Senate of a message from the System Alsakan made by their Senator, Cadogan Cort pulling that world out of the Republic. Cort stated they had been denied their basic right to vote in the Senate, a power Chief Justice Aeon stated they didn’t have because they hadn’t met the full eligibility of the inclusion of Alsakan into the Republic.

Active Vice-Chancellor Tafo then continued the meeting by welcoming Uvena Prime into the Republic and denying the Chancellor the proclamation of suspending the Chief Justice. After a discussion in the Senate, the matter of the a artifact mining treaty with the Tetan Empire meet opposition which couldn’t be answered was reported at the next meeting. Same for the Formation of the Galactic Alliance which was seen to complicated to be discussed so late.

The Vice Chancellor, then pushed a bill to organise proxy votes, allowing Senator to delegate punctually part of their mandates when they can’t attend a meeting. The bill passed even if Senator Connell regretted the low current attendance. Vice Chancellor Tafo pointed out the Senator can propose another organisation of the proxy votes next time if they had a better one.

The meeting then formally stopped, discussions continued in the house on the becoming of the Republic, it’s strength and weakness and the values they might have, using Senator Kel’s Galactic Alliance as basis.

— Rakiko Lowtide, Daana Kira

Republic Senate Meets on Tython

GNN Reporters Daana Kira and Rakiko Lowtide attended the latest Senate meeting on Tython.

Senate gathers for the meeting on Tython.

Held in the Parliament building on the Tython, the latest Senate meeting was a crowded event as media and the public filled the viewing balcony overseeing the meeting below. Attending the meeting were well-known senators such as Sapphire Tafo of Tython, Heather Le’verve of Velmor, Nomi Drewmoore of Dantooine, Ayeka Kel of Onderon, Shan Connell of Bengat and vice Chancellor Fenris Kha’jiir. Several Jedi from NJO were also in attendance along with the Chief Justice  and several security personnel such as NRSO Commander Cirden Fang. Several news outlets were in attendance filling the balconies and a late arriving contingency from Bakura including King Downz.

Hixal leaving after denouncing Republic Justice.

As the politicians gathered, a long discussion occurred about the presence of Hixal Aulus who had been arrested on Velmor on charges of conspiracy and murder of a former Vice Chancellor, Ta’kara Darkmoon. He was released while the Republic gathers evidence and prepares a trial. After confusion as to why he was free came to an end, Hixal accused the Republic of falsely arresting him, mismanage and making up evidence, and stated that he was going to be put to death and there was little he could do about it, especially since most of the Senators seemed to agree with the Republics viewpoint. When, where and what the exact charges Hixal will face is still unknown but will be announced once the Chief Justice’s office releases the information.

Senator Tafo taking to the floor.

Senator Tafo began the Senate proceedings by starting with the conditions on Tython. She stated that Tython is rebuilding after the occupation, but that the government is being led by a non-elected vice governor who is antipathetic against the Republic and wants to remove Tython’s membership. She also stated that for Tython’s defenses were weak and that the world could use outside help to rebuild the infrastructure. Lastly she stated that the investigation into the bio-weapon the Galactic Empire had given for their reason of the occupation has stalled. There seems to be evidence that such a weapon actually existed, and Senator Nomi stated she would ask the DJE Jedi, who are the lead investigators on the matter, as to the status of their investigation.

Senaotrs voting on proposed bills.

Next Senator Connell brought forth her amendment proposal that would almost halve the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor’s term in office. She also proposed that the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor positions have separate elections one week apart and that each position be filled by a Republic citizen not of the same world as the other. Discussions occurred over the last point, where some said that it wouldn’t allow the chancellor or vice-chancellor to work together, while others pointed out that it would stop the centralization of power. All the amendment proposals passed unanimously by the Senate. This concluded the business of the Senate while other pending bills were put on hold until the next meeting.

An announcement was also made as to the opining for elections of Senator on the world Velmor. Heather Le’verve will run to keep her seat but other candidates are in the process of emerging and the election should be a focal point for the galaxy to watch in the upcoming weeks.

Vice-Chancellor Fenris announcing her resignation.

Vice-Chancellor Fenris Kha’jiir then made a speech signaling her resignation as Vice-Chancellor. She stated that she has been proud to serve the Republic, but now her body and mind weak from the wars, she’s unfit to continue to serve without dragging the Republic down with her. She will be returning to her life as a Jedi Knight where she can focus on healing herself so she can continue to assist the Republic as one of its defenders. Once she’s regained her health she will also provide other assistance to the Republic as she can.

Answering a few questions the Vice-Chancellor stated she would support Shan Connell if she would run for the position. Their was also murmurs that the Chief Justice should run for the position which prompted the Vice-Chancellor to state that there is evidence that the Chief Justice may in fact be a Sith operative known as Darth Aeon. In fact, the Vice Chancellor stated she’s seen him with other Sith and on Byss several times making no real attempt to disguise himself and also recalls him from the time the Sith Empire had occupied Russan. This immediately brought the public portion of the Senate meeting to a close while Senators retired to privacy to discuss these serious charges. As for now the status and future of the Chief Justice is unknown.

GNN will cover this surprise turn of events as well as the Vice-Chancellor and Velmor Senate elections. Stay tuned.

— Rakiko Lowtide, Daana Kira

Galactic Senate meeting in Bengat

Interviewing the Minister Tae Aichi, Reporters of Galactic News learned the Senate was about to meet in Bengat then they were invited.

The Galactic Senate met in Bengat. Since a few time the locations and times of the Senate of the New Republic meeting are unpublished, limiting de facto the right of coverage by the media. Furthermore, often when the meeting coordinates are discovered, the media are barred for no reason said, and sometimes invited after several hours waiting to listen current affairs discussions while the Empire controls some of their worlds. It might leave to the citizens the image of a Republic not caring on the war, if some of the dignitaries didn’t actually answer individually to the media’s questions when asked.

Senate Meeting

Anyway, the minister Tae Aichi, whom the Chancellor would have granted the ability to Moderate the Senate discussions, informed and invited the press to attend at this meeting, provided the content of the first discussion on the state of the military, remained undisclosed.

The next topic was an proposed amendment to the constitution, precise the jurisdiction levels and creating a supreme court with three judges, to remplace the current tasks of the chief justice, named and revocable anytime by the chancellor. The text was written up by Chief Justice Aeon, and introduced by the Senator Ayeka Kel from Onderon, which said this bill would laying down an already existing balance of powers in the Republic. The Senator Nomi Drewmoore from Dantooine wondered on the absence of Jedi tribunal, for instance to judge captured Sith, she was answered the Jedi should be normal citizens. Senator Heather Le’verve from Velmor outlined the constitution only gave a “mere guideline” and recalled the argument on the designation of a jury during Former Senator Algoma’s trial in Susevfi 4, this point not being addressed by the bill. After a short discussion, the senators agreed to postpone the vote waiting the bill define what is a jury.

The following discussion was about a treaty, negotiated by the minister Tae Aichi and the Tetan Empress Xera Keto. The agreement would trade carbonite lab against mining rights. The text was also postponed waiting some technical amendment.

Bengat

Tae Aichi then introduced a non announced the candidacy of Cadogan Cort from the planet Alsakan for the Galactic Senate. In his recorded message, he recalled his monarchy was a founding member of the old republic, and presented the advantage of the location of his world. The Senator Shan Connell from Bengat said she was in favour, Senator Ayeka Kel said Mr Cort was a gentleman and was also in favour, however, Senator Heather Le’verve said she would vote against, not having meet him, and Tae Aichi replied she wont call for a vote for this reason. It’s unclear, also if a formal application was filled.

The Senator Le’verve, then rose a point on the situation in Tython, where Jedi are fighting to prevent the planet fall completely to the Empire, while the Senate does nothing at her great disappointment. The minister Tae Aichi recalled the Empire refused to talk her on this case and suggested another diplomat was sent. She also suspected another Empire was involved. As all the current resources are monopolized to Coruscant, The Senators decided to raise war bonds to help Tython, the amount was not said and the usage will have to be detailed. The Senator Kel assured Tython had little strategic value, being worth only because it had citizens. The Senator Connell wanted forward to the Senator Sapphire Tafo of Tython, locked on her planet, the senators always think about her.

On the insistance of Senator Le’verve, the senate addressed a message of peace to the empire, pronounced by Tae Aichi “The Republic is willing to begin peace talks to start an end to the tythonian conflict. Diplomats from the imperial forces on the planet are to contact myself in regards to answering the call for talks.”

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

Sith Empire bars Jedi

Galactic New visited the Sith Empire Capital to collected news. They met dignitaries and were received by the Emperor

Sith Empire Meeting

Byss: At the begining of the Sith Empire meeting, the Emperor Darth Novo made a declaration in which he condemned the “Jedi affiliated with the Republic”, which “have attempted to impose their laws” in the Sith Empire. He said aggressive intrusions of “these misguided souls” were frequent too much and they will no more be tolerated in Byss. He sentenced “anyone found wandering Byss displaying Jedi-esque behaviour or attire is to be questioned to determine their affiliation and purpose” and added “Any known Jedi found trespassing in the obviously restricted areas such as the barracks are to be treated as terrorists”, which is a crime punishable by the death penalty. He concluded he regretted to have to resort to such decision, accusing the Jedi to have started the violence.

Emperor Novo and his Hands

This decision alerted the New Republic chief justice Aeon which went to Byss to investigate on the alleged violence from the Jedi. He believes such a decision could conceal a greater danger or might hinder the defense of the Republic.

Later in Byss, Darth Novo detailed other points related to the empire. He confirmed to have left Uvena Prime in the hand of the Revenant Armada, telling he needed no more the resources of the planet having collected enough ores and built enough ships while the local were troublesome are refused the “favourable conditions” offered by the Empire. He did not however detail the agreement behind the transfer of power.

Darth Rowe

Also with Darth Rowe, they remonstrated on the behavior of Mandalorians in Bespin. Their leader, the Mandalore, would claim the world and its resources while the Sith place it in their Empire with the Arch Lord Exitium from the Disciples of Ragnos as governor. They implied the Mandalorians were looking for the war and might prepare an invasion while the Sith Empire would only want the peace. The Mandalorians would have made difficulties for discussing, although they finally sent a large representation to the Sith Empire capital.

The Emperor also supported the Disciples of Ragnos in their declaration of war against the New Republic since they would have been pestered first by the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). The Empire would the aid Bespin if required, but the Emperor believe Exitium “able to fulfil that role with little help.”

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

New Republic Chancellor Sworn in

Reporters Daana Kira and Rakiko Lowtide were invited to the swearing ceremony of the new Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the Republic on Coruscant.

People gathering for the inauguration of the new Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor.

Coruscant: After a recent election, former Chancellor Ma’at Nepthys opened the swearing-in ceremony Chancellor Baccus Altus of Bakura and Vice-Chancellor Annora Claire Fett of Yavin IV, which was presided over by Chief Justice Aeon. Chancellor Nephthys greeted all the guests, a large crowd made of dignitaries from several worlds and governments, from Republic systems such as Senator Muuonigar of Coruscant and Tython Governor Benae, troopers from Bakura, Consortium Alliance Warlor Maroth, along with several others. Ma’at spoke about her two terms in office and how the Republic had overcome several obstacles, but that peace and stability have been brought to the worlds composing the Republic. Stating she was proud of what they accomplished and of the Senate in general, which she will continue to work for as an Advisory Council Member. She was confident that the new leaders would initiate even greater things for the New Republic.

Taking her oath first, Annora Claire Fett stood before the crowed along with Justice Aeon as she affirmed each part of the oath to defend the Republic’s Constitution, administer her position faithfully, renounce all further loyalties, to bear arms for the New Republic when necessary, and to be guided by the Force. After being sworn in she turned to the audience and again reaffirmed that she would defend the Republic and it’s Constitution against their enemies, provide safety for the Republic’s citizenry, and discharge all her duties with the best of her ability.

Baccus Altus (left) and Annora Claire Fett (right)

Next former Vice-Chancellor Baccus Allus took the oath for his new office of Chancellor. Chancellor Altus affirmed each part of the oath, the same given to Annora Fett just before. Upon being confirmed by the Chief Justice, Chancellor Atlus addressed the crowd speaking about the rise in the enemies of the New Republic as well as other wrong-doers throughout the galaxy. He promised to bring an end to this tide of chaos and stated he along with the vice-chancellor were ready to stand with the others to defend the Republic with vibro-sword if necessary to make sure no republic system falls. He then ended by giving himself to the republic in servitude to its citizens.

At the end of ceremony, the guests were invited to a party that would transverse across the Republic. However, we were able to speak to the Chief justice on a few matters. Hopefully an interview with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor are forth coming. Chief Justice Aeon was to go Byss to speak of a recent announcement by Emperor Novo concerning the arrest on sight of Jedi within the Empire. Not commenting on the fact that the Republic itself has a related stance concerning those they find as “dangerous non-citizens” such as the Sith, the Chief Justice wished to speak with him to curb possible future conflicts especially since several Jedi orders find it their duty to take on the Sith, which could bring the Republic into a conflict which it doesn’t start. We had GNN hope all these politicians, such as the new Chancellor, and others can come to some sort of agreement before innocent lives are lost over ideological differences.

— Rakiko Lowtide, Daana Kira