Fwurg

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

((OOC: This thread is to Senator Peinaili de Montrève and Senator Nehket Aeka))

Expecting a positive reply from Lady Nehket, Peinaili made arrangements for their meeting in the Purgatory. She wanted the meeting to have an informal character, but given the sensitivity of the subject she also wanted the option of a more private conversation. In order to do so, she had arranged for one of the platforms in the ladies' lounge, offering both the scenery of informality while making sure the meeting would remain private. She also made arrangements for some refreshments to made available.

Attending the meeting with her were Lady Koniova and two aides. After receiving a positive response, Lady Peinaili spend some time in the ladies' lounge making small talk with some of the other guests, awaiting the arrival of Lady Nehket.

"Milady," Peinaili said after she had greeted her guest, "thank you for taking the time to come and talk to me on this subject. I have taken the liberty of arranging one of the platforms and some refreshments for this meeting. Given the sensitive nature of the subject some privacy is important as I'm sure you would understand, if you would please follow me, then I can explain why I've asked you here in some more detail."

[Nehket Aeka]

Lady Nehket Aeka arrived alone, which was a bit curious, as she was usually accompanied by at least one aide.

"Lady de Montrève", she returned the greetings, "I always make time for our allies."

She followed the sundarian senator to the arranged platform, and had a seat on one of the comfortable chairs.

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"I appreciate that Milady," Peinaili answered after she had sat down. Lady Koniova and her aides where still present in the lounge, though not in earshot, enjoying some entertainment of their own whilst making sure the senators would have a private conversation.

"I have asked you here so that we may speak on the matter of Union Security and Security Act that I suspect you and your cabinet are working on. Over the course of the last weeks I have received several rumours, which have let some influential people in the Council to believe that such a new law proposal would not differ much from the one under Chancellor Bolv'ar.

Normally I would disregard such rumours as trivial and untrue, however given the recent issues within the Sundarian Council on this matter that might not be the best approach this time and more direct action is needed. While it is not my place nor responsibility to involve myself in law proposals, as I'm not a member of Cabinet, I feel the obligation to prevent yet another political crisis which might lead to another failure to voice the Sundarian vote."

Peinaili shifted her weight slightly to be a bit more comfortable and took a sip of her drink before she continued to explain the core of the problem, as she had known it to be.

"As far as I can tell the main issue is this, the law proposal under Chancellor Bolv'ar focussed entirely on expanding the Union military might, providing subsidies for fleet construction and fleet infrastructure, along with defensive forces. And yet the current policy of High Lord Yllia, together with the general wishes of the council, voices a strong focus on another important area, which seems to be overlooked, Military Intelligence. It is the opinion of the Council that no fleets can be adequately managed if the needs for reliable intelligence aren't met, and frankly I would say that I agree. If no enemy can found or identified, what is the point of waging war and maintaining huge fleets.

What is the opinion of the Cabinet on matter, and what is the current status of the Union's Military Intelligence? I have no reason to doubt or distrust the Union in this matter, but it is extremely hard to find solid data on this delicate subject."

[Nehket Aeka]

"I see. I was wondering why the Sundarian Federation abstained, and this explains a few things."

"I can confirm that we are working on a new proposal with regards to the security of the Union. However, at the moment the proposal is being revised by the cabinet, and I can not inform you of the content. I'm sure you understand. However, I can assure you that the new proposal is a much less complex set of subsidies. We will open our proposal for discussion in the senate once we are finished with the review.

One thing surprises me. If the Sundarian Council is under the impression that the Union's military intelligence is not up to par, why did they not address this issue in the senate? We have an excellent sensor grid, spanning all inhabited sectors in our territory, we have the Jedi to acquire intelligence even from enemy territory... My minister of defence assures me that the Union fleets and the Union's military apparatus are in good shape.

For further questions regarding the Union's Military Intelligence, I'm afraid you'll have to address the minister of defence. However, I would advice waiting for a bit, until the reviewed proposal is brought up for debate. You can then voice your concerns to the senate, and have them heard."

Nehket Aeka carefully selected a morsel of food from the platter, and took a small bite.

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Of course I understand that Milady," Peinaili replied after had lady Nehket had finished speaking, "It not my place to push you and your cabinet, nor do I intend to do so."

Peinaili also got up and picked out some food to eat, after which she sat back down to answer lady Nehket's question.

"Due to the discord within the Sundarian Council at that moment, I felt it unwise to raise concerns about Union security and intelligence within the Senate at that time. Perhaps I should have. In my opinion however such a line of questioning would only add credibility to the rumours, fuelling the disarray within the Council. Now that the Council has settled down again, I shall surely mention the opinion of the Council in the debate about a new proposed Security Act."

[Nehket Aeka]

"It is good to know why the Sundarian Federation abstained in the previous vote. But I urge you to ensure that a decision is reached, should the new proposal come to a vote."

Senator Nehket took another small bite, and savoured the taste.

"Now that we are sitting here, in such an informal setting, I would ask a a few questions, lady de Montrève. Purely informal of course. Is there any truth to the rumours that a highborn lady of the Sundarian Federation is involved with her imperial majesty, Saret Neferti?"

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Of course Milady, this time there will be consensus on the vote. High Lord Yllia has found a suitable method to appease the separate parties so prevent such a crisis in the future. " Peinaili responded and then looked at her aides and Lady Alexandra before answering the senator's question.

"You are well informed Senator," Peinaili stated, "and yes, I can confirm those rumours. My protégé, Lady Alexandra Marchioness de Koniova, has been offered the position of as nijī prēmikā in her Imperial Majesty's retinue. While the exact detail still need to be discuss, and there is no formal offer or acceptance as of yet, she has been taking additional lessons in the Veolian customs and etiquette, as well as diplomacy."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Nijī prēmikā? That is... unexpected.", a surprised Neket Aeka replied. "I think congratulations are in order, lady de Koniova. I am certain that this will greatly benefit your family, even though they might not realize it yet. Should you wish for instructors in any skill related to her imperial majesty's interests, do not hesitate to contact me, I would be honoured to help you."

"Unfortunately, I have to go. The work of a chancellor is very demanding on one's schedule. Lady de Montrève, lady de Koniova, it was wonderful meeting you in such an informal atmosphere."

With that, the veolian senator made to leave.

((OOC: If you have anything further to discuss, do not hesitate to stop Nehket Aeka from leaving. Otherwise, let's finish this up -- not all threads need to linger for months ^_^))

[Alexandra Koniova]

"Thank you for your kind offer," Alexandra said with a slight blush on her cheeks, "Should I find myself in need of some help, I'll surely consider you offer to assist."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"I thank you for listening and for your time Milady," Peinaili said as she also saw the Chancellor out, " The matters are delicate and are best dealt with in private. Should you have any further question, please do contact my office."

With that Peinaili and Alexandra walked back in the club and enjoyed some time off.