Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

((OOC: I assume that a simple holo-conversation has already taken place to make sure that the moment of the visit is not inconvenient.))

Senator Nehket Aeka and her aide arrived at the Excarian embassy. Both are dressed in casual attire, belying the seriousness of their visit.

After having a good look at the Embassy, the senator entered the Excarian embassy, and after passing through the usual rites of entry, which vastly differed from faction to faction, she was able to talk with senator Bolv'ar in person.

"Senator Bolv'ar, so good of you to free up the time to talk with me.

In the previous elections, we would have supported your candidacy if not for our desire to be loyal to our allies. This time, however, we have been able to convince our allies otherwise; partly due to the fact that chancellor Acehtoo displayed a remarkable ability to remain silent on important issues and has completely failed to acknowledge the relevance of Union defence.

Next to this, we have previously requested her to increase cooperation between the Union and the Jedi Council. We have yet to see any change in the Union policy to this effect. I am sure you would do better."

Senator Nehket Aeka took a slow breath, letting her words sink in.

"Since our allies have had a change of heart, we would like to support your candidacy this term. Unfortunately, I have not been able to fully convince my friends, and they stipulate that Deominius not sits as Minister of Defence. If you can agree to this, and promise us one seat as Minister -- preferably Foreign Affairs, Commerce or Defence -- we can bring at least four votes to your cause."

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"Of course I can free up time for you, Senator, it is always a pleasure to speak with you.

I share your feelings regarding the Chancellor. She is a woman of peace who brings people together, but because of this she is unable to see that not everyone wants peace and not all conflicts arise from misunderstanding. Sometimes the galaxy is more malicious than she is willing to admit."

He nodded.

"We respect the Jedi greatly and think they are a most valuable addition to the Union. Additionally, I feel it is not just important to increase cooperation, I would see it as essential that they are brought more closely into the government structure. My great worry is that they would feel reluctant to join up more closely, as they are bound by their own moral code which may not always be in line with the will of the Senate. Therefore I feel it important that any closer cooperation be discussed in detail with the Jedi Council."

He looked at the Veolian a moment.

"I have suggested the position of Minister of Defence be decided by the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies or the Teprogrenaian Consensus, whom I have asked for their support. Though I am not convinced either will vote for my plans, I do believe their nations see the seriousness of the situation and I sincerely doubt they would give preference to Deominius.

I can indeed offer your voting block a ministry, either Foreign Affairs or Commerce regardless. If you wish the position of the Ministry of Defence, perhaps the aforementioned factions are open to making an arrangement? I would not have a problem with that, however I did promise the choice to them first and I must keep my word to them. I am sure you can appreciate this."

[Nehket Aeka]

"It is good to hear that, even after the Commonwealth decided to support Acehtoo last term, we can still agree on the important topics.

I appreciate your honesty in the matter of the Ministry of Defence, and I would gladly cooperate to ensure the new minister of defence is up to speed on the current projects and aware of the intricacies of the ministry. If need be, I will lend the new minister my...", senator Bolv'ar could easily pick out the hesitation of the veolian senator in the last part of her sentence, as if she rephrased the last few words just before she uttered them, "...aide in this matter."

"I agree with you on the Jedi. While the commonwealth understand their desire for independence, we feel very strongly about tighter integration. While their intentions are noble, the Jedi council could prove to be a loose canon with the military strength of half the Union. My request to Chancellor Acehtoo to increase cooperation was meant as a start of their integration. Unfortunately, she has not taken any serious steps in this matter. I am sure that you share my point of view on this.

I feel it unwise to try and convince the Teprogranian Consensus as they are strong believers in the democratic process, and I think they will not compromise their integrity any further by taking up more deals. As to the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies", the senator smiled faintly, "you should be aware that our factions have some history. Because of this, we'd rather give them some time to prove themselves.

Should both factions refuse to take up your offer I am willing to continue as minister of defence, though I prefer to take up responsibilities as the minister of Foreign Affairs. "