Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

((OOC: This message is sent through the heavily secured diplomatic network on Unity.))

"Dear Senator Bolv'ar,

As per your request the Veolian Commonwealth has come up with a plan to determine whether the Skulldaran Industrial Incident was retaliation for our dealings with the Slave Rebellion.

Our plan is to send an envoy to the Slave Rebellion to enter trade negotiations for food, organics and other quality-of-life products and to offer shelter to refugees.

Once the necessary preparations are completed we will publicly announce our intent. We will also leak information that we are interested in trading weapons, vehicles and research. While we do not have a direct incentive, or inclination, to trade weapons to the Slave Rebellion, this will most likely draw out belligerent groups.

To make this operation a success we have two requests:

We need to contact the Slave Rebellion. Although we are aware of their territorial claims, it is wise to initiate contact through the official channels. We would like to be updated on the situation of the Slave Rebellion, and it will be most helpful if official Union channels can be used to introduce our envoy, and arrange the necessary paperwork and meeting date and location. We will arrange our own transportation to make sure that our envoy and her party are clearly the most recognizable target, should any faction plan an attack or obstruction.

And secondly, we would like to ask you, in your capacity as minister of defence, to station one of the standing fleets of Union's defensive force in our system. We hope that such a measure will prove to be unnecessary, but the attack on the Floating Factory shows that it is prudent to be prepared.

We look forward to your reply, and would welcome your advice on the matter.

With kind regards,

Senator Nehket Aeka"

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

"A most excellent plan indeed, though it would require some brave senators or other diplomats to embark on this mission as there - we cannot send decoys or disguised warriors, as this would arouse suspicion, and there is a risk involved.

I believe we can use our networks to spread the rumours you propose, but we will still need some volunteers to go on the actual mission. I believe if actual senators or their direct associates go, this would be the most convincing.

Regarding your request to station a fleet in your system, could you please elaborate? The Veolian Commonwealth lies at the centre of the Union and faces only low risk from outside attack of the level where fleets would be needed. We understand your desire for protection, but you must understand that we cannot provide a full scale battle fleet to every sector - we simply do not have the troops, so we will need arguments to justify moving a fleet. Perhaps you could provide us with some to help convince those who would question such a move?

Regardless, as you may remember, the Chancellor did not feel a need to extend the defence budget, unlike myself. This limits my options as Minister of Defence. A proposal from your world, perhaps with support from some of your political allies, to extend the defence budget would certainly make more resources available to the Union fleets and widen our options. Perhaps we can find a way to help one another?"

[Nehket Aeka]

"I have conferred with my government on our plan. As you said, we can not send decoys or disguised warriors. In light of this, my emperor has decided to send his first wife, empress Saret Neferti, as his representative. I'm sure that nobody will question the authenticity of this mission if she flies to the Slave Rebellion in person.

Now on to the issue of the fleet.

First off, their previous base of operations has become unavailable, so there is at least one fleet that has to be moved in any case. I have been authorized to offer the officers of the fleet to be stationed on Mirda access to the campus of the Crimson Academy. The emperor will also encourage the accommodation of fleet personnel in the recreational sector.

On top of this, we request that the traditional fleet 'parking fee' of 40 is reduced to 25 to cover our upkeep costs of the trade fleet assigned as a supply fleet. We do not request such a move to benefit from financially, we request this move to have a large and well-disciplined fleet available to support in the aftermath of a serious attack on our infrastructure.

Secondly, as you might have known, the Veolian Commonwealth supported your candidacy during the previous elections. The Veolian Commonwealth is under the impression that member worlds should be encouraged to develop their own martial tradition. To this end we are trying to gain more insight into the union budget and see where funds might be freed up to support research by member worlds, funds that might very well be directed at research into military technologies.

I think it wise to announce the intended mission to the senate as well, with the correct security level of course. This will help to justify why the 'floating' fleet from Enlightened Kingdoms is moved to Smi-Halek. Besides, we feel that the other governments need to be made aware of this mission."

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

"I am inclined to agree regarding informing the Senate. As this is your plan, I believe the honour of announcing this audacious and well thought out plan to the Senate should be yours. I shall of course gladly stand with you to show my support if you wish.

However, to ensure the safety of the diplomats, I must insist we also include one or two Jedi in this mission, so they might help to protect the empress. I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to her, or any of the other delegates." he stated firmly.

((OOC: I figure this might make a good mission, which would be open to Jedi and non-Jedi both - how awesome is that?))

"Regarding the fleet, it shall remain at the Pandora System for a short while until the repayments by the Enlightened Kingdoms has been completed. However, once it has, it shall need a new base, if you get my drift. Since the mission shall likely require a bit more time to prepare, I think this will give us the opportunity to get the affairs in the Pandora System wrapped up, wouldn't you agree?"