Fwurg

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

At the arranged time members of the press and other interested parties had gathered in front of one of the conference rooms at the Senate Building. On the agenda today was a public hearing of the Committee for investigation into Daryan involvement in Novelia System and both the Astrian Colonial Authority as well as the Unified Republic Darya had previously announced they would attend.

Most journalist expected some spectacle and hoped for a heated debate or discussion, something that would spin will in the press, whereas several annalists voiced a different opinion. They expected that, given the rather bureaucratic nature of the conflict and the limiting Union Laws, it would be long and not very eventful. Some even voiced that, no matter the outcome of the hearing today, the committee had already made up their mind and was ready to make a ruling.

As the press and the interest parties waited, the Lady de Montrève together with the other members of the committee await the arrival of the Daryan and Astrian delegations. Before the hearing would start, she wanted to straiten out a few things and make some time for any questions either party might have before hand.

[Maria Latharion]

Lady-Senator Maria Latharion arrived alone, the other two members of her party would be attending via the holonet. Their duties didn't give them the free time to travel to Unity for the hearing.

Reporters crowded her trying to get a comment. The Astrian woman didn't pay any attention to them and made no comments what so ever. Once clear of the press, she greeted the committee members with a bow. Before joining them in waiting for the Daryans to arrive.

[Shebi Ajava]

Ajava, having already introduced herself to the committee members earlier, returned the greeting with a bow of her own.

[Senator Gregory Konev]

The Daryan representatives arrived in an armoured car and exited calmly.

Each member of the delegation carried carried a briefcase as they made their way past the press into the building. They were all looked serious and did not speak to any of the press as they entered.

When they were inside with the committee Konev spoke. "Greetings honoured Comrades of the investigative committee."

[Lady-Fleet Admiral Lythia Nethorius (mask of Lady-Fleet Admiral Lythia Nethorius)]

Lady-Fleet Admiral Lythia NethoriusOnce they where inside a life size hologram of a very tall woman in a military dress uniform appeared.

She snapped a quick salute to the committee and nodded to the Astrian Senator.

"Good afternoon. Ladies, gentlemen."

[Lord-Master (mask of Lord-Master)]

Lord-MasterA second hologram appeared of a large man wearing a kimono of some kind. He had a charismatic smile on his face.

"Good day." He said to the committee and the Daryans, with a deep masculine voice. Before turning to the two Astrian women.

"Lythia, Maria." He said with a nod to each of them. The military woman saluted returning the greeting with a 'sir'. The senator bowed and greeted with 'mylord'

[Shebi Ajava]

Ajava greeted the officials with a nod, and waited for the chair of the committee to officially open the meeting. She already had some questions of an administrative nature.

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

((OOC: First off my apologies for the delay, I've been rather busy these few weeks))

Once all the delegations were present Peinaili, before formally opening the hearing, wanted to provide some time for any questions the delegations might have.

"Ladies and gentlemen, representatives, welcome. Before we proceed with the hearing, I would like to clarify a few things and open the floor for any questions that might still be present amongst any members of the delegations.

Let me first say that I am pleased to see both parties represented and willing to plead their case for this committee. To me this is a clear signal that the issue at hand is one of importance, and as such, worthy of our time.

Secondly let me stress the fact the purview of the investigation of this committee, and the goal of this hearing, will be to ascertain the extend, if any, of Daryan involvement during the transition of power from the Stellarian Triad federation into the Astrian Colonial Authority. We are not here to judge the actions of the parties involved.

After I have opened the hearing, I will first give the floor to the Daryan delegation to present an opening address, then the committee will hear the Astrian delegation with their opening address. After which I will give the floor to the members of the committee for questions.

Are there any questions thus far?"

[Shebi Ajava]

Shebi Ajava was glad that there was a moment before the actual hearing to clear things with the other delegations.

"Madam chair", she addressed the sundarian senator, "thank you for allowing a short moment to clear up things."

"Madam chair, I would like to draw your attention the fact that some of the personal details seem to be missing. The documents that were sent to me listed the name of the Lord-Master of the Astrian Colonial Authority as "Lord-Master", it seems that during the filling of the requisite forms, the name field was inadvertently filled in with a title."

[Lord-Master (mask of Lord-Master)]

Lord-Master"This is no error, madam chair. I gave up my name when I took office as the leader of the ACA. For all intense and purpose my title is my name.

If you wish to know how to address me, 'mylord' or 'Lord-Master' will suffice."

The Lord-Master cast a glance to the two women on his right before looking to senator de Montrève.

"We have no questions, madam chair."

[Shebi Ajava]

"Madam chair, I would like to state that I can not use the proposed forms of address."

Ajava made sure not to address the man directly.

"The Lord-Master of the Astrian Colonial Authority is neither my lord, nor my master. Therefore I can not address this man as mylord, as that would indicate my allegiance to him, or Lord-Master as my master is Master Screetor of the Jedi Council.

Madam chair, I propose that the information on the documents is annotated with the fact that the Lord-Master of the Astrian Colonial Authorities has no name, instead of falsely stating that his name is as it is written here.

Furthermore, I would ask the chair to accept the full use of the title Lord-Master of the Astrian Colonial Authorities as a substitute for other forms of address."

[Maria Latharion]

"Madam chair, may I request that this nitpicking is ignored?

There is no question on where committee member Shebi Ajava's loyalties or allegiances lie. The so called issue of the Lord-Master's name is an Astrian cultural aspect and is of no importance to this hearing."

Maria didn't so much as glance toward the veolian woman as she spoke.

"I would like to know to what documents committee member Shebi Ajava is referring. And why these documents where not made available to the Astrian Colonial Authority."

[Shebi Ajava]

"Madam chair, I would like to point out that this name is in the documents I received that describe the representatives of the parties present.

Madam chair, I would further request that no cultural aspects should be forced on parties present."

((OOC: I refered to the documents in your own post, as I think it reasonable that information in the representatives would be provided.

I checked the wiki to be sure, and his name is 'Lord-Master' in his own page.

EDIT: For the record: Dragonmaster352 just updated his wiki page and removed the name))

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Senator Latharion," Peinaili responded, already getting tired of the bickering and forced troublemaking, " No matter how small, I believe that this investigation may very well be decided upon close inspection of details that may seems small or insignificant. Much like operating a computer program or heavy duty machinery, details are always important.

As miss Shebi already mentioned, even a signature or a mention of name might be relevant. With respect to the Lord Master, I am inclined to follow her suggestion and have the record reflect that the Lord-Master has no name, but that its mention on any documentation does refer to an individual, that holds the title 'Lord-Master of the Astrian Colonial Authority'.

And when it comes to addressing one another," Peinaili continued as she spoke to the Lord-Master directly, "I personally have no problem with addressing you with either 'mylord', not as a sign of allegiance but of respect, or as 'Lord-Master', used as an abbreviation of your full title, Lord-Master of the Astrian Colonial Authority. What I however will not do, is force this upon any other here present."

"And lastly, Senator Latharion," Peinaili said as she returned to speak to the Astrian Senator further, "I urge you to be careful with your questioning of the allegiance or loyalty of any member of this committee. I will not have the reputation of this committee or myself dragged through the mud on the bases of prejudice and pride.

Nor will I tolerate," as she continued to address both delegation this time, "any hints of disrespect, or any beating about the bush. The interests of this committee are for facts, or prove if you will, not to hear excuses, misconceptions or delay. The sooner we are finished, the less painful and invasive this investigation will be."

[Lord-Master (mask of Lord-Master)]

"Madam chair, please allow me to offer my sincere apologies to the committee. It wasn't my intention to obligate anyone how to address me. I meant it as a suggestion, but it seems my words where to blunt and for that I humbly request the committee's forgiveness."

The Lord-Master spoke with a respectful, but dignified tone. Not like someone trying to make excuses.

"I would also like to request forgiveness to senator Latharion. She is stressed because of the fact her partner is close to giving birth to their first child, in addition to the normal stress from being a senator. I believe she merely wish to return to the purpose of this hearing as soon as possible.

I do hope this immediate assumption of hostility from the ACA due to a misinterpretation won't reflect on the outcome of this hearing. I believe we all want to conclude these matters sooner rather than later, so I respectfully suggest we end this subject and continue the hearing."Lord-Master

[Shebi Ajava]

"Madam chair, I would like to voice my understanding of the situation of the senator of the Astrian Colonial Authority. Child-birth is a very serious affair and one that deserves the full attention of both parents. Should the joyful event occur during the hearing, I fully support an adjourning of the hearing."

Shebi Ajava sounded honestly concerned.

"I would also, madam chair, like to emphasise that I in no way hold this unclarity against the ACA, or its representatives. I only wished to be clear on the issue."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Yours comments are noted," Peinaili plainly stated in response to both statements of the Lord Master and Shebi Ajava. "And I believe that we are indeed ready to move past this subject and continue with the hearing."

"But first however," Peinaili now addressed Senator Latharion, "I believe that congratulations are in order, and on behalf myself, the Sundarian Federation and if I may speak for the members of this committee, I would like to extend them to you, Senator Latharion, and to your partner. Children usually are a source of joy and occupy a large part of the parents attention and time, even if they are not yet born.

Are there any more questions?" She then finished, mainly looking at the Daryan delegation. " Or can we proceed with the formal part of the hearing?"

[Senator Gregory Konev]

The Daryans let the issue about the name settle and then answered the question as stated by Lady Peinaili de Montrève.

"The delegation of The Unified Republic of Darya have no questions and believe that we can go on to the formal part of the hearing. We do however wish to congratulate Senator Latharion and her partner with the up and coming child."

[Maria Latharion]

A small smile appeared on Maria's face.

"I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and I apologise for my harsh tone earlier."

Returning to business she continued.

"Madam chair, since there don't seem to be any more questions at this time may I suggest we continue? As the Lord-Master already stated the Astrian Colonial Authority would like to conclude this matter sooner rather than later and personally, I would very much like to know the committee's view on the matter at hand."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Well said Senator," Peinaili stated in response to the remarks by Senator Latharion and with that she signaled several aides to open the doors of the conference room to the public and to let the press in. As waited a while for them to settle in, she let her gaze rest on both delegation before looking into the room and at the audience.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, representatives and guests," She said as she started her opening address,

"During this meeting today, this committee hopes to gain further insight into the precise events pertaining the change of power in the Novelia System and the Involvement of the Unified Republic of Darya, by means of their shipments of Capital Ships, in particular.

Representing the Astrian Colonial Authority, this Committee recognises the delegation consisting of the Lord-Master of the Astrian Colonial Authority, the Lady-Fleet Admiral Lythia Nethorius, whom are both here via a holonet feed, and Lady-Senator Maria Latharion.

Representing the Unified Republic of Darya, this Committee recognises the delegation consisting of Senator Gregory Konev, Vaska Szwedko the Daryan Minister of Trade and mister Konrad Fyodorov of the Daryan Trade Office.

The hearing is now in session," Peinaili stated as she let the small hammer she held come down

"Senator Konev," she then continued as she had mentioned earlier, "the floor is yours."

[Senator Gregory Konev]

"Thank you Lady de Montrève." he stood up and began his explanation.

"In the files we gave you we have made a time line explaining things. This started when darya offered for sale somewhere before 80. In 102 we were contacted by Lady-Senator Maria Latharion on behalf of The Stellarian Triad Federation for increase in military power." ((OOC: http://www.fwurg.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1333))

"After a few holo messages we came to a agreement to sell 2700 at 3.5 per for the navy of the STF. We started delivery in 106 and when the STF became the ACA the deal transferred to them when they kept paying according to the deal. As we concluded that they were the successor state as the union kept accepting there taxes and Lady-Senator Maria Latharion kept her position in the senate."

"The capital ships were delivered to the space navy base on Lunia and that is were our responsibility ended. You can see the cargo manifests of the trade ships that delivered the in sections 4.4c. For more details about this you can ask comrade Fyodorov." The cargo manifests that were there all seemed to be in order and were be signed by the right persons and were not tampered with.

"The payment from the STF and later the ACA were received correctly form there accounts. They were noted by the minister of trade and then added to the balance of the Unified Republic of Dayra. This allowed us to spend these on the speed up of construction projects in the ShasKar System according to our completion plan see section 5.4a. For details ask comrade Minister Szwedko." the papers showed that it was as Konev explained and that the mony was neatly added to the budget of the Daryans and then spend.
((OOC: Not specifying that one better unless asked for because of effort.))

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Thank you Senator," Peinaili answered as Senator Konev finished his opening statement. "for your clear introduction on the Daryan view of the matter. Should any of us present here, have any questions we'll get them once we have heard the Astrain view on the matter."

She made a few notes and look over to the other members the Committee to give them some time to note down their questions or remarks. Once she felt that they were ready she looked over to the Astrian delegation.

"Lord-Master, Senator Latharion, the floor is yours for your opening statements."

[Maria Latharion]

Maria stood. "Thank you, madam chair.

In the Former Stellarian Triad Federation military personnel took an oath. An oath that binds them, regardless of their rank, standing or even race. It was an oath that was made not to a government or a person or deity, but to a people. The Astrian People and anyone that is considered a part of that. This oath obligates those who take it to protect those people and defend their rights, from any threat regardless of whether that threat comes from the inside or the outside.

Lady-Fleet Admiral Nethorius took this oath as well and when she removed the Triad Boards from power she acted according to that oath. To follow her oath she used the means that where available to her. In this case that meant capitol ships mostly constructed by the Unified Republic of Darya. But she would have acted the same way if it hadn't been the Daryans who constructed the ships she used.

She acted according to the highest standard we hold our military to, in circumstances that only the Jedi could have foreseen. The Daryans could not have known this would happen, nor was it the purpose the Capitol ships where originally purchased for. If the committee believes that what transpired in the Novalia system was wrong, then let it be the ones responsible, that being the Astrian people, that are punished for it."

She paused a moment before finishing.

"After all you don't punish a merchant for selling a sword when a man is killed by a sword, do you?"

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"I would say no, ones actions are ones own.." Peinaili responded as the Astrian Senator had finished her speech. "Thank you Senator Latharion for your introduction and for sharing the Astrian view on this matter with us.

I will now open the floor for questions and I'd like to start with the ones any of my fellow committee members might have."

[Shebi Ajava]

"Thank you madam chair, I would like to start by establishing some of the facts that are stated in the documents."

"Senator Latharion", Shebi Ajava directed her attention to the Astrian delegation.

"Based on my knowledge of the former Stellarian Triad Federation the Admiralty Board was part of the Triad Boards. Of the three Triad Boards, the Peoples Board is the only board with an elected membership, followed by the Science Board with free internal selection and finally the Admiralty Board of which the members are assigned based on rank."

"As I understand it, Lady-Fleet Admiral Nethorius was a member of the Admiralty Board before the Astrian Colonial Authority was established. In the communication shared by the Daryans you, Senator Latharion, state that the Admiralty Board has asked you to place an order of 2700 .

Could you explain to the committee the process that was used in the former Stellarian Triad Federation for the Admiralty Board to come to such a decisions, and how it was determined who the final responsible party was?"