Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

Senator Nehket Aeka waited patiently as the guards escorted all non-essential personnel out of the main Senate Hall. Once they were gone the suppresion field activated, once again turning the senate hall into a dark room with only the internal lighting, and blocking out all outside communications.

Accompanied by Senator Bolv'ar, she started:

"Fellow Senators, Chancellor,

This meeting is covered under the State Secrets act. What I have to discuss with you is of the highest importance, and ought not to be revealed to other parties.

Roughly four months ago we were witness to the destruction of the Skulddarian Floating Factory. Two months later, the investigations into the incident were concluded and the results seemed to point at an act of terrorism or war.

During the previous meeting on this subject the Veolian Commonwealth offered to set up a situation which we can use to determine whether the attack on the Floating Factory was related to our dealings with the Slave Rebellion. After some debate with the minister of defence", she nodded towards Senator Bolv'ar, " we have determined the exact parameters of the mission."


The senator took a breath, and paused for a bit to let the assembled senators recall the previous meeting.

"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. However, we can not send decoys or a disguised warriors, as this would arouse suspicions. In light of this, my emperor has decided to send his first wife, the empress Saret Neferti, as a representative.

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.

Senator Bolv'ar has indicated that he wishes one or two jedi to accompany her imperial highness to the Slave Rebellion, to ensure her safety and the safety of the other delegates."


After another short pause, she continued:

"In relation to this dangerous mission we would ask that the fleet currently stationed at the Pandora System is stationed in the Smi-Halek system when it has served it's purpose in Pandora. We do not ask this because of financial motives!

We ask this because we feel that the presence of a standing fleet would help with the aftermath of a large-scale terrorist attack on our system. Because 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.

Thank you."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"The Praetorian Empire is willing to send a delegation of Praetorian diplomats to accompany your Empress on her trip to the Slave Rebellion. We are able to trade Rare Elements and Exotic Matter Devices with them. The energy shields will probably be useful to defend their cities and ensure there freedom.

We support the Veolian Commonwealth on their request to move the reserve fleet. We have had peaceful trades with the Enlightened kingdoms for some time and have not seen any violent actions or intentions on their side. "

[Nehket Aeka]

"While we deeply appreciate the support the Praetorian Empire offers by wishing to send a delegation as well, I feel it would be unwise to send too large or diverse a group. This would make it more difficult to protect the delegates, and might scare off any would-be belligerents by implying that this mission is more than it seems.

Would you be content if the empress specifically mentions your interests once in contact with the Slave Rebellion? This way we can draw out any belligerents while having a high level of security, and open up wider channels of trade at a later time if we wish to do so. We will of course facilitate a more direct meeting after the first round of negotiations have been concluded."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"We do not want to endanger the Empress, we respect her wishes to speak with the Slave Rebellion on her own. We will wait till the next round of negotiations."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"I believe these are two separate, though related issues." The Chancellor stated.

"I am not sure if I personally approve of such a high risk mission, but given the horrors of the attack, I believe perhaps we do not have a choice. I shall ask the Jedi to prepare a mission in this, though they may need some time to prepare."

"The matter regarding the fleet movement and financial dealing is normally up to Senator Bolv'ar, within the limits of his position as Minister of Defence. Does the Veolian Commonwealth wish this matter be put to a vote or are they merely making a request of the Senator, whom I am sure would not deny this after the Veolian Emperess has so bravely offered to risk her life for the Union?"

The Chancellor gave an insisting look to Senator Bolv'ar.

[Nehket Aeka]

"The issue of the fleet was merely a request.

We thought it best to explain our request for the move of a fleet to a less strategic system, once the immediate threat has passed we would request the fleet be moved to a more strategic location.

And though this mission is high risk, we are confident that the protection of a small number of Jedi ensures the safety of our empress. We have faith in the capabilities of the Jedi."

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

"The repayments by the Enlightened Kingdoms will be completed in four turns. We expect the fleet to arrive two weeks later in turn 39 or 40. The Jedi have indicated they will be ready by then to execute this mission as well."

((OOC: Since we already have two missions active in the Jedi boards, I have moved this mission forward a bit to prevent too many missions from starting off at the same time - this would lead to confusion and chaos between missions. The above timescale will allow the other missions to either be finished or be well underway before starting the next mission. I'll contact Brend about details regarding their role in this.))