Fwurg

[Jedi Master Screetor]

((OOC: This threat is accessible only to Senators and no press or public is allowed to be present))

"Senators,

After conferring with Chancellor Bolv'ar, he agreed this news should be brought to all member states immediately.

Having concluded our investigation into the attack on Skuldda some months ago, we have found evidence that the Hutt Families were indeed behind the attack.

It is beyond a doubt that the weapon was constructed in a weapons factory controlled by the Hutt, that the trigger device uses known Hutt encryption and that its exotic matter was harvested by Hutt corporations. Moreover identical weapons were found under control of a group allied with and working from the space of the Hutt Families.

Our investigation cannot offer final proof about who actually planted the device, but the evidence points in a very specific direction."

There was some uproar amongst the senators...

[Nehket Aeka]

((OOC: I assume the State Secrets Act is in effect on this meeting.))

Senator Nehket Aeka stood up, after quickly tapping some information into her console.

"Even though we only have circumstantial evidence, this is grave news indeed. And we should take precautions."

She looked to the room to gauge the reaction of those senators form worlds known to deal with the Hutt Families.

"Even if the attack was perpetrated by the Hutt Families, we have not yet established a motive. However, to put things in perspective: At the time of the attack, two significant events had just occurred. The Union sponsored a sentientarian aid mission to the Slave Rebellion, and a Slave Rebellion officer was shot down over Unity. We then refused to extradite him over to the Hutt Families, and the Veolian Commonwealth offered the Twi'lek officer asylum.

As you all know, my empress will soon leave for talks with the Slave Rebellion. If the Hutt Families try to sabotage this mission, I think we can safely assume that they were behind the bombing as well. If this is the case, I think the Union should stop any trade with these brutish slave abusers, and instead look toward aiding the Slave Rebellion."

With her final sentence, she looked around to see if anyone had a directed reply or maybe a question. If none appear to do, she sits down.

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

"It is as we feared then..."

Chancellor Bolv'ar shook his head sadly.

"Let us take this grave news to heart and take seriously the threat it suggests. We must prepare our defences. I will begin drawing up legislation to stimulate defensive investments immediately."

He looked at the senators

"I am counting on you to support these bills, for the safety of all of us."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

" This indeed worrisome news, " Senator Peinaili agreed as she took some time to adress the senate, " And I'll give the Chancellor that we should indeed be prepared to take defensive action should they be needed. However when legislation is concerned, we would prefer to judge them fairly and consider their impact before any promises are made. "

Peinaili then asked Senator Nehket Aeka a question concerning the planned trip of the Empress to the Slave Rebelion. " Senator as I understand it, Her Imperial Majesty has employed preparation to depart on diplomatic endavour, perhaps it is wise to postpone this effort untill we know a little more? "

[Nehket Aeka]

"I thank you for your concern Senator de Montrève, but I am of the opinion that this is the perfect time for such a diplomatic trip. If the Hutt Families are not behind this, there is little to fear. If, as we suspect, the Hutt families are behind these cowardly attacks we can expect them to fail at their sabotage while at the same time handing the Union cause to cut ties with them.

Besides, we will not be bullied into a corner. The Veolian Commonwealth, and the Union, will send diplomatic envoys to whomever we please, whenever we please."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"The diplomatic trip only becomes more and more important now. Although the mission is very important and the results could change our opinions, we must vote on the defense measures as soon as possible.

The Hutt are not the only ones that could mean trouble soon, we must still consider the Mandalorian threat as well."