Republic Military Council Meeting

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Before Donald could leave for his meeting with the Mandalorain he was going to his meeting with the military council. He held a large briefcase full of papers and a computer and sat down at his position on the middle of the desk. He slipped into his seat and looked over his papers while his computer warmed up. He hoped they would be open to the ideas of the Chancellor and himself. The others filed in and the meeting began.

“Today we have several things to discuss. The current Sith threat, the Mandalorain threat, and the military situation of the Republic. We’ll begin with the Mandalorain threat. The Chancellor has given me permission to meet with the second in command of the Mandalorain armies and try to strike a deal with them. The deal is simply a truce but it also offers and alliance with them and it if frankly a honest and fair deal to the Mandalorains. They would be allowed to be a part of the Republic but governed by themselves and receive full representation in the senate. They would be allowed control of all the planet’s the possess right now and maybe an additional one if necessary. We are trying to be diplomatic so I am allowed to do what I think is necessary to get the deal to them. We cannot fight two wars if it comes to that and with the Mandalorains at our side we have a much better chance to do something about the Sith. Having an alliance with the Mandalorains might even prevent war. I am willing to take questions and comments about this but I have been given the final word on the situation.”

Donald took a sip of a glass of water that was brought during his speech and looked around the board to see who would speak. He knew opposition was coming, the Mandalorains were not well liked and this was very controversial as he knew it would be when he had the idea. He wanted to be thinking around every loophole this meeting would help him be prepared for his meeting with the Mandalore’s second in command.

[Jace]

Markus Fey'lya had already been sitting in his seat for a good 10 minutes, going over various documents. He made it a point to be somewhat earlier to these council meetings, he found it a good time to mingle with some of his peers, and also to figure out their position before the days events began.

He watched as Senator Kail started the discussion about the situation with the Mandalorians. He listened quietly to everything that was said, and then finally stood up from his position to speak.

"I am sorry Senator Kail, but I just do not see this deal going through. The word 'peace' does not register in the Mandalorian's dictionary. If we were to offer this deal to anyone else, then it would almost certainly go through. In my experience with the SBI, we have quite detailed work up on the Mandalorians. They live for battle, they are the most dangerous soldiers in all of the galaxy. The whole culture for their civilization focuses on breeding soldiers. I will say this, that if they do accept to our agreement, that we should be on our toes. If they accept, that means they are up to something, all I have to say is be wary. Recent Intel reports, suggest a heightened amount of activity from the Mandalorians."

With that, Markus sat back down, and waited to see what the rest of the council had to say on this matter.

[Jerek]

Bishop's Centurian-class Battlecruiser orbited the planet it had been stationed to, until further notice. Bishop looked around at his crew, until he found his Captain. "Captain Harker." The captain swiveled around from his post and walked over to the Admiral. "Yes, sir?" "You will be in command until I return from Coruscant." The Captain saluted, saying through gasping breathes, as he had taken the formal position of chest out, back straight, etc., "Yes... sir!"

Bishop smirked to himself as he turned around, having heard the Captain's deep breathes at an attempt to refill his lungs with the filtered air aboard the ship. His black boots made clomping noises as he made his way to the hangar. He walked over to his personal transport. Clambering inside, he saluted his men and took off. The hyperspace trip alone would take a few hours.

He swiveled the transport away from the Centurian. He punched in the coordinates to Coruscant. Once finished, he positioned his hand over the lever. he pulled it. In the blink of an eye, the transport jettisoned into hyperspace with a sonic boom that could not be heard in space. The stars had flared into small white lines.

Bishop lay back slightly in his pilot seat, waiting for the end of the giant, blue, illusive tunnel of stars. How many systems had he passed in the blink of an eye? Throughout the trip, the only thing that he could entertain himself with was playing chess with the ship's computer. He had won just about every game. The computer won two out of the thirteen.

Now, he sat upright in his seat, hand over the lever that would end this long trip. The second on the chronometer counted down in a few flashes of blue light. Right as it hit zero, Bishop pulled the lever. He had made it. He looked down upon the planet of Coruscant. Some say it is nothing but a giant city. He piloted the small transport toward the planet.

The atmospheric winds rocked the ship slightly. Bishop kept his course toward the planet's capitol. He landed on a free pad, after giving his authorization to the landing tower. He slipped out of the ship, brushing down his dark gray uniform. He then began his approach to the meeting he was called to.

The bright sun glinted and bounced off of his polished Admiral's insignia, blinding some people he passed. His posture was straight, his uniform and appearance were presentable, and his boots were polished to a shiny black color. He passed door after door on his way. He finally found the designated door.

He stepped into the room just as the others were filing in. He sat near the head of the table, where a man holding a briefcase sat. Bishop knew him as Senator of Corellia, Donald Kail. Corellian were usually known for their hard-headedness and exceptional luck. When the Senator was done, another rose up to present his own opinion. This Senator was a Bothan.

Bishop rose as well, ready to present his opinion on the deal with the Mandalorians. "If I may," he began, nodding his head in a kind of bow, "I'm afraid I'll have to disagree, Senator Fey'lya. The Mandalorians are known mostly for their brutal traditions of battle, but that does not mean they can't reason with others. not to be rude, Senator Fey'lya, but you speak of them as if they are animals. They are not animals. Do we judge any other race by their traditions, even if they are strange to us? do we look upon them as if they are different; or do we at least attempt to make a connection?"

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald allowed the others to speak but wanted to set the record straight quickly,

"I am aware of the Mandalorians traditions as anyone. I studied them in the military academy and I fought against them in battle. Many of them know of me from the battle's I won against them and respect me. I think they shall listen to what I have to say, I am going into this meeting with no expectations. I am simply offering them a deal and if they don't take it we'll have to be strong against them. First though I plan to let them know we are willing to correct our mistakes. They are a war-loving people, but they have self-control. Plus, They shall have plenty to do if they work with the Republic. Part of this deal would be their ability to maintain their military. They would have a separate section of the Republic's own military and would report to very few people in their actions. They would be kept in check but allowed all the freedoms of anyone else in the Republic. If we do go to war with the Sith they shall have plenty of action to keep them busy."

Donald looked over the council patiently and then quickly added,
"I don't want this to be a discussion on prejudices against the Clans, I want the deal discussed. That is Final."

He made eye contact with everyone in the room showing that he wasn't willing to bend on that. Donald respected the Mandalorians and wasn't about to let this deal be forgotten in racial discussion. His tone was stone cold serious and his face was hard. The military made him a strong politicion...

[Jace]

Markus expected to get this sort of answer, he was slightly irritated but he had heard stupider things in life before.

"You misunderstand me Admiral, I have no problem with races, its the culture which I know. You can be a human, a bothan, a Mon Cal..any race..they are all susceptible to being prone to war and battle. Do not speak to me Admiral as if I am some mere rich fool, who thinks he is superior to others. I respect other races, otherwise I wouldn't be part of the Senate or Republic for that matter."

He then turned to Senator Kail and continued on, he was not about to be scared by a hard look.

"If you Senator claim to know the Mandalorians as well as you do, and even fought against them then you should already know that offering a treaty is pointless. Correct our mistakes? the Mandalorians will laugh at us for thinking that way. They will see it has a weakness, and degrade us in their eyes. We are the Republic, and I will not have it mocked just so some of you can feel safer at night. On top of that you are letting them maintain their military, you are inviting them to betray us..."

He realized that his voice was slightly raised, and straightened out his coat.

This time he continued with an ice cold voice, his fangs bearing ever so slightly.

"Go and try to make peace with the Mandalorians, but watch when they either spit in your face or deceive the Republic because we are under the impression that they are allies. "

He looked quickly around the room and then sat down.

[Jerek]

Bishop simply smiled and nodded at the Bothan. He was about to sit down, when Senator Fey'lya began talking again. Bishop stood straight up. "You are generalizing, Senator. You believe they will betray us. Are you scared of them, because of their culture?" Bishop's dark eyes locked with the Bothan's. His features hardened as well. He was all for the deal, but this Bothan was implying they would betray them.

"They will laugh more over fear then a slight weakness. We will simply have to remove the humor for them in the situation." With that, Bishop sat down, breathing a little harder. He straightened his uniform and took a glass of water. He drank in the cool drink. It wet his throat. It was no longer dry or scratchy from the yelling he had just done.

He looked down at the blaster pistol strapped to his right thigh. Then, he looked at the still standing Bothan senator. "Senator, Kail, when exactly is this meeting with the Mandalorians' second in command," Bishop said without dropping his gaze from the Bothan.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald didn't like the other Senator and wish he knew his place. Or at least spoke more respectfully to the others,

"If you think I'd trust the Mandalorians and turn a blind eye to them after the agreement then your blind. Second, to not try this at all is a fool's errand. The Mandalorians are soldiers of honor if we give them a good deal they'd have no reason to betray it. It's not part of their socity unless if they have become as corrupt as some in the Republic."

The Senator looked around to the room and then continued,

"It's a risky deal but they will listen. Even if they don't agree to it it'll show them we are willing to be reasonable. The Sith will try to force them to work with them. Or pay them, they will more than likely be offended by them. I'm a soldier like them we can understand one another."

For the first time in the meeting Donald's humor broke through,

"For your infomation Senator...I'm an old man, whatever helps me sleep peacefully is warrented."
Donald smiled and continued,
"What would you do with them? Go to war with them? Destroy them? Spit in their faces prehaps? Learn history my friend and it'll help you. We did simlar to them before and they attacked. Not because we made deals with them. We stuck them in holes and prisions and they broke free. We shall do the right thing and if they choose to deny us of it. Then we should damn are fathers."

[Jace]

Markus semi-listened to what the Senator was saying, for all intents and purposes, he was done with this discussion.

"Who ever said anything about attacking them? Because I know I didn't. Your false assumptions could cause you a good deal of trouble one day Senator Kail. I would rather we leave them be but why argue on a matter already decided? lets move on, and for the record admiral, I do not fear them..I only worry what may happen to our citizens if we are not careful. Remember, it is my job to represent the best interests of the population of the republic"

Markus waved off as if he were batting a fly a way and spoke.

"What is next on the agenda Senator Kail?"

He might as well just move on, he made his point, and he knew the others had heard it. There was no point in being repetitive, otherwise people loose their interest.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

"I'll move on when I feel the matter is closed." Donald said calmly and looked around the room when no one had anything else to say he smiled,
"If that's all for now we'll contiune to the next part of the meeting. At the end of the meeting we'll have a short time for re-cap and if you have something new to add feel free to speak then."
Donald shuffled in his seat and switched out folders and opened up a new subject on his comptuer. He coughed and moved back towards his microphone,

"The Sith are a definate threat to the galaxy. They have amassed a large army and have the ability to wage war against us. They have not attacked us as of now but I have reason to beleive they plan to do so."

Donald didn't like this part of the meeting it was discussing hypotheticals and he didn't want to get himself into trouble,

"The Sith have a far too large force that they show in the open to just use for just Self-Defense. They are run by greedy buiness men who will do anything for money even go to war. We have to be on guard. I'm not suggesting that we engage them or give them reason to think we will. I am just suggesting the Republic ready itself. We need to increase defenses of most of the Outer Rim planets and generally speaking increase our military's capabilites. The current leadership of the Sith may not be planning anything but they are too easily open for a coup. I suggest that we work on a plan of action incase of an attack by the Sith Empire to a Republic or Netural world. We must be prepared to defend and counter-attack the Sith Empire no matter what they throw at us."

Donald stopped there to keep from rambling. The Sith were a difficult subject and he didn't like to go into all his doomday senarios during the meetings. He would wait for the backlash some of what he said was surely to recieve.

[Jerek]

He placed both of his gloved hands on the table. He lsitened to Kail's new speech on the Sith threat. About how the Republic needed to strengthen defenses on the Outer Rim Territories. Now would be a better time than any other. "Speaking of strengthening the Outer Rim defenses on the worlds we hold," Bishop began, "I wanted to make a request to have my fleet relocated to Mon Calamari to help the Military Academy's defenses. In the possible secnario of a Sith invasion, they couldn't hold their own for long, and it would take too long for any fleet to get there to assist in the defense."

Bishop sat up a little straigher, waiting for the rippling of mumbles to die out along the table.

[Jace]

Markus once again sat quietly and listened to Senator Kail outline the situation with the Sith. The Sith Empire was a tricky bunch, they had been quietly amassing forces, and this was one subject Markus was sure about.

Markus stood up and probably to the surprise of many, agreed with Senator Kail.

"I agree with Senator Kail, the Sith Empire is a dangerous Entity. They have slowly and quietly been amassing forces, and I am sure they aren't using it just for eye candy. It is my personal belief that they could attack at any time, I am not suggesting we attack them but move our forces accordingly. As Senator Kail said, I believe we should start to position our fleet around the most probable targets.

I believe the Admirals proposal to center his fleet around Mon Calamari might be a prudent course to take."

Markus finished, his tone full of gusto and energy, and finally sat down.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald smiled the Senators no matter how corrupt of egotistical could agree on a couple things.

"I have some other plans for the Republic's military and where to place our forces later in the meeting. I do not however want to forget about the diplomatic views of the Republic. Might is not always right, we should try to be Diplomatic. As we are though we need to maintain our military might and do as the Senator suggested. Mon Calamari was on of the world's I was most concerned about. If the Sith launched an attack there we'd loose it. Also I believe the Sith have the capabilities to attack two planets possibly three simultaneously. If both of these planet's were Republic controlled we wouldn't be able to easily quell both battles. We might loose one or both of the planets. This cannot happen. Also their standing in the galaxy grows daily. In some planets I fear they might leave the Republic for profit or for a feeling of more security. We must weaken our enemies and earn the trust and support of the galaxy."

Donald sipped his water and looked around the room,

"Does anyone else have something to say in particular about the proper course of action to deal with and prepare for the Sith Threat. If not...I vote that we move a larger force to Mon Calamari and several other important Outer Rim planets. Also I suggest we vote to supply funds to shipwrights to create more battleships. I have a couple suggestions for the best candidates of companies, I have spoken with some of the leaders of a couple of the companies. One of which has offered the Republic a special rate and a guaranteed fleet increase by 100% in a week and possibly a 200% increase by a month."

Donald was speaking of Corellian Enterprises. He had been offered this a while back and gladly accepted. The company had started stockpiling parts for the creation of battleships immediately and would have reached the required amounts by now. If the Council created the motion they could present before the Senate and the Chancellor and hopefully get it passed. So the ships could be built before the Sith invaded. The Republic would quickly be able to fight the Sith Fleet. Donald then caught himself and laughed,

"I'm sorry...that was supposed to be part of the Republic's Military portion." Donald chuckled again and waited for a response.

[Jerek]

Bishop smiled and nodded to the Bothan. "Thank you, Senator Fey'lya." Bishop took another sip of water and listened to Senator Kail's next piece of business. "I agree. We need to build our forces. My fleet alone doesn't have very many ships. Maybe one Centurion-class Battlecruiser and a few squadrons of fighters in its hangar, but the Vulture is a sturdy and depentable ship."

Bishop looked down at his uniform for a moment, taking in his medals' and insignia's shine. In his opinion he was a good Admiral, a fair one. Some even went as far to call him one of the Republic's best tacticians.

(OOC:Maybe one of you could say that last line? XD)

[Jace]

Markus was nodding his head as Senator Kail explained his plan, it was basically the same ideas he had in his own mind.

I suppose he does have some sort of sense he scoffed to himself

In truth, it wasn't that Markus hated Senator Kail, he held respect for the man. He could respect a former military man, at least he understood what was at stake. The difference was they came from totally different branches of the military and hence their different views.

"I agree with Senator Kail that we must employ diplomacy, at least in some cases. I think it would be wise to dispatch various ambassadors to the planets we feel vulnerable to Sith coercion, and...remind them where their loyalties lie.

Aside from that, I am in agreance that we should dispatch various fleets to the Outer Rim planets. I also think we must be wary of terrorist attacks on Coruscant and possibly Coreillia and the Kuat Drive Yards. If the Sith do plan to go to war with the Republic, they may try to target various strategic or iconic locales.

I think I have said my part on this matter"

With that Fey'lya sat back in his seat, and took a long sip of water.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

"Good, we all agree that we should send take a diplomatic mission to the planets of the Outer Rim and Sith Empire. We should carefully choice who we send for these are missions of great importance."

Donald once again shifted his paperwork and began,

"The Republic's military in compression to it's two enemies; lacks training, numbers and resources. Our military has some of the greatest minds and teachers in the galaxy but we have managed to reduce funding for years and will need a rapid and quick expansion."

Donald went to his computer and a map appeared on a 3-D projector. It showed Coruscant and then backed out to show the whole galaxy,
"This is our Galaxy...now The Blue planets are planets that are currently within our control. The Orange Mandalorian and the Red the Sith Empire."
The map was majority blue causing a blue glow on everyone in the room. The red were in a large cluster and the Mandalorians shined alone in their area.

"Now...this however is what I predict will happen in a Years time if we do not change our current course,"

The lights faded, then returned the room took on an ominous red glow as nearly half the planets became red. The crowd gasped almost silently and then Donald continued,

"Now, this may seem like a doomsday scenario and a very well maybe. This is just my prediction but it is possible. The planets that changed to red were for one or more of three reasons; Political instablility, Desperation, or Fear. Many planets in red are willing to turn for money, or some other thing that Republic law doesn't allow them to do or has ruled against. The biggest group however is fear. These people remember history and if history repeats itself we shall loose this war. The Sith are a strong faction. They may not be the same Sith we fought before but they are very simlar to them and will not hesitate in going into full out war. At this point they'll win, they'd be on our doorstep with us on our knees begging. We cannot allow this, we must increase our military and our poltical strength. We must show the galaxy that we are ready for war and that we could actually win agianst our enemies. It won't be easy, we are far to behind. Espicially in training, numbers and ships can be helped but training takes time."

Donald stopped and was going to allow comments before going on.

[Jerek]

Bishopw atched as the mystic blue glow faded a little to be replaced with a stronger, fiercer red. This couldn't happen. as long as Bishop breathed it wouldn't happen. " most of our soldiers are inexperienced, yes. However, msot are battle-hardened and ready for more. such as most of my ground forces. I do have a few soldiers fresh from the academy, but they are shaping up under their suppior officers. I do have a suggestion as to how we can get more soldiers. Perhaps if we go to foreign worlds, build a base there and start recruiting we can slowly build our forces to thwart the Sith threat."

Bishop leaned back in his seat somewhat.

[Jace]

Markus sat quietly and once again listened to another proposal and series of facts and theories that Senator Kail had presented. Once again he was in agreement with Senator Kail about the military. He stood up after Admiral Bishop had finished talked and addressed the council again.

"I agree that something needs to be done and needs to be done fast. Senator Kail is right, our military has numbers but it lacks training and equipment. The military has been neglected time and time again due to the fact that we have been in a state of relative peace.

I can say that Senator Kail's predictions for the future are highly plausible and we need to make sure that this doesn't happen. I move for a emergency bill which will allocate funds to the military in this time so that we may build up our army as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If we do not get our act together soon, there may be no Republic in a matter of years...and I know that none of us will sit by and let that happen!"

Markus felt infused with pride, and he didn't know where his sudden notion to move for a bill came from, but he didn't regret that he had said it.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

"Senator Markus you have once again taken the words from my mouth." Donald chuckled and the crowd joined him briefly.

"The Republic will be ready this time, we all know what happened before and we shall not allow it to happen again. We must work quickly to gain support for this bill. We cannot allow politics to interfere with it. Some people in the senate will try but we shall make our message clear to them. We also need to start a subtle but strong recruiting campaign. The Bill needs to be strong and flexible but only in military spending. I refuse to allow anyone to add anything that doesn't not directly benefit the military. The government doesn't give out much money so our budget will not be used for anything but the necessary. We must begin work on it immediately."

Donald felt good about the meeting, the mandalorian point wasn't really accepted but the rest of the problems were in almost total agreement. In this Republic that was very unusual but a welcomed relief.

[Jerek]

Senator Kail's prediction for the future was, unfortuanately, a possibility. Bishop looked around the table. It was good the military would be getting fundings to build its forces. He wondered if his fleet was okay. He pushed the thought away, not wanting to think of the many possibilities he could concoct. What is the next point of interest, Senator?

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald chuckled and looked towards the Admiral,
"This was when I was going to ask you about to inform us of the current military sitation of the galaxy. How well some planets are defended compared to others. Corellia will be at the top of your list I'm sure."

The crowd burst out into laughter at that. Donald made jokes about his planet being impervious to attack often. It basically was too because of him. He hoped the Admiral was prepared to actually tell everyone this infomation. Donald needed it drastically, it was very important to know where we need to send our fleets.