Noventa - A Star Wars Story

After several moments, a taller human male steps out into the podium with a confident smile he managed to plaster on his face. His outfit was fairly casual given the situation; a sign he would much rather be here anywhere else but here. Having his father-in-law handle the heavy duty stuff, it was as always his role to come in and clean up the mess.

"Hello everyone." He says upon the podium, looking content enough with facing the public. "It's quite the thing to come on after all that, and I know it's quite the contentious situation we got going on here, lots of stress, lots of worry, and the guv has things he's got to do. So now you get to speak to me, sorry to say. I'll try not to waste your time." He gave a small smile at that, looking on. "Now, I wanted to bring up a few things that affect the city as well, besides the whole Republic and Imperial mess we got going on here. Now, the Sector Rangers and I are working close as we speak, as well as a few citizen volunteers to aid us in doing our job. I know it's a lot to ask of you, the people, to help us out in such a way, but as I've learnt when we came here and kicked out the Imperials the last time, this town, this planet is made of tougher stuff those cowards can handle if we work together. Unite and fight as we did."

He looked down at his notes for a moment before looking back up. Should it be what we are currently hoping for, which is they're possible refugees, then we'll establish contact with them and make them our fair city under the proper means, and not this sort of incognito mess they got going on. Until then, we ask that all of our citizens keep a sharp eye out for people they don't recognize. Report any suspicious activity to the Sector Rangers. Otherwise, continue on with your lives." Tomnat smiles and looks out to the crowd. "So, any questions I can address that involve the city itself."

Sharn rolled his eyes and was about to leave.

/exit unless stopped

"Now, now, Mr. Hunari." Deltiss raised his hand for a moment, regaining a bit of composure. "No one is saying the Republic would be coming here to say what we are to do with our resources. I would not dream of giving up our freedom for security. Ambassador Tania, I hate to say it before our own meeting, but I do have a responsibility of transparency with my own constituents." He looked to the Sullustan woman, "my personal feelings towards the New Republic are not really what matter here, but the voice of the people, of democracy. It would be left to the people if we would join this new government, or keep our own independence." He offered a small smile to her, and then looked back to the crowd.

"So, yes, there would be a referendum for the populace. A vote, in the coming elections. Coupled with the standard on civil laws, as well as your new governor, as this is my final term, per the planetary constitution." He let that hang in the air, and then raised his hand again. "Now, I have to cut the questions short, as I now have a meeting with the Republic ambassador, that I'm sure will be very awkward now." He laughed at his joke, before stepping away from the podium, and moving to Tania, who hurriedly moved to his side, speaking in a hushed tone.

Yara clears her throat and pushes away from the wall, arching an auburn brow. "That sounds like a question for [i]all[/i] the citizens of Noventa, Mr...?" Crossing her arms, she adds crisply, "Meanwhile, even if you somehow had the resources to start building those eyeballs [i]tomorrow[/i]... unless you know where to find a few squadrons' worth of Skywalkers and Celchus ready to fly them, I'm afraid they'd be as much use for planetary defense as that old Jedi ship in the spaceport." The governor had said as much already, but sometimes it takes multiple repetitions to get something non-technical through to an engineer, in Yara's experience.

"However," she adds, with a slight respectful nod in Jozk's direction. "Mr. Hunari raises a kind of point. I believe being in at the ground floor of the New Republic will be good for Noventa, and I know I'm not alone in that. But since there's bound to be debate... in the interests of transparency, how do you intend to handle the decision, Governor? A referendum?"

For her part, Tew was just recording; After all, she had a press pass and was in the press section, so she should probably be doing her job. Besides, while she wasn't a hundred percent sure what this was all about besides transition politics, it must be a juicy story. Otherwise, why would people be getting so worked up about it? And it might prove useful later.

And hey; At least AC1200 wasn't getting distracted and filming a potted plant or something.

Sharn added a slow clap of applause to Jozk's speech, because why not.

"All too often genius makes all the difference between victory and defeat, Governor. But I see you being a big fan of mediocrity. Voters shouldn't overthink how you govern, should they? They should just focus on your smooth talk and martyr profile." He said with Chiss snarky snarl.

'' With all due respect, Governor. Where you see a monument of tyranny, others see a monument of liberation, freedom and struggle.'' Jozk intervened without waiting for the Chiss' to answer. '' My name is Jozk Hunari, i was an engineer that worked on that factory all his life, as a free man and also as a slave.'' He began. ''I was part of the so called 'dissidence', yes, i was and i still can be considered a 'separatist' although i prefer to be called a confederate and citizen of the Outer Rim.''

'' Certainly that factory has both a bright and dark past, many machines of war were produced there, most likely many of said machines that i produced killed millions, but this was all in self defense. Let us not forget that the Confederacy was not the agressor during the clone wars. Unlike many of those that are here today, I was there, i fought in there, i lost my family during the Outer Rim sieges when the clone troopers and the jedi assaulted us.'' He continues. '' When the war was over i was forced by the 'Republic' and their leader, if someone don't remembers him, well Chancellor Sheev Palpatine, also known as the Emperor of the Empire, to work as a slave for Sienar. Even then i fought back by subtly sabotaging their TIE-series.''

'' I wanted to be brief so, what right has the Republic, or the Empire, or whatever name they are using now since they are one and the same, to dictate what us, as Noventians, have to do or not to do with our resources, with our lives and with our planet? We already suffered from the centralist tyranny of the Core Worlds and their agressive expansion. Once our resources start to be pillaged anew they will do what they always does, forget about the Outer Rim and enjoy their decadent and corrupt lifestyle on top of our tears, blood and suffering.''

The Governor's eyes narrowed. "Do you have an unknown squadron of fighter pilots waiting in the wings to man these craft you will design." His voice was cold. "Or people who want to work the factory that weren't enslaved by the CIS during the Clone Wars that were forced to work around the clock in there? Same with the Empire and their use of dissidents?"

Deltiss stopped for a moment, gripping the lectern. "Have you ever been forced to labor for a warmachine, sir? I have. I was a young man when the CIS forced my family to work that factory. My parents were beaten and killed on the factory floor for daring to take a break during the assembly of droid starfighters. Many of the farmers here have the same story. I would rather see that Factory razed to ashes than leave it here, but I can't because of the rule of law."

He released the lectern. "All you see is a means to show off your genius. I see a monument to war and tyranny."

"Oh how smooth. And yet your administration shuns rare engineering prodigies like myself who could quickly make fighter craft left at Sienar operational for planetary defences. Good luck with your Republican friends doing better. Clearly proprietary ambiguities are more important to you than the lives of your farmers, traders and explorers." Sharn crossed his arms.

[quote="Sharn"]"What is the state of the planetary military-industrial preparedness for the imminently likely incursion of a post-Imperial force Imperator-class Star Destroyer-strong? In this context, why restarting of the factory formerly operated by now-defunct SFS is not seriously considered? Have the post-Imperial recon parties already deployed onto the planet been found and neutralised?" Sharn was speaking very loud so that many people would hear him.[/quote]

The Governor turned more fully to face Sharn, but his composure remained steadfast. Tania, however, looked visibly perturbed.

Deltiss gave her an easy smile. "The authorities are working around the clock to look for anyone connected to the derelict pods. For all we know, they could be simple refugees. There is no reason for alarm or concern." He beamed a bit.

"As for the other questions, as I stated, we have been in contact with the New Republic, and they have a diplomatic envoy here, as well as access to fast response teams. For the Sienar Factory, that is held in legal issues until such a time when the holding company has reorganized itself." The part line held firm.

"And having a factory does not mean we could operate it. During the recent troubles, Sienar employed thousands of workers, as well as several on Imperial Work Release to function. The manpower on Noventa needed isn't there. We're farmers, traders, explorers. The number of technicians necessary is astronomical in comparison."

An idle scan of the crowd to see who might have come with questions turns into a sharper look at the first speaker. [i]Got something you should share with the class, have you?[/i] It was a curiously specific question. One might even say suspiciously specific. Though the abrupt starboard turn into asking about the old Sienar factory is a bit confusing, making her question whether she'd heard him correctly after all. If the stranger is suggesting some kind of attack is imminent, what immediate use is a factory that would take ages to get back on-line?

She glances over at the press huddle, hoping their reactions will give her a clue as to whether this is new news, something everybody knows that she's just missed thanks to sleeping through her usual news broadcast yesterday, or... general crackpottery? That's always a possibility at public meetings, she supposes.

[quote="Tewzada Star'Ti"]Tew glanced back at the caf as Jozk struck up a greeting; She thought about it, but decided she wasn't in the mood for any more of energy drink today, after the three cups with breakfast. Turning back to Jozk fully, she inclined her head.

"Oh, not too bad; Found some amenities to make myself comfortable with. Got an assignment or two finally. So not too bored or anything like that."[/quote]

'' Ha, well not many things happen on this side of the Outer Rim, but i think that maybe we are about to be part of interesting times. Ms. Star'Ti.'' Jozk nodded to the female twi'lek. Then the governor said what Jozk expected he will say and he did not like what he was hearing.

He also raised his hand in order to ask a question to the governor but for now waited respectfully for the question coming from the other day Chiss to be replied.

"What is the state of the planetary military-industrial preparedness for the imminently likely incursion of a post-Imperial force Imperator-class Star Destroyer-strong? In this context, why restarting of the factory formerly operated by now-defunct SFS is not seriously considered? Have the post-Imperial recon parties already deployed onto the planet been found and neutralised?" Sharn was speaking very loud so that many people would hear him.

The Governor saw the raised hand of the chiss, and he pointed to him. "Yes, a question?"

Sharn raised hand high, indicating his will to ask a question.

Yara leans against a wall about midway down the length of the room, still in her white medical coat since she'd come over here on a whim during her lunch break [assuming it's open to the public!]. [i]So that's who they sent.[/i] She doesn't know the Sullustan woman at the front of the room, but that's no particular surprise. She does know the [i]type[/i], and observes the individual variations with interest, noting how warmly Deltiss seems to speak of Erun and the Republic more generally. [i]Good sign. I think.[/i]

Sharn had been there, and now was ready to ask questions.

[url=https://postimg.cc/75k9HJVM][img]https://i.postimg.cc/75k9HJVM/Maudin_Deltiss.jpg[/img][/url]

The Governor arrived, wearing a well tailored, but clearly an older style, suit, data pad in hand. He spoke quietly with an aide, as well as a few other city officials. Shaking hands, he then made his way to the podium. Along with him, was a Sullustan woman, wearing much more formal diplomatic robes. Her hair was tied back in a braided pony tail, and she held a pleasant, if distant demeanor.

"Good Afternoon." He spoke up, his voice steady, as if he had done this several times before. Given his tenure as governor, it was easy to see.

"I am here to report that the state of Noventa is good. I have been meeting with an ambassador from the New Republic, Tania Erun." He indicated to the Sullustan woman, smiling brightly. "She arrived only a few days ago, as part of an envoy from the new central government. She assures me that they have learned from the mistakes of the past, and want to welcome as many systems as they can with open arms." A few cameras flashed as he looked out at those gathered, his hands on either side of the podium.

"Of course, we all know what a strong central government can do, when unchecked. The New Republic Chancellor, Mon Mothma, has already ordered the demilitarization of their fleets, and are encouraging member systems to have their own planetary defense forces. A system like before the the Grand Army, with only a Judiciary to send intermediaries when needed." Licking his lips, the middle aged mirialan paused, shuffling his notes before him. "I know we have a strong, independent streak here. It's why we've done so well, even with two wars having been waged. We're a strong, resilient people, who tend to our own, who watch out for each other. And I want that to continue on. I only bring this up, in the interest of transparency, as I have always done, for the people of Noventa." Another winning smile, though Tania's features looked more flushed, as if she was caught off guard by the speech.

"Are there any questions, before I turn it over to our honorable mayor?"

Tew glanced back at the caf as Jozk struck up a greeting; She thought about it, but decided she wasn't in the mood for any more of energy drink today, after the three cups with breakfast. Turning back to Jozk fully, she inclined her head.

"Oh, not too bad; Found some amenities to make myself comfortable with. Got an assignment or two finally. So not too bored or anything like that."

"Good afternoon, Ms. Star'Ti, Ms. Sailee. " Jozk said to his two collegues. " How have been your stay, here at Noventa so far?" He asked politely to both females, trying to start some conversation as they waited for the governor.