[D3 - EA] State of the City Address

[Flession]

It had been awhile since the city decided to do one of these functions, giving off reports of the city. Back in the Imperial days, it was always glam and glitter, nothing but the best of reports given despite the times. Those times had since passed, and now that Noventa City was the only true stable source on this planet, it was a easy fit to be a little bit more honest. Well, honest for a politician at least. Still, a few media local media outlets were invited to hear the address and ask any of the relevant questions to make this a proper event inside of the press room of the building.

It hadn't begun yet, but already a few people started to show up, bringing in their equipment and being friendly with everyone there. Hardly anyone would probably show, a sign of the times most likely. And yet, such things must continue on, regardless.

[Jozk Hunari]

The old engineer and noventian citizen was here of course. Politics was a big part of his life and to hear the state of affairs of the city, and planet, was very important, specially after the collapse of the Empire and the 'return' of the illegitimate Republic on Outer Rim territories. Also as an associate member of the local news for GNN, Jozk had to participate on these events in order to have a proper and informed idea of what is becoming of the planet and fellow citizens.

[Tewzada Star'Ti]

For once, Tewzada didn't feel like the main reporter here for the network. While it was true that Jozk wasn't really a reporter like she was, she had a feeling that he had more questions and concerns to be addressed by the local authorities here. So really, she was just here as backup, with her recording equipment and such. Not that she had the camera droid with (video was rarely very exciting at these sorts of things), but a simple audio recorder would be fine.

[Sailee]

Sailee stood near the rest of the crew, looking big and imposing, as is her job. No big ol' gun today; for some reason they frowned on bringing those to political speeches. Go figure. Still, she could go claws out if she had to, and scare away casual troublemakers without that much. And she could be bored out of her goddamn mind.

Still, she remained vigilant. It's what she was paid for. That, and she took the opportunity to pull out a file and sharpen her claws.

[Flession]

As others began to trickle in, a Bothian woman comes to the stage. After settling down her datapad, she looked over at her notes and after several moments looked up to everyone who has arrived in the room. She seemed calm and astute about everything, seemingly calm and collective about the task ahead of her.



"Good afternoon everyone. In a few moments, our governor will be here to give his quarterly State of the City address. After which, he will be open for a few questions, time permitting. After which, the Mayor Bricmars will come up here and answer any further questions you may have. Please feel free to grab a caf from the back table as we finish our preparation. Thank you." She nods, leaving the datapad on the mantle and walks off the stage without further delay.

[Jozk Hunari]

"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.

[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."

[Ender]

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?"

[Sharn]

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

[Yara Suhr]

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!]. So that's who they sent. She doesn't know the Sullustan woman at the front of the room, but that's no particular surprise. She does know the type, and observes the individual variations with interest, noting how warmly Deltiss seems to speak of Erun and the Republic more generally. Good sign. I think.

[Sharn]

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

[Ender]

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

[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.

[Jozk Hunari]

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."

'' 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.

[Yara Suhr]

An idle scan of the crowd to see who might have come with questions turns into a sharper look at the first speaker. Got something you should share with the class, have you? 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.

[Ender]

"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 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."

[Sharn]

"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.

[Ender]

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."

[Jozk Hunari]

'' 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.''

[Sharn]

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.