Hitting the Campaign Trail!

[T]

For all of you who posted your intention to run for the role of Supreme Chancellor, use this thread to post your slogan, issues you're going to address and so forth, ya know, run for the office! This will help voters decide on who they want!


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[Gemini]

Gemini Sith walks up to the podium, looking over the massive crowd that has gathered. She clears her throat, standing almost ominously as the age of the galaxy seems to weigh on her shoulders, apparent that she has seen much, dealt successfully and unsuccessfully with many issues and has been an overseer of the galaxy for many millenia.

The wind brushes her blue highlighted hair over her shoulders, her powerful gaze unbreakable. Her lightsaber hangs at her side, in view of everyone for she will not hide that she is a Jedi Master.

After the crowd dies down in their roar of voices she clears her throat again and begins to speak.

"These times are not unfamiliar to me. The events we have experienced recently is not something I have not seen before, nor is something I take lightly. Some of you know me personally, some by name. A great number of you have travelled a great distance to see me, to hear me and to be heard. I represent all of you, not just the Outer Rim Territories. What has come to pass is not just a concern for the outer rim but the entire galaxy" she puts extreme emphasis on the word 'entire'.

"It has touched us here.. the darkness that is building in the galaxy... in devastating ways. Many of you are aware of what transpired here, and what it has done to our community. The time is now, and it is imperitive that we find a new Chancellor. One that will respect your needs, hear your voices, and protect you by doing whatever it is necessary in order to ensure the continuance of all the peoples on all planets throughout the galaxy." she pauses for a moment, looking out over the crowd her hands steady, clasped behind her back.

"Many of you are aware that I am a Jedi Master. That I have been through the training and have survived many battles. Many of you are also aware that I have been a Senator for a very long time and have been very active in my pursuit for peace. I know that peace right now seems unattainable, even after such a long stretch of it. Or that it seems fleeting, shortlived, a false hope that will only be crushed in years to come. The important factor that we must all come to agree with is that we need to become united." she pauses again, looking over each and every person in the crowd. Of each species, of each race.

"I say we, for I mean us all. Not just us Senators, not just the Jedi, but you as well. Peace can only be achieved when every member of a society comes together to strive for it. Negativity and dark thoughts, doubt and instability will not bring us what we need and it is this I stress that we need, not just want, to achieve. Unity. And it is with this thought in mind, that I bring forth to you what I will, not just plan to, achieve if you elect me as Grand Chancellor."

"I will strive to eliminate the dark force that has begun to gather at the edges of our galaxy. I will strive to ensure that each and every planet has it's voice heard. I will strive for safer trade routes and for harsher penalties on pirates and Nar Shaddan's that choose to cause each and every one of us grief. I will work every waking moment for I need little rest especially in my pursuit to make all things right again. If you elect me, I will ensure the light will shine over the darkness and peace will return to all of us once more."

And as with all good Politicians, with those words washing over the crowd and the buzzing that ensues therafter, Gemini gives a short bow and leaves the podium to a chorus of cheers. Of course, one of her plans was one she chose not to express as it was a matter to be discussed with the temple and with the Senate and only if she were to be elected would she raise this particular intention.

[Random Senator]

*A random senator pipes up after Gemini makes her speech* Look at her lightsaber! She is obviously a member of the Jedi Order. Who have been known to use their sorcery to influence others. Tell me fellow senators. Would you have this mind reader dabbling in the affairs of your home? Should we elect this Jedi as our Supreme Chancellor, we shall lose all hope of making decisions for our homes. Instead...she will do it for us. And then we will lose all sense of democracy. *he then slams a hand down into his palm* To entertain a Jedi as a leader is ludicrous. Should this happen, you may expect many systems, such as my own, to withdraw from this Senate. One can only imagine what would happen should this possible leader go the way of evil.. I'm sure we all remember Darth Tormentus.... I rest my case... *the random senator then nods and sits down while thunderous applause can be heard coming from those already opposed to Gemini, and those that agreed with him*

[etoknebb]

*Images of various recent and distant tarrorist attacks, wartime image captures and similar instances would appear on the viewscreens lining the top of the senate chamber randomly before slowly fading away and the next appeared*

"Hello my fellow citizens of the Republic... Many of you know me. Many of you still do not. I have spent my life and my career seeking to help and guide the people I represent to reach their greatest potential. The planet of Rori can attest to my help in establishing laws and regulations that protect both space-faring traffic and commerce between worlds. Governmental record will support me when I tell you I have spearheaded relief efforts to worlds afflicted with sicknesses and recession. I have aided the efforts to secure this galaxy as a whole against both civil and military tyrany.... and now I call upon you all to help me do more.

Some would have you believe that we need a general to lead us.... but what of the civil aspects of life?
Some would have you believe that we need a corporate leader.... but what of the issues that go unregarded as they line their own pockets?
And even the Jedi...
They would have you believe that they are the saviors of us all...
They would have you believe that they are our only hope at lasting peace...
But they would also have you FORGET that they are the cause of the pain and fear gripping us all.

When so many of the evils trying to grip this galaxy by the throat have origins in their very ranks, who are they to set example for us?

No my fellow citizens... the answers will not be found in the leadership of warmongers or entrepeneurs or the sorcerers that wield their unnatural powers over us as though we were their childhood toys. The real answers.... the lasting answers... will come from the decisions and actions of this Republic's true backbone. They will come from the dedicated, sincere citizens like you and I.

I am E'tok Nebb, and I'm running for office as your Supreme Chancellor!"

*some would cheer, some simply conversing between themselves, but the energy of his words would still be radiating through the chamber moments after he had taken his seat again.*

[Senator Naples]

* As the crowd cheers another senator stands up and lifts his hand to signal for the crowd to silence* Ladies and gentlemen. We have seen in times past what has happened when a Jedi takes power. Have not the recent Sith wars taught us anything? Did we not just cast down a follower of this ancient cult? I say we move to vote for justice and order. Not from those who use powers unnatural, powers which could be used against us without us knowing. Let our leader be one of us, from among us, part of us. Let us represent ourselves! I move that we vote. I nominate Senator Etok Nebb for the chair of Supreme Chancellor. Let us cast our lots now! * A cheer from among the crowd followed by whispered, hushed voices and much debating. Lifting his hand once more for silence he waits for the voices to quiet* Ladies and gentlemen, for all our sakes, the lives of our children and beloved planets, let us make the right choice and trust in the values of humanity instead of the magical forces of those with a history of corruption. I thank you all. * Taking a seat he smiles to himself looking towards Gemini's booth. A glance towards the debating senators then he waits*

[Gemini]

Gemini slowly clears her throat, and stands as the council chamber comes to a low hush.

"I applaud all of you on your speeches. I applaud all of you for creating a focus on one matter that I specifically spoke on and which you have all successfully latched onto." she looks from one senator to another.

"And that matter is fear"

a rabble goes through the chamber for a moment before she raises both hands to command attention.

"You fear the Jedi merely due to our connection to the force. To the living drive that fills each and every one of you in this room. To the life that you breathe and the essence that you hold. You speak of fear of the Sith and in doing so only corrupt yourselves to fear which compounds the issue even more. If it only be your own short sightedness that is a cause of this fear then I forgive you" she speaks calmly, cooly and without malice.

"For you see my dear collegues, your fear only gives the Sith strength. Your fear of your guardians who risk their own lives each and every day for you, who come to you to aide you in your darkest moments, who answer your calls and who are the first you plea to in order to gain help and wisdom and trust... gives the Sith all the strength they need to destroy you from the inside out. Your focus on our abilities, and not on how we as Jedi have aided you for centuries, which drives you to fear a Jedi leader results in despair, fear and hatred. Resulting in you fueling the very thing you fear the most."

She continues to look through the crowd of stiff faces, of cross attitudes and krass ideas.

"You seem to forget, that there has yet to be a Jedi leader for this Senate and that it has been due to the lack of information of your current leaders that events such as the bombing of this senate and the murder of hundreds of collegues, friends and families has been allowed to continue." she smirks lightly, folding her hands behind her back.

"I suppose my position forces me to understand this madness that you all cry. I suppose that I am to understand the selfishness, and the greed that possesses each and every one of you when you contact one of the Order to aide you in your crises'. Have you forgotten that it has been Jedi that have stood by you in every time of need? That it was ONE sole Jedi that destroyed the Sith that invaded Courscant and almost lost his life so that you could sit here and debate something as trivial as this? Have you all forgotten that even though there have been wars amongst the Sith that there have been wars equally as horrendous on each and every single planet who has a representative here?" she lets each question hang in the air as she looks over every face.

"Have you also forgotten that we too as Jedi have felt the anguish and sorrow that you have felt? Have lost children, families, comrades and friends to the wars we have helped you fight?" she watches every face as she speaks.

"I guess so." she simply says after letting the last question hang in the air.

"So if you are truely so concerned of a Jedi leader that it drives you to fear, hatred, slander and using it as a way to promote yourself... then I suppose it is my job as an ultimately understanding being... to forgive you. Just know, that if you continue on this path you will fuel the Sith in your fear and ignorance and you will not have a leader who has the strength of the light, patience, and good on her side in order to make each and every one of your lives a better one to live. Would it not be better to have a leader that is intimately aware of something only you know surfacely? Or would you prefer to allow this corruption to continue? I leave it to you senators, choose wisely. For the decision you make on who you vote for now could be a dire one."

With that she gives a light bow and sits awaiting the results.

[etoknebb]

*at the crowds first murmurs of audible response he would quickly cut into the air again. His own words echoing through the chamber's audio relays*

But isn't it a bit arrogant to assume that you alone are insightful enough to lead this Republic, Senator.... when, infact, the very sectors you represent are the ones most strife with lawlessness?

*offering a wry smile as his gaze drifts over the room*
You're telling us that we need Jedi leaders to <i>guide</i> us out of this conflict with the Sith, but isn't it true that the very existance of them is derrived from your own self righteous organization? ... Isn't it true that the death toll of our very own hard working and dedicated Republic soldiers far outweighs that of the Jedi?

*concern brushes across his features as his image is seen on the various screens of the room* When you speak of the Jedi being better informed than the government it is claiming to care for and protect.... How can we not ask ourselves just <i>WHY</i> this essential information is not being passed on to the Republic Forces? Do the Jedi want us completely dependent on them?

*shaking his head a bit* I cannot speak for the other members of this assembly, but I also cannot believe that our only hope is to surrender ourselves over to a Force user simply because they've made a list of how superior they are to the rest of us.... how enlightened they are in comparison to the ignorance of the rest of us.... or how the critical information.... that could have already saved countless lives, had it been shared... would be ours if only we surrender our great Republic to rule by yourself, and vicariously, a religious cult.

Perhaps you have no faith left in the countless <i>ordinary</i> citizens of this Republic, Senator, and feel that we must leave it to the few and priviledged.... but I have not given up all hope... nor should anyone else in this assembly. This Republic will endure and *the words worked in quite effectively* I run for this office to see just that. A Republic led by a representative of it's own people chosen because of their merit, not chosen because they cast a dark cloud of us so they can warn us of rain!

*lightly pounds his fist against his podium in a gesture of energetic sincerity as the last sentence ends, leaving the silence that follows to be filled by equally energetic applause, disdain and/or simply loud murmuring*

[Senator Naples]

Ladies and gentlemen, she has not yet even been nominated for a vote and already she is "forgiving us for short sightedness"? She accuses of us fear when we show concern? Correct me if I am wrong but, is fear forbidden to us or only the Jedi? * His eyes scanning the crowd as he speaks. When all eyes are on him and the room is more or less quiet he continues* Fear is just another part of life. Do we fear the odd powers of the Jedi? That which as Senator Gemini stated "is a part of us all'? Anger, rage, malice, destruction... Is this not a part of us all also? It is fear that gives us control. Law exist to hold people in check from fear of punishment. Do we all not fear for our children? Protect them because we fear the dangers they may fall into? The Jedi fail time and time again because of being hypocrites. They claim not to give in to fear yet they are afraid of the so called "darkside". Fear isn't the issue or being short sighted. Every man and woman here knows the life and history of this great patriot E'tok Nebb. We have watched him grow up in the world of politics and while others have fallen short he has stayed the course. Is there a man or woman here that can recall a single violation of the law on this man's part? * As his eyes sweep the crowd he pauses taking a drink of water while letting his words sink in as the men and women gathered look from one to another in silence*

* He clears his throat then smiling looking over the crowd* As I thought. No one can recall one act of lawlessness from this man. Only charity, service and the greater good in mind for all of us and our children. Now what of the Jedi? All of us have just heard the troubled history of that Order. True the Jedi are our allies, the Sith our enemy but do not all Sith come from the Order? As Senator E'tok Nebb pointed out we can not let ourselves depend on them alone. They serve the Republic not run it, which has been said by them many times. Well then let them hold to their own words. The Republic will lead the Republic. Let us hold to our own council as a Republic of many! All of our voices speaking for reason and law. * Now a gesture towards Gemini* Let the wise be wise and keep their secrets and speak their philosophy. Brothers and Sisters, fellow Senators, mothers, fathers, patriots... Let us trust to the council of the many instead of the few "enlightened". * Smiling at the crowd as they cheer and clap. Once the applause dies down he looks at each in the room and nods. Now he turns his eyes towards Gemini* If I seem out of place, Senator well please "forgive me"* The sarcasm in his voice, eyes and smile holding firm all the way* I am just a simple, ignorant non Jedi after all. * A laugh erupts from the crowd before he takes his seat once more*

[T]

News flash, you must be a registered Senator to be able to speak about these views. So if you're not registered, you're posts are invalid.


T

[Jjerica Odai]

*As the debates wear on as do the Senator's that throw themselves to the center beseeching nominations her own floating stand would make its way forward in the midst of a lull. It was no suprise to those of the Senate that she had planned to run for it had been made clear as to avoid undo rumors. J'jerica was an Umbarian, a pale and gaunt human with hazy white eyes and was long of limb. She lacked hair that the humans and many humanoid had and the only color she had resided about her eyes and in the dull blue of her lips. She was not beautiful in the traditional manner but her swept back features were not unpleasant. Once she was in the center the voices only dimmed a bit and she gave a tired smile and nod of her head.*

"I know it has been many long hours of speeches, debates and promises but if you will but give me your attention for a few minutes then I to will make a promise, that it will be brief and to the point."

*As the vast chamber stilled a bit she gave another soft smile before continuing, she did play the part of surveying the various senators when she spoke, making eye contact when it was possible and she held herself with a dignity but a hint of wear showed in her posture.*

"I am Senator J'jerica Odai of this planet, Coruscant. I present myself for the position of Supreme Chancellor. I have written and thrown out so many speeches for this event but I come unprepared today. I have mentored under the last Senator of Coruscant for many years, meeting in that time many of the great beings that we have recently lost. I can not begin to say how I could measure up and try to fill their shoes but here I am already trying to live up to the expectations of my own mentor who was the world to me."

*She made a simple gesture to the small stand that drifted through the air, only pausing for a moment before pressing onward.*

"I only attempt to do my best and I will continue to do so to the best of my ability no matter what transpires. In this I can say that I have the experience of many years within the Senate and have tempered myself with in it. I have the benefit of being a "safe choice" as I will not be overly hestiant with my power nor feel the need to prove myself with unnecessary action which are both trends we have come to see recently. So what is left of this is you knowing my views and how I presume to tackle our current struggles. As far as my views on regulating the individual systems more closely I stand on the side of the Libertarian which so long as it doesn't effect the rest of the Galaxy we must trust to each other to tend to their own. Of course with the standard exemptions that are to be brought forward, you know the system though so there is no need to continue along that train. On that same topic though I am working on a defense plan that will be offered to all within the Republic that will allow us a broader defense that despite the inital cost will not cause escalation of the war of arms."

*The ripple of murmer came at open mention of prices to be paid but she quickly laughed at the noise and raised her hands for silence.*

"Please, I know.. the cost, but in war the cost of a good defense can save us the pain of an attack such as the one witnessed here which no amount of money can pay for. This topic I have mentioned to many of you already but now I speak to all of you. What had started at rumors and now we know are attacks by force users are on the minds of many, including myself. We can and must set up defenses against this threat before it can proceed futher."

*She seemed about to go on another impassioned speech before she just sighed and let it pass.*

"On the issues of the civil war on Trandash IV I say that we should allow them to handle their desputes rather then continuing to sink out resources into that planet in favor of one side or the other, at most offer refugee status that want out of it. In regards to the sector fleet Trident I believe that rather then continuing its maintance it is time to gradually cycle in new ships and scrap the old. On issues Zire, Vera A1 and A40 I say yes, enforce the policies. But with Vera in all the cost of living issues I don't approve. If you need more detailed information I just recently updated my data entries in the Senate's systems."

*Paused, took a deep breath of air and then finally just smiled.*

"I hope I managed to keep it brief. Thank you all who listened to my words. Good luck to all in the running."

*Without anything futher she would allow her small vessel to glide away from the center and once again take its place along the walls, bowing her head gratefully to the occasional inidivual who showed support.*

[Senator Sebastion Myrtor]

After listening to the words of several of the senators within the Senate hall, Sebastion quietly raises his hand. Though he has very little in the way of the name and his position of power was only given to him after the death of his predecessor following the force destruction that killed a large portion of the senate, he seems to carry himself with a sense of confidence and control. His senate pod lifts slowly from its position as the senate calms itself to hear his words.

“Senators, spectators, ladies and gentlemen.. A moment of your time if you would be so kind. Many of you do not know who I am and so I feel compelled to introduce myself. Senator Sebastion Myrtor representing Denon before the Senate of the Grand Republic.”

his voice carried on the various speakers throughout the Senator, his smooth voice washing over people like a cool breeze. He was young, probably in his early thirties and he showed a hint of youthful pride in his eyes. He wore modest cloths for a senator, a simple suit and robe with his hair combed back. As he spoke the Senator hushed, though many were unsure of this man they were at least interested in what he had to say.

“It has been said by Senator Gemini that we are to praise the Jedi for what they have done for us in the past. Far be it for me to counter act the good senator’s words however I think it is a gross overstatement to call this body reliant on the JedI for all of our problems. I also feel the need to point out that I, myself, have never asked a JedI to assist me with anything. I have met many JedI and I would only call two of them truly good people. The others I hazard to reveal are dangerous and arrogant to the point of ignorance. That is not to say the majority are that way or that we should be ungrateful for what they have done for us as a Galaxy, for they have done a great deal… but to use that as a weapon against us, surely Senator Gemini does not seek to guilt this body into making a decision on the sacrifices of other men and women. For the JedI are not the ONLY people in this Galaxy to Sacrifice for this Republic.”

Sebastion quirks his eyebrow as the hover pod slowly circles the senate hall, carefully moving in a pattern that allows all to see him as he speaks. He raises on hand up, pointing toward the ceiling as he makes a puzzled expression, his voice never leaving the smooth, calming tone.

“Senator Gemini surely would never use the deaths of countless people to enforce her beliefs on us would she? She wouldn’t count on the life of the JedI who repelled the dark force user to gain her votes.. Would she? She wouldn’t call the voting body callous, malicious, unintelligent cowards because we question putting her in a position of Power.. Would she? I have faith.. That she would not.”

As he finishes that last sentence he makes sure to pass close to Gemini’s pod shooting her an questioning look before tapping his fingers on the railing. The intent was to draw attention to her methodology when dealing with the senator as well as discredit her argument. Though there were only a few hushed whispers Sebastion felt the point was made for now. The pod rose once again to circle the center of the Senate hall.

“The Galaxy is a large place. The core worlds, the mid rim, the outer rim and beyond. We have allies and enemies, this is an absolute truth. The force wielding populace, according to the last available data points to potentially less then 3 percent of the known galaxy as being Force Potential.. And that is a very generous estimation. Historically speaking the majority of these people do not under go training, simply left to their own devices, many completely unaware they have any special talent. And then there are those whom the JedI find. Of these an even smaller number are apparently allowed to learn an even greater understanding of the Force.. Powers the likes of which we can only fantasize about. The ability to move boulders, deflect laser bolts, move at incredible speaks.. Kill with a thought?..”

Sebastion pauses as he as the last bit more in the form of an open ended question. He nods slowly as the Senate comes alive with whispers. They are quickly put to rest as the ruling authority calls for order within the chamber as Sebastion raises his hands again as if asking for calm.

“Indeed the powers of the Force are vast as was demonstrated by the attack on the Senate however it is a nearly undeniable truth that someone must be taught the ways of power in order to use it.. So then, who trains these people?.. I can think of one organization that finds those with Force Potential.. Teaches them in the ways of the Force. Shows them how to produce weapons known as so called Light Sabers. Trains them how to use said weapons to vast effectiveness. And helps them to explore their own.. Potential. Only one organization that I know of that has its own personal army of extremely dangerous and lethal killers ready to strike whenever it seems important. Now.. I am not pointing fingers but.. I believe the only public organization that does that is the JedI…”

As soon as Sebastion finish’s his sentence the entire Senate erupts into yells and jeers, some in favor of Sebastion, some against him. However the Senator does not seem in the least bit fazed as he simply smiles a white toothed smile and allows the fighting to echo throughout the hall until order is brought back to the senate. It takes a few minutes but in time the commotion dies down and Sebastion is allowed to continue.

“Senators.. Let me be frank. We need a leader for this Senate that is powerful, willful and capable of keeping us on a course of strength, not weakness. Of authority, not fear. A single force user walked into the Senate, unabated, and murdered our friends, or colleagues or predecessors. A Sith, rumor has it, that was Trained by the very JedI Order that claimed to protect us. And charming, how fate would have it, that a JedI would then move to take the position of power from those whom she does not even have the ability to properly represent. I do not present these thoughts to you as an Attack on Gemini, I present them as a means to bring us back to sanity. Back to a path that will lead the Republic on a path where in we are not reliant on the JedI to help us make decisions. On a path where we do not have to worry about the back flow created by poor teaching and a laughable self regulation program has churned out Sith after Sith that the Jedi Order has to offer.”

Sebastian’s voice raises as he speaks, a fire gathering behind his words designed to incite strong emotion and favor in the listeners. The senate beings to buzz lowly, not sure exactly how to take this new senator with his first ever senate wide speech being so.. Strongly worded.

“There will be rebukes, I am sure, explanations and mud slinging. I, personally, do not care. Let it begin because I have faith that his body understands that authority can not be given to someone who does not even distinctly recognize where she represents. The so called Outer Rim? Does she already fancy herself a large enough power to steal representation from planets under her own name? Oh, perhaps they rallied behind her? Sure.. How wonderful that their voices are so far away that they can not be properly heard. Or perhaps she can procure some locals who would kindly tell the tail of the great senator Gemini. Put an end to this mad power play.. I have put my name into the Senate for the position of Supreme Chancellor though I do not expect this body to elect me.. I beg that it is sensible enough not to elect such an obvious danger that is Gemini to its position. JedI control has never been allowed in the past because the insanity of it is self evident. Religious control over a sovereign body is unforgivable.”

He spokes for a moment, clearing his throat, running on hand over his hair to smooth it out while the other straightens his robes slightly, which have been knocked out of place. He looked back up at the senate nodding his head slowly.

“I know this body is strong. I know we will be stronger then ever before.. We must move forward toward freedom, not backward toward oppression. If you have no desire to vote for me.. Perhaps Senator J’jerica, who’s plan I support whole hearted. I believe she can be a strong and effective leader and her practical approach to situations shows a greater understanding of the problems. With greater understanding comes a greater ability to handle them. I believe she will bring unity where as Gemini will only bring separation. We need a path we can all understand at this time, not blind faith gallantly lead by someone who claims the right to lead us based on her ability to use the force and her so called wisdom.”

Finally Sebastion places his hand over his heart nodding to the senate as his pod slowly descends back to his position.

“And so I leave you with this final question.. When the time comes I believe unity is more important then embattling yourself. Under several senators, perhaps me included, you will see this senate turn in on itself. We need someone we can all agree on, not simply a slim majority. We need an authoritarian who looks forward toward the future, toward planning rather then a list of statements about what they have been, or what they represent. We need practical actions not alarmist motivations, nor idealistic naiveté. I will be happy to discuss the plans I have with any one who asks but for now I believe my time is up. Thank you for your time, noble senators and honorable listeners.”

With that his pod re-docks with its holding plate form as he is met with mixed applause.