Chapter 23
The game of power is a tactical game, some use it by force, others by trickery. Only those who can tread lightly can tread the farthest but without occasional force, one might fall greater than where they once started.
Supreme Chancellor's Office, Galactic Senate Building
As time continues to age and the sun rising to its fullest, the Supreme Chancellor, his Co-Chancellor and the Head Of The Galactic Republic Treasury, sat across from each other, awaiting for their guest's arrival. "Representative Oltegra seems to running late." Chancellor Antilles pointed out, tapping on his desk.
"A grueling campaign schedule, would bring fatigue upon anyone, I am positive that she will arrive soon" Co-Chancellor Pestage replied.
"I've cleared most of my appointments for this meeting, I'm starting to become impatient."
"She will arrive soon, in fact, she is not far from where we are sitting." Damask said simply. After a few minutes pass, the doors shift open as Representative Korina Oltegra Of Corellia walked in, while being escorted by her Nikto aid.
"Chancellor, I apologize for my tardiness, my last campaign event took longer than expected." She explained.
Antilles regained his composure as he said; "No worries, it's expected during such a busy campaign as yours, Representative." He shifted eyes toward her aid; "Before we begin, I ask you too have your aid leave the room"
Korina looked at her companion, Ausko and simply nodded. The Nikto understood the message and walked out the room, leaving the Representative before the small council of political powers before her. "Now, I assume you know why you're here, so I'll just ask you this." He paused; "Why should the Core Faction invest in you?"
Korina kept her head high as she said; "A faction in turmoil, is a faction in need of a leader."
Damask and Pestage exchanged looks, then watched as the Chancellor gave off a peculiar facial expression.
"Hmph." He replied simply, "Do you think you will fit in that role?"
"As a woman, being apart of The Core Faction would make it seem like a never ending cycle of a power struggle between myself and my male counterparts." Korina continued; "But a true democracy is one that is inclusive amongst all and any, which includes the political power dynamic of our own Senate." She paused for a second; "The values of the Core Faction should reflect its people and it's outdated traditional values have proven to that to be the case. Times of chaos such as this should bring about a change in our faction, starting with our leadership."
"Are you confident that you will bring about this change?" The Supreme Chancellor asked.
"Yes but of course, I cannot do it alone, that is why with your support, we can quell any doubts of faliure amongst the Senate and the general public, making us look stronger than ever after the passing of Senator Manmara." Korina explained.
"Do you understand the responsibility behind leading such a faction like this?"
"Your Excellency, I am fully aware on what it takes to become leader of this Faction, Senator Manmara has taught me many things, many of which of that he has not been able bring about before his untimely passing." Korina replied.
"Such as?" The Supreme Chancellor asked curiously.
Korina Oltegra reached into her robe and pulled out a com link as the holographic images began to appear before the members in the room, at a large scale. "More Infrastructure for desolate planets, increased spending on providing better security measures for our citizens. Increased spending on education and job opportunities for the needy and most importantly, implementing a income tax deduction plan. If I were elected for the leadership then I will make sure his vision will be carried out into the future, with your help Chancellor, we can push the Core Faction forward in a more progressive light.
Chancellor Antilles sat for a moment, reflecting on the young woman's speech. He then stood up, walked over to the woman, looking at her, eye to eye as he stretched out his hand. "Very well, Representative, I've decided that I will fully endorse your campaign."
She shook the Chancellor's hand as she said; "I am extremely grateful, Chancellor, I will not disappoint you."
"Good, now my guards will escort you out."
After she shook the hands of the other two individuals in the room. The royal guards brazen with dark blue robes, entered the room and escorted the young woman out of the office. The three politicians sat amongst themselves once more as they discuss the aftermath of their meeting.
"Well, what did you two think? Did I make the right choice?" The Chancellor asked.
"Most certainly, Chancellor." Damask replied, "She seems very ambitious, a trait that indicates a capable leader."
"I don't know, the Faction might not agree with me on this." Antilles said, doubting himself.
"The Core Faction will be against it yes, but in due time they will thank you, for saving them in their time of need." Co-Chancellor Pestage replied.
"You think so?"
"Of course, the public will also see you as a progressive leader in the process." Pestage said, quelling his doubts.
"Hm, maybe your right." Antilles said, rubbing his chin.
As they stay on topic of their brief meeting, The Chancellor's Secretary entered the room, almost frantically, bringing attention to herself by the individuals in the room. "Chancellor, I have some urgent news."
"What is it?" The Supreme Chancellor said with a worried look.
"I think you need to see it for yourself." Assandra said. She then walked over to the Chancellor's desk and programmed a holo-recording onto the office's giant holopad, where it rose from the ground floor and when activated, a tall figure appeared with a protocol droid standing next to it. "Chancellor Bail Antilles..." It began; "If you have received this message, then it means that you have become unaware of your Aide's whereabouts. I have captured him, along with his companions..."
"Suliman?!" The Chancellor gasped.
"If you wish for them to come out unharmed, then you must adhere to my demands. First, I want a grand cargo ship, Second, five million credits in credit format and Lastly, diplomatic immunity from any and all alleged crimes, charged against me."
"This is insanity!" The Chancellor yelled.
"...These demands must be met within 24 hours, or else your Aide dies, along with his companions, and I will also make it a grand spectacle for the citizens of the Republic to show how much of 'leader' you truly are." The holo-recording then dissolved into static as the witnesses in the room are left to a course of action.
"I should've sent in more security!" The Chancellor said; "I can't risk causing a spice war, no-not right now." He said to himself.
"Might I suggest, we don't comply? Surely the Pyke is bluffing to make us cower in fear." Co-Chancellor Pestage said.
"No, the Pykes will start a war if they wanted to, we can't take his threats lightly." Chancellor Antilles replied.
"I can contact the S.B.I to send to a special rescue unit to retrieve them." Assandra suggested.
"No." Damask denied; "He will expect retaliation." The tower-like Muun stood up as he said; "I suggest we wait."
"Chairman, I appreciate your input but if we wait then we might be setting ourselves up for an attack." The Chancellor objected.
"If we send an army, he will expect it." Damask replied; "But if we wait, we leave him in uncertainty."
The Chancellor looked at him, seeing a hint of intensity in the eyes of his appointed treasurer. He felt a cold wind pass through him, as if it was crawling up his spine. "Very Well, I will wait until I can come up with something else."
"Good, May justice be on your side, Chancellor." Damask said as he bowed. The Muun, alongside Pestage walked out the room, pacing there way down the hallway.
--
"Are you sure this is a good idea to wait and see what happens, with this, spice lord?" Pestage asked.
"For them, Certainly." Plagueis said; "For I have other plans."
Naberrie's Cottage, Naboo
"This vile Xi'Dec of a man!"
Naberrie yelled as he watches his holo-vision; "Who does he think he is!"
His wife, hearing the obscenities coming from the living room, peered from the kitchen as she saw her husband pacing back and forth in anger. "Ru? What's going on?"
"This!" Ruwee said as he turned up the volume.
"...Philanthropy? Or fraud? Today on the Galactic News Network, there has been some speculation behind the popular Senate candidate Ruwee Naberrie and his campaign. Many have said that the funds for his events has come into question due to the fact that his donations are kept secret to the public on top of having no major public endorsements to coincide with his seemingly strong campaign." the reporter explained.
"Others have said that the aforementioned candidate has embezzled funds from his charity in order to kickstart his campaign. To find out about the truth of this matter, we came in contact with someone that claimed to have worked with Naberrie and here is what they have to say..."
"What?!"
The screen the shifted to a scene where someone is filmed in a dark room, covering the individual's identity into a silhouette like form. "I worked for Ruwee Naberrie for eight years and I've witnessed some of the shady activities that has gone on during that time..."
"This is slander!" Ruwee yelled.
"I've seen the documents, the expenses have skyrocketed beyond the usual expenses for food and facility costs. I've seen expenses for vacations, non-charitable events and even purchases on a lavish home-" Jobal shut the holoscreen off as she faced her frustrated husband.
"That's enough of that for an afternoon." She said.
"I can't believe this, that he would stoop this low." Ruwee said."That parasite will get what's coming to him!"
Jobal walked over and held her husband by the cheeks as she said; "It's going to be ok, as long as you remain diligent and tell the truth, then nothing is going to stop you."
"But this is on the Galactic News Network! Meaning the entire galaxy will see this!"
"Then find a way to change the narrative, prove them wrong." Jobal said confidently.
"How?!"
"Figure it out." She replied simply
"Oh that's a big help." He said sarcastically.
"It's your campaign, you have to fix it." She said.
"Weren't you the one that suggested I run?"
Jobal crossed her arms; "Are you blaming me for this?"
"No- I mean-" Ruwee sighed, feeling a sense a calmness come over him, took his wife's hands and held them as he said; "Look, I just need your support that's all, I feel like I'm losing my mind."
"You know I will always support you Ru." She said, kissing him on the lips; "I want you to succeed but you need to focus."
"Maybe your right, I should figure this out." Ruwee assured.
"Good." She smiled "Now go find me Padme's juice cup for me please."
"She lost it again?" Ruwee signed.
"More like she hid it somewhere, most likely between the sofa." Jobal assured.
"Time to go couch surfing, again." Ruwee joked.
