"Nothing is forgotten. You should remember that, Commissar," says Ardonel, as her parting shot.
---
Next up is Senator Sartorus, of Hadrumel, a core industrial world.
Sartorus is middle-aged and an old hand; an influential man, certainly, both from personal acumen and from representing a world rich in minerals and industry. Not only did his world escape the Clone Wars, it made a fortune out of it in industrial contracts and continues to supply the Empire with materials to this day.
Sartorus plays his role as a Senator seriously. This Commission is the latest in a long line of increasingly important Senatorial committees he has sat on.
Sartorus' voting record is on the fence; he is noted neither as troublemaker or sympathiser. He's a consumate politician.
( I am again willing to spend fortune here. Melkor is getting more and desperate. He has to learn something valuable from Senator Sartorus).
I will try to appear respectful:
"I would like to congratulate you on this appointment. It is a great responsibility, as well as opportunity for any respectable Senator, and something well-deserved considering your splendid career. Entire galaxy watches us, as well as His Majesty, to whom this mission is of great importance. He shall take note of all the people involved, and those aiding the Imperial Order shall feel his gratitude.
Your world has always stood on the side of reason, and your actions as a Senator have usually supported this view. The world of Hardonel and its business prospers in the times of peace, and the constant develompent of Imperial military provides opportunities for your industrial and mining business. And I believe things can get even better, as the military is further expanding its industrial base, and I would love to recommend your world and business associates for further contracts if things go well. (OOC: Correct me if I am saying something utterly ridicoulous here, it seems logical that industrial worlds may be interested in military contracts, and there is likely some competition between worlds and corporations. If Melkor knows about some current issues he can influence in the favor of Satronus and his world he will mention it).
World of Lanzar has long suffered from the barbaric and violent ways of its inhabitants. It was always one of the weak links in the Republic, and even the Jedi couldn`t bring lasting peace to Lanzar. While I wish Andran`s efforts to suceed, I have doubt if any single treaty can change the entire society. Will fighting not resume between Drakkon and his enemies when we all leave this world? Osokans need powerful motivation to change their ways, and according to my understanding they are unlikely to take those efforts seriously if not backed by some considerable force. Emperor would like to solve this issue in a way that would ensure that Osokans will never again trouble the Empire and its peace. But Andran wants to present this agreement as his personal triumph, doesn`t he?
Looking down his nose at the Senator, Trebeis replies "I apologise, but just as I follow direct chains of Command, so must you. If you wish-" Stopping, Trebeis twitches his lower face a few times, before picking something from his Teeth. "Ahem, if you wish any Information, I suggest you put your Request into Fleet HQ." Rudely looking around, as if bored, Trebeis finishes "Now, Esteemed Senator. Is there anythign else you wish of me?"
"I already contacted the Commdore, and he passed me onto you," says Andran. "Now, you can either release those logs to me, or under the jurisdiction of the Senate I shall instruct your Commodore to relieve you of your command for obstructing a Senatorial investigation into alleged illegal use of force. You have one hour."
---
"Knowledge should be earned, not given," says Drakkon. "What is your interest in such things, warrior?"
"Thankyou Commissar," says Sartorus. "And may I say it is an honour to speak to a direct representative of the Imperial Executive?
"Your talk of contracts is interesting, but it seems the policy of the regional Governors is to suggest nationalisation of such industries. I understand Union worries are causing certain concerns."
He's on the money there, Melkor. The Emperor's secret project has been delayed far too long by the old corporate structures, and indeed the long term plan is to nationalise all businesses in the entire Empire. Of course, the more a compnay pleases the Emperor- like Sienar Fleet Systems- the more independant it gets, and its a big Empire. But the nationalisation programme is actually one of the core recruiting campaigns for the Alliance- it is causing a lot of upset.
"I think you might be surprised, Commissar, at quite how effective Andran can be. He's built a reputation that his entire career is dependant on. He can bring peace where peace seems impossible. Some struggle will remain, of course, but no more than on many worlds, and indeed in the Empire itself We can leave Drakkon to purge such... Rebels?"
Originally posted by Ushgarak"My interests right now are the safety of my men," Janthis pauses for a moment than continues, "Unlike here where it is every man for himelf where I come from it is my duty and honor to ensure the life of my men no amtter the cost and I understand you possess information that could help me keep anymore of them from dieing and I would ask if you would give it up?"
"Knowledge should be earned, not given," says Drakkon. "What is your interest in such things, warrior?"
Originally posted by Ushgarak"It does test us all it may be an honorable death which we all strive for but it is my duty my honor to do everything in my power to make sure my men have the best chance to survive and that do not die because I failed to do such."
"The Jungle tests us all, and to die there is honourable. You should not fear such an end for your men."
"Well it is a matter of efificiency, corporations need to put the concerns of the Empire before other petty issues. But a single policy cannot be applied to the entire Empire, and perhaps there would be no need for nationalization concerning the industry of your world. I think I could settle this issue with Emperor himself. My mission is of foremost importance to His Majesty, and I have authority to make certain promises and quarantees on his behalf. Perhaps there is some other issue I can be of assistance... People should help each other, especially in politics, it is a matter of mutual satisfaction....."- Commisar gives a sly smile.
"So you see no flaw in Andran`s achievements here? I would agree that he is quite an interesting individual..... and I may know things about him that broaden the perspective... tell me, Senator, do you think Andran would prevail if it came to open struggle between him and Emperor? Not that such situation is quaranteed, of course."
( Nationalization is mostly limited to military industry, right? I don`t see any socialism ideology in Empire, I always associated it more with fascism than communism. In fascism goverment tries to control the important business, but it doesn`t equal nationalization as an ideological principle. Not to mention that diffrent worlds likely have diffent economical systems and it would be insane trying to create single centralized economy on the galactic level. It seems more like Emperor wants to control the big corporations, especially those involved in military industry and research?)
No, the Nationalisation programme is going to wipe out the idea of private enterprise. Even small farms will be targetted.
(If this sounds silly... it is in the script for ANH, and was filmed, and the scene can be seen on the Behind the Magic DVD. Biggs tells Luke that the programme has begun and his Uncle's farm will fall victim. With the Death Star built, the Emperor clearly goes power mad; you know that the ultimate plan is for total control)
"Andran is a loyal member of the Imperial Senate," says Sartorus, "just as he was a loyal member of the Republican Senate. Thge last four Chancellors all fell under heavy criticism from him. He is man who always speaks his mind. A troublemaker in many ways, but it is something he does in the interests of democracy. He has no interest in opposing the Emperor, he just sees the rules as being above all of us. There could be no question of a showdown, and besides which, the Emperor's exectuive powers are the trump card.
"You are worried that Andran resents your presence here. It troubles all of us. We are all here to rperesent our worlds and the bureaucracy that runs the Empire. There has always been... disquiet, abouit the dual system of regional Governors, of which you are a representative. But the Governors cannot handle a situation like on Lanzar. Their power depends on respect, and the Osokans have little. Negotiation is the way, and that is where the Senate can shine, and eventually bring them to a position where they can show respect again, The Jedi may never have dominated them, but they did enforce that respect. You may be surprised at the respect they have for the Empire as a military force; it just needs ot be put in perspective, which is what Andran has done.
"I understand the Emperor's concerns. But the military is not a subtle tool and the arrival of Star Destroyers makes our job difficult and, frankly, none of us like to look like our time is being wasted. And... if I may speak freely, the apperance of Lord Vader is unwelcome. There are many, a great mean,y situations where Lord Vader can bring a swift and just resolution. This does not seem to be one of them. These rumours of his powers, the use of the term 'Darth'... the link with the Sith... these are terms that have powerful historical signifance for many people. It creates... barriers to understanding. Like with my colleague Ardonel."
He points at you.
"Better that the Emperor sends men like you."
Originally posted by barbarossa
Trebeis, Flashing a smile that seems to convey nothing but disrespect, lack of concern and a bit of the Middle Finger, Steps off the Projecting Field.The Captain will have his staff review the Records for anything overtly incriminating.
Ok, there is one thing that is INCREDIBLY incriminating.
And that is that there is almost nothing in the log.
...
Ulrand didn't give a warning.