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Aria raises an eyebrow at Donovan's reply, but says nothing. Both sides have presented their arguments and both sides have made valid points. She is glad that there is debate on the matter and that the Senate is not going to take the issue so lightly. She prays that what is decided truly is for the greater good of the Galaxy.

They claim that there will be no persecution. Fine. I understand the need for security...but the minute defensive measures turn to offensive...then I will have to do something about it.

Aria has to stifle a laugh, both shocked and thankful for the Corellian Senator's courage. She wholeheartedly agrees with what the woman has said and claps her hands in acknowledgement. Behind her, she can feel Ysara's scornful gaze boring into her back but she knows that the older woman will not say a single word more.

Hapes agrees with the Senator of Corellia. We will not make any decision until we have heard from Jedi representatives, she announces to the governing body. Though happy that the issue is under much scrutiny, she knows that taking a stand against any movement to "enslave" the Force-Users will undoubtedly earn her enemies. She will have to be careful from here on in.

Donovan's eyes would have burst into flames, had they been able to. He quickly turned his head away and snorted before turning is angered gaze back towards the Corellian. "You, DARE insult my courage and honor? You, who has never steped foot on a battle feild, or been in the center of a heated battle, dare imply that I am a coward, and a lier. You, who has never seen the glow of a lightsaber cut through your lines, and through your men. Ysalimari or not, they are still dangerous. If you belive you can talk with them, without having to detain them... then by all means, try. But I will not risk my men, and my mind, so that you may ask the Jedi for their side of this story."

Donovan turned his heart stopingly cold gaze to the Hapes senator. "And considering the Hapes is unwilling to commit anything to this goverment besides a senate seat, I do not belive you have the right to ask for the Jedi. Unless the Hapes Consortium wished to commit forces to fine and retrive them... But as I said, force users are to dangerous to apprehend, and way too tricky to find. I wish you good luck in your search"

Donovan steped away from the mic and waited for any last comment. He was clearly furious. If they did show, it would be very simple to stage something to prove his point. But without the military, they would never find them. Unless the Republic branch was willing. He doubted they were.

Aria studies the man fuming before them, seeing his weakness in his defense. The Corellian Senator definitely struck a chord and it seems the leader of the Imperial Branch does not have the hold he thought he had.

Why should I commit Hapes' forces to the will of the Senate if I am unsure of the motives of the Senate? I do not need the Imperial nor the Republic forces to get to the bottom of this. I may commit some of my forces to aid me in tracking down the Jedi to hopefully engage in a diplomatic agreement...but should I do so, it will be on my own.

Aria smiles politely in response, nodding curtly with a "thank you". It seems that there are many that can't be trusted. If Aria acts, then she will have to do so under the scope of the Imperials, if not the Senate. She must appear neutral to protect her people but at the same time, do what she can to help ensure peace and justice within the Galaxy.

Hearing the Corellian Senator's compromise, Aria nods to herself, deciding it is appropriate in this situation. If the Senate agrees to allow the Jedi time to present their case, then Aria will not have to act against the will of the Senate after all. Looking around her at the various platforms and the muttering Senators, she reaches out with her senses to try and get a general idea of the opinions of the other Senators. Yes, she can sense much agreement...but she can also sense much disapproval. The negativity prickles and makes the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

Donovan smirked as a plan formed in his head. It was simple now. "I will do what the senate bids. But only if the vote passes. I will not be commanded by some weak willed Corellian senator."

With that, the hover platform headed back to its holder, and Donovan turned to whisper something in Mel's ear. The game was afoot.

The Chancller rose after the vote was counted. He annouced the vote in a serine voice, almost seeming completly nuetral on the subject. Though he was. "The vote is won in favor of letting the Force Users speak. This session is dismissed... unless any questions need to be voiced?"

When the Senate session is dismissed, Aria lets out a sigh of relief at having finished her first meeting as Senator and turns to step off the platform with her small entourage of guards and councillors. Counsillor Ysara remains quiet as Aria passes but does not do much to hide the scowl on her face.

My Lady, Captain Aya of the Royal Guard stops to speak. The proud woman's violet eyes soften slightly as she looks upon her young Queen. Shall we escort you to your new suite? We have just been informed that it is ready for your arrival. All of your baggages have been safely delivered and unpacked and your suite has been thoroughly searched. It is safe.

Aria nods in acknowledgement and is escorted out of the great rotunda to a waiting private transport that will take her to the diplomats' condos a few blocks over.

Senator Condos

When Aria steps into her condo with her small entourage of guards in tow, she is greeted by a swarm of personal staff, advisors, and security officers. The activity within the living space makes her feel like she's stepped into the headquarters of some big operation.

My Lady, your condo is free of bugs and has been deemed secure, one of the security officers tells her as she heads into the lounge. My Lady, dinner will be served around 6 pm. The chef has asked if you prefer chicken or fish, a dark-haired attendant asks. My Lady, we have brought up all of you belongings and all have been carefully put away, a young woman chimes in, very pleased with herself and hoping for approval from her Mistress. My Lady I have a few requests for meetings with various Senators. Whom would you prefer to speak with first? My Lady, it seems a great number of Imperial Remnant star destroyers have left the system. We are not quite sure where they are headed and what is their mission.

The sudden bombardment of information hits Aria like a brick and she heads for the couch to sit for a moment to try and digest all that she has heard. The swarm follows her and all hover around her, awaiting replies that the young Hapan is not quite prepared to give. Dione, Aria's personal handmaid, emerges from Aria's bedroom frowning and shooes them all back to give the young woman space to breathe.

Come now! the fiery-haired woman scolds. Allow the Lady a moment to breathe. Can she not have a few moments to rest before the swarm of vultures descends?

Aria looks over and smiles appreciatively. It's alright, Dione, she replies and turns to address the people around her. I am pleased the room is secure and I am confident I am well-protected. Thank you, she tells the officer who bows. Turning to the young woman, Aria smiles and nods her head. I am glad everything has been brought up and put away. It makes things a lot easier for me, Thank you. You may tell the chef that I would prefer to have chicken tonight. Yes, My Lady, the dark-haired woman says and curtsies. To her Councillors, she pauses for a moment and Dione recognizes the time to dismiss everyone else. Quietly, she shooes everyone else away while the young Hapan gathers her thoughts.

When the room is clear, Aria beckons for her Councillors to sit.

I trust you will arrage meetings with the Senators. We will meet at their convenience. I ask that you please have a brief prepared that I may be aware of their position, past stances on various issues, and so on and so forth. As for the Imperial Remnant deploying ipart of its fleet, keep and eye out for anythign suspicious. We are not in any position to do anything else at the moment. We must wait for the Jedi to present their case before the Senate. What the Imperial Remnant chooses to do in its spare time is entirely up to them. However, should any alarming information present itself, I trust you will let me know.

Of course, My Lady, comes the reply.

Alright then, Aria nods. I will retire for now. Have a good evening, she replies. Her two advisors rise, bow and then leave the room. Once she and Dione are alone, Aria sighs and sits back in her seat, weary of the day.

Aria, let me prepare you a bath. It will make you feel better. Dione offers with a gentle smile.

The young Senator returns the smile and reaches out to gently squeeze Dione's hand appreciatively. Thank you. When the fiery-haired woman leaves the room to prepare a bath, Aria rises and moves onto the large balcony, looking out at the bustling City. As she watches the fast pace of the City, she realizes it mirrors the life she will live here on Kuat. This is only the beginning, she muses.