[Day 2 - MA] Pass the Spasparugus, Please (Closed)

[Col. Hala Moraal]

"I'm not sure what the luncheon's purpose is actually supposed to be Ms. Tssilla," Hala admitted with a smile and a shrug that was slightly stiffer in her right shoulder, "But absent any formal agenda then yes, I did want to learn more about those who I do not know and hopefully leave a positive impression in kind. I had a few productive conversations with some of your fellows yesterday and, given the opportunity and without specific business to come to then I didn't see why I couldn't mingle the business of the politics with my curiousity for the unknown."

She lifted one black gloved hand and wiped her mouth with a napkin before replacing it in her lap.

"Let's assume, for simplicity, that the only thing I knew about the Foreign Office came from a briefing I received yesterday and that they read it from such a naively simplistic piece of unhelpful propaganda. What is the story you tell yourself about how you make the galaxy a better place? How do you see yourself? I think it's fair to say we are each outclassed by the rest of our company, no? Two senators of the Galactic Congress, a Sith lord, and a Darth? Even more, with the increased Jedi presence in the system for the peace talks... it can be a little dizzying, no?"

[Yslane Tssilla]

"I'd imagine we share much of the same duties with key differences," Yslane looked up now, "the vital support to these austere leads on the Galactic Stage. For every star actor, there are a small army of people who ensure success but are never seen." She takes a sip of the wine, "The Foreign Office is...well about understanding, we are the backbone that the Republic uses for peaceful communication for those nations not a part of it...most of our tasks is trying to smooth over any cultural misunderstandings before they become larger issues."

"Unfortunately we haven't had enough peaceful contact with the Empire, so our usual role is severely hampered."

[Col. Hala Moraal]

"Have you ever given thought to what the Galaxy might look like if you were no longer needed Ms. Tssilla? For me, it would mean there was no more conflict.... for you I imagine it would be much the same. No foreign office would mean there was a united galaxy, combined under a single banner in common cause. Wouldn't that be a future worth working for?" Hala mused softly.

[Yslane Tssilla]

"Not all wish to live under a single banner Colonel," She replied, "Nor does the existence of those who do not wish to be united to your cause mean that conflict is inevitable. A galaxy you describe is one in which the diversity and ideals of the many have been forced into compliance with the ideals of the few."

"What happens to the voices of dissent under your single banner Colonel? Are they listened to? Their concerns considered? Or are the pushed back into line, told to lock step with those beside them or face the consequences?"

[Col. Hala Moraal]

"It is only a dream Ms. Tssilla, one I am well aware will never come to be in my lifetime. As to your concerns, at least with in the Republic, my understanding is that the voices of the dissenting are heard if parliamentary procedure indulges them and an immediate vote to cloture is not simply called for, and then the law is determined by majority or a coalition of pluralities and then that law is enforced upon the governed populous with all that implies. And in extreme cases, I wouldn't be surprised if force been required to be brought to bear. Depending on the threat, the Jedi might even be asked to intervene.

"But to answer your question, of course they are listened to. We all have already agreed that we at least listen to advisors and factor in their assessments before we proceed with what we feel is the right and proper course of action, so I think there is less difference between us than your line of questioning implies, isn't there?"

[Sylvain Torsin]

Sylvain sipped on his wine and picked at the delicious appetizers while offering affirmative nods and smiles to both Hala and Yslane as they spoke.

"These are quite good; don't let them get too cold." He said to Yslane and Hala when there was a temporary break.

[Herresh Seir’oto]

Senator Seir'oto stayed out of the conversation for the time being. It appeared he thought it proper to let the two debate. Instead, he picked out the appetizers he fancied most and listened.

[Yslane Tssilla]

"Which you describe is the nature of politics. It is impossible to satisfy everyone. Someone always gives up something." Yslane countered, "The question is who and how much. I know the Republic's answer: give the most the best you can with out trampling on the rights of the minority. I'd be interested in hearing the Empire's solution to the same problem."

She shakes her head, "You confuse full dissent with your vision and the minor dissent of an advisor to the advised. It is the duty of an advisor to provide a contradicting view point so the best course of action can be determined."

"I am talking about people who refuse to conform to your vision. Because they fundamentally disagree with it and desire to walk a different path."

She flushes red in embarrassment after Torsin speaks, "It seems Colonel the stagehands are taking center stage. Perhaps we should concede the floor to the main actors for the time being..." Her hand takes up one of the snacks.

[Adrianaa Morindel]

Adrianaa looks to the two Sith and then the other Senator.

"I do not think any of us mind letting you discuss things, do we gentlemen?. It is interesting to hear your thoughts. I can see valid points in both of your stances. And many things I disagree with as well."

[Herresh Seir’oto]

"I find it invaluable to allow them to proceed. If we cannot have a discourse at a luncheon, then how will we negotiate at all?"

[Sylvain Torsin]

Sylvain chuckled, "It was not my intent to silence the discussion. I just didn't want the two of them to miss out on account of our entertainment."

He then looked to Yslane, "I don't consider anyone in this room to be a side character. There are two leads, and then there are those who are here to help them. Your and Col. Moraal's insights are not only desired, but they will be necessary in the days to come. Don't be so quick to defer to others when your skills are what are needed."

[Darth Xevious]

Darth Xevious laughs lightly, "I enjoy a spirited debate that serves a purpose."

[Col. Hala Moraal]

"Of course my lord," Hala said, bowing her head to the Darth before returning her gaze to Yslane.

"Perhaps we are out of scope now, but I would be glad to schedule time to continue this conversation in the coming days if you would like Ms. Tssilla?" she offered.

[Yslane Tssilla]

Yslane nods to Xevious, "My apologies." Then she looks back to Moraal, "Of course, I would be happy to continue this conversation at a later date."

[Darth Xevious]

Yslane nods to Xevious, "My apologies." Then she looks back to Moraal, "Of course, I would be happy to continue this conversation at a later date."

Xevious says with a smile, "You have nothing to apologize for, this is just a friendly luncheon."

"Do you think I am being unfriendly?"

[Adrianaa Morindel]

Adrianaa takes a bite of the food and another sip of her drink.

"I personally find sharing a meal with people one of the most friendly things you can do. Especially one as nice as this is shaping up to be."

She says quietly to no one in particular and then looks to Yslane for her answer to the Darth.

[Yslane Tssilla]

"Ah...no Darth Xevious," She manages a nervous smile back, "As you may well have inferred from my age I am rather new at all this, certainly I have never spoken to so senior a Foreign Official before. I am perhaps to concerned with causing offense...to the point of possibly offending yourself, it was not my intention to imply any sort of unfriendly behavior from yourself, or your associates. If I did so then it was my own inexperience that is to blame."

[Sylvain Torsin]

Sylvain chuckled, "That apology could have been 50 words shorter my dear."

He smiled and continued, "We do give off an ominous vibe I suppose; it's often intentional in fact. Black is not the most friendly color, nor are we as readily charming as the senator and Lady Tssilla."

[Darth Xevious]

"My dear, you have nothing to fear from me at all. I should also tell you that as a Sith, I trade in lies and deceit. How would you approach a Sith knowing these two qualities," Xevious offers.

[Yslane Tssilla]

"One judges information in context." She places her hands on the table, pressing them down, "Lies are worthless if that is all one gives. A liar who speaks only lies fools a man once and never again. I man who truly wishes to deceive does so by withholding parts of the truth, stripping out context and reinforcing his ah... 'marks' bias. So I would have to think not so much on how true something you tell me is...but what is your intention in telling me it in the way you did. That is....what are you trying to get me to do." Her eyes flick to the Senators and then the other two Imperials.

[Adrianaa Morindel]

Adrianaa looks to her own black and gold robes.

"Now, I wouldn't say all black is uninviting. Sometimes it can be quite warm when accented right. Or even sexy."

She winks and then listens as the Darth and Yslane speak again.

"Yslane has an excellent point. Knowing someone is lying is a worthless piece of information however. Knowing WHY they are lying is the key."

[Sylvain Torsin]

Sylvain just smiled as he began to eat his meal as it arrived.

"So is the end that interests you in the lie? So, if we lie to you for peace's sake then we can hope that you'll ultimately forgive us?" He chuckled and pulled up an eating utensil to begin working at his meal.

[Dapper Dog]

The Darth listens and then begins to eat his meal and says, "So what is the Republic prepared to sacrifice in the name of Peace?"

[Herresh Seir’oto]

"In all due respect Dark Lord, I believe 'sacrifice' is not suiting to true peace. As for what we shall offer as part of the negotiations, the specific terms of such are why we are here." The Senator looked down to his food and then back to Xevious. "I am sure the commanders will decide which government currently contested planets will go to. I am also under the impression that POWs shall be handed over."

[Yslane Tssilla]

"I meant more I can try to extract what was missing from what your deception was trying to accomplish." She flushed again, wondering how her superiors handled these searching questions with such calm composure. Any further comment was cut short by the Darth and Senator's opening volleys.