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By Root 2392 0

is best suited to navigate the crisis,” Workan said. He could hear the murmuring already and smiled to himself. “We faced such a crisis recently, and it was I who put forth the motion to nominate an outsider, whom I thought would bring a fresh perspective.” He looked around with mock regret. “Unfortunately, I believe that this being, Senator Padnel Ovin of Klatooine, is not the right choice for this time. His connections with the Jedi, and with terrorist activities—I had hoped he would overcome them. But with the recent murder of the acting chief of naval operations, the mourned death of our beloved Senator Fost Bramsin, and the regrettable resignation of veteran Senator Haydnat Treen of Kuat, I believe it is clear that he is not the appropriate leader for such a time. I put forth the motion that we dismiss Senator Ovin and replace him with someone who still brings the freshness of an outside perspective, but who has proven herself a superior, and beloved, leader. I nominate Senator Rokari Kem.”

Some several meters away in her own dais, Roki Kem managed to look both honored and shy. She rose, smiling, projecting the perfect combination of determination and caring.

What a fine little actress she was.

“The chair recognizes the honorable Senator Rokari Kem of Qaras. Senator, your name has been put forward to assume the office of interim Chief of State of the Galactic Alliance. Do you accept this nomination?”

“If it pleases the Senate,” she said, her voice sweet and sincere, “I came to Coruscant to serve. Not just my own people of Qaras, but everyone I can serve. Whatever knowledge, wisdom, and experience I have—if the Senate wishes me to serve in this role, then serve I shall, humbly, gratefully, and as well as I possibly can.”

“May it please the Senate!” came a voice. Workan frowned. It was Luewet Wuul, the Sullustan. He was recognized, and continued speaking. “The Galactic Alliance should not discard one it has elected like a piece of clothing we don’t fancy anymore. Padnel Ovin has only been in office a short while. He’s barely had time to move datapads across his desk, let alone make sweeping changes. I move this motion be struck down.”

“The chair agrees with you, Senator,” said Kaatik, “but legally, the motion has been introduced and must go forward.”

“Then I propose, due to the extraordinary nature of the situation, we make the vote at least four-fifths majority rather than three-quarters.”

“The chair agrees. All in favor of four-fifths majority, cast your votes now.”

Workan gritted his teeth. He had been confident of a three-quarters majority. But there were several empty seats here today. He was not at all certain he could get the votes if it was upped to four-fifths.

But he would have to, or they’d find him dead on the steps of the Jedi Temple. Or worse.

The vote was approved—startlingly quickly. Workan needed more time. He had to notify some of his followers, tell them to come now, vote now, or—

“Permission to address the Senate!” came a deep, gruff voice. A ripple of surprise fluttered through the room. Padnel Ovin himself was present. He was standing next to Wuul on the Sullustan’s hoverdais, his hands on his hips, and he looked like he was ready to tear the throats out of the entire Senate.

“The chair recognizes the interim Chief of State,” said Kaatik.

“Esteemed Senators,” said Padnel, “I have just learned that a motion has been put forth to remove me from my office.”

“The chair reminds the Chief of State that he has no vote in this matter,” said Kaatik, looking uncomfortable.

“This is true,” Padnel continued. “But there is a clause stating that I have the right to address the Senate prior to a vote.”

It was true. He did have that right, but it was a formality. No one ever expected a being in this position to try to influence the Senate. It was considered crude and rather oafish. The acting Chief of State was expected to endure the vote in gracious, stoic silence.

But, Workan reflected, Padnel was crude and rather oafish. And he just might inadvertently have bought Workan enough time to call