Senatum Arbitrium
24 May 2020Tharik Otoli
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GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
MARKHAM TERMINAL
HU JINI
"...and therefore I demand that you revoke his noble titles, declare him a persona non grata throughout the Empire, and assist us in the apprehension of this vile pirate," shouted Governor Rex Bush, leader of Hu Jini Patron's Principles, the current master of Tapinas Station, along with several other stations and starports spread among a handful of systems.
Opposite Governor Bush, in the middle of the functional, yet still very elegant office situated atop the highest tower of Markham Terminal stood the hologram of a dashing patriarch. The man's silver locks were dyed purple and his bright red velvet suit shimmered as the hologram struggled to maintain itself due to the light-years of distance at which the two leaders were conversing. The hologram chuckled and replied, "It does seem rather like a local issue, Governor. The Synteini Imperial Society has no stake in this war of yours and as such..."
"...there is no war! He is murdering law enforcement," shouted Rex.
The hologram calmly continued, "...and as such, I will not issue any order of any kind. Prince Tharik Otoli remains a loyal and trusted member of the Synteini Imperial Society and is free to associate himself with whomever he pleases, in this case, your competitors at Straylight Systems."
Governor Rex Bush slammed a fist down upon his desk, "This is outrageous and will be addressed by the Senate I assure you!"
A beautiful slave girl wearing a revealing red toga slid into the hologram's display. She handed the debonair gentleman, Governor Christian Harrison, master of Yawa and the leader of the displaced Synteini Imperial Society, a tall glass and retreated out of view. The hologram of Governor Harrison took a sip, "Ahhh! Delicious! You must try Eranin Pearl Whiskey if you have never had the chance."
Rex blinked twice, taken aback by the casual change of topic, "I? What? I do not see... now you listen! I will bring this issue to the Senate and I have it on good authority that you have very little sway there!"
Governor Harrison flung the glass from his hands and it could be heard shattering out of view, "No! You listen! Enough of this charade. The Senate shall not hear of this because the Senate does not care! According to my sources you will lose Tapinas in short order and then what? It IS a local matter and once the ashes settle Moram will become a haven for those Imperial citizens that operate on the periphery of law! Furthermore, nearly everyone involved will embrace the change as Moram sits so close to the diamond mining operations of Borann and to the Federation at large. Can you not see the writing on the wall?"
"You are mad! Otoli is a murderer, and his associates at Straylight are a collection of mercenaries, criminals, and pirates," shouted Governor Bush.
Harrison, known for his unpredictable mood, suddenly became soft-spoken again, "My son-in-law is certainly an accomplished corsair but he is no murderer. You have yourself the beginnings of a civil war in Moram, and for what it's worth, I hope my boy Tharik and his new confidantes see your head upon a pike at the gates of Tapinas Ring!"
"How dare you! Wait, your what? Your son-in..." stammered Rex Bush.
An impertinent Harrison glared and shouted back, "How dare I? How dare you! Yes my son-in-law, and that would make young master Janus Otoli my grandson! We didn't even have to torture your man Lucius. He gave up his lords in Hu Jini right away in exchange for a reduced sentence. Kidnapping indeed! How pedestrian."
Governor Bush sputtered, "I had nothing to do with..."
Harrison abruptly cut him off, "Oh come now! Do you think me a fool? Naturally, I was quite overjoyed, as well as rather amused, to hear that your lackeys were thwarted by my young grandson and his pet Ling Lang. Oh dear, that must have been very embarrassing for you. Perhaps we should speak of that in the Senate as well?"
"This is not over Harrison," muttered Rex.
Christian Harrison smiled, "Perhaps not, but this conversation is." The hologram lifted his open hand to his neck and vanished leaving Governor Rex Bush in his office alone.