Legislative Turn 2:
You sat back in your chair, trying to make yourself more comfortable as the weight of the conversation settled over you. As Isard spoke, revealing the intricacies of the plot you were already beginning to unravel, a part of you realized something, it wasn't necessary to contemplate the gravity of his words. You already knew what you were going to say.
It was as if Isard didn't fully grasp the situation, or perhaps he was too focused on his role within it to see the broader picture. He was caught in the web of political machinations, unaware that you had already navigated these waters.
You smiled, a calm, measured expression that he didn't expect from you at the moment. "Yes, I trust you," you said, leaning forward slightly. "You, like myself, are used to being dismissed by the ambitious power brokers of the Republic."
Your words hung in the air for a moment, as if waiting for Isard to respond. But instead, he seemed to take that moment to reflect, to process everything you had just said. The silence stretched between you, not uncomfortable, but contemplative.
"Sound familiar?" you asked, breaking the stillness with a subtle knowing look.
Isard's lips curled into a rare smile, and then, unexpectedly, he laughed, a low, genuine sound that seemed almost foreign in the midst of such a serious conversation. "I guess I do find it familiar," he admitted, shaking his head as if amused by the truth of it.
You nodded, leaning back once more. "To them, I am nothing more than an underdog. A figurehead, propped up with the expectation that I'll fail, and in that failure, create an opportunity for their gain. And you? They see you as nothing more than a tool, a weapon, dangerous when unchecked, but useful when controlled. They would never see you as an ally, someone to trust or share in the path forward." You paused, letting the gravity of your words settle between you both. "But I know better. I know people are capable of so much more when given the chance."
As you spoke, your thoughts drifted back, unbidden, to memories of Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Two Jedi who had once taken a chance on you, trusting you, even when others would have dismissed you as nothing more than a clumsy outcast. They had seen past the surface, past the mistakes, and had chosen to believe in your potential. Qui-Gon, in particular, had given you that chance, invoking the life debt to help you, not as a mere obligation, but as an opportunity for you to rise to the occasion.
"If I am to make the Republic a better place, a more righteous government with a brighter future," you continued, your voice steady, "then I must first believe that it can become such a thing. And to do that, I must also believe in the men who stand beside me. The men I've chosen to help build that future. Men like you, Isard."
You turned to look out the window, your gaze shifting toward the stars, the vast expanse of the galaxy stretching out before you. "Today, Isard, I believe I have gained the greatest treasure a sentient being can earn. A friend. A friend I can trust to be honest with me, no matter the cost." You looked back at him, your expression soft but resolute. "And that is all thanks to you, for being willing to face me, to seek answers. And for trusting that I would give you the truth."
For a long moment, Isard remained silent. You could see the tension in his face, the conflict of a man who had always walked the line between loyalty and duty, ambition and restraint. But as the words sank in, a quiet smile began to form on his face, one that spoke of something deeper than mere relief.
"When do we begin?" he asked finally, his voice low but filled with purpose.
You met his gaze, your smile widening just slightly. "Now," you replied, the weight of the decision feeling lighter now that the trust between you had been solidified.
Reward: Isard is slowly becoming an ally to you instead of Palpatine. He is now a target for Political assassination.
Next political power turn, there will be rolls against you and him by enemies of the Republic and your administration.
The deliberate sabotage of galactic affairs has been stalled, but their effects on downgrades have doubled.
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How to propose a law (Format):
[]Plan name
-[]The Law name
--[]What type of law is it (Minor, Major, Reform)
---[]It's contents (Please note, the more detailed it is, the less likely it can get changed.
----[]Political Power Spent (read Above for the points needed.)
-----[]Factions negotiation (choose the major faction or factions you want to help co-author, and hope you put down enough political power to get them on your side. Note: Optional, but recommended.)
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You have 5000 Political Power.
Write in your proposed Law here, and please follow the format I created above.
[]Write in.